It's Not About Love – Main Menu

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Author, Lyricist and Composer:

Don Magyar

Editor and Consultant:

Kirk Martin

Produced by:

“Foundation To Empower Marriage” (FEM)

Inspired and Guided by Humanology®

(the science of understanding human nature)

© 1997-2016, Don Magyar

(407) 761-4734

don@prosg.com

MagyarMusic.com

Humanology.com

EmpowerMarriage.com

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Musical Play


Scene 3 – Set 4 (Jenny’s Place of Work) – Songs #23 & #24

The scene opens with JENNY, DIANE, and RONNIE in the office. Diane is preparing for an appointment outside of her office. Ronnie is typing a form needed for Diane's meeting. Jenny is gathering some files and packing Diane's bag.

DIANE

How much longer Ron? It's almost quarter after two.

Ronnie is typing speedily and hurriedly while on the phone. The phone is wedged between her cheek and shoulder.

RONNIE

Hello Mr. Davis. This is Ronnie at Diane Wilson's Office. I just want to verify the location of your meeting. Please call me. Bye.

Ronnie continues to type. Suddenly, with a sense of satisfaction as if she just won a race, she hits the print key and hangs up the phone.

There, and on time once again.

Ronnie is acting a little smug and with impatience as she waits for the document to print.

Diane

Nice job Ron. Anderson's Deli, right?

Diane swings her red coat behind her and puts it on.

RONNIE

Actually, he left a message with the service he will meet you at Andersen’s Dairy.

(Note the emphasis on “Dairy.”) Ronnie grabs the document she printed and hands it to Jenny. Jenny peruses the document.

DIANE

Dairy? “Anderson’s" is not a dairy, it’s a deli. Did he misspeak, or did the service mistake the message? Get him on the phone.

RONNIE

I just tried Mr. Davis again. I keep getting his voice mail. However, I have a theory. Check this out. The only dairy in town is “Charlie’s Dairy,” and it seems more likely the service would have confused “deli” with “dairy” than “Charlie’s” with “Anderson’s.” I mean, common. Deli and dairy sound similar, whereas Charlie's and Anderson's sound as different as night and day. Furthermore, the Deli is closer to the senior center where Mr. Davis lives. So the most logical explanation is “Anderson’s Deli.” I rest my case.

Ronnie jests with Diane who is the attorney. Diane jests back at Ronnie for being so persuasive in her argument.

DIANE

Good enough counselor. Anderson’s Deli it is. Still, I'll try to reach him while en route. Call me if he calls the office.

Jenny is satisfied with the document. She puts it into a folder, inserts the folder into Diane's briefcase, and hands the briefcase to Diane all in one fluid motion, as if they were in a contest for speed and efficiency. Diane checks to see if she has everything. Suddenly a thought occurs to her.

Hey guys, with back to back conferences and now this last minute meeting, you haven't had lunch yet. I'm buying. Is (Sandwich Shop) OK.

JENNY & RONNIE

Sure.

DIANE

Tell (First Name) to put it on my account. See ya.

JENNY

Thanks for lunch, and have a good meeting.

DIANE

Call me if you hear from Mr. Davis.

Diane exits the office.

RONNIE

Boy, all of this talk of dairies and deli’s has made me hungry. The usual garden-salad, low cal dressing?

JENNY

And a Granny Smith. Thank you.

RONNIE

Be right back. I'll keep trying Mr. Davis from my cell.

Ronnie exits to get lunch. She leaves the door ajar as they typically do as an invitation to prospective clients. It becomes quiet. Jenny exhales as if she is catching her breath from a hectic morning. While straightening up the office, Jenny picks up a picture of Mike from her desk. She reflects on some memory that brings back feelings for Mike. She half smiles. The music to Song #23 – “I’m Not The Kind” – begins.

JENNY

He won’t be home for dinner.

An easy night of dogs and beans.

He won’t be home for dinner means

one less dish to clean.

I can use the quiet.

Another early night to dream.

I’m not the kind to wonder,

to wonder where he’s gonna be.

I don't mind to lend him.

I do believe in charity.

I can live without him,

and not let it bother me.

Jenny holds the picture of Mike to her chest, swaying to the instrumental as if she is dancing with Mike.

(Instrumental)

Well I don’t know why I make up these lies.

I only tell em’ to me.

My words don’t say what I’m feeling inside.

I’m not fooling myself. I'm single but not free.

I’m not the kind to wonder,

but I wonder where he’s gonna be.

I don't mind to lend him,

but I wish he were only for me.

I can live without him…

but it might be the end of me.

Jenny holds the picture close again, swaying to the instrumental as if she is dancing with Mike.

(Instrumental)

Toward the end of the song, WOMAN enters the office tentatively and begins to walk unnoticed toward Jenny. The phone rings. The WOMAN stops before Jenny sees her. Jenny answers the phone on the second ring.

Attorney Diane Wilson's office.

Pause

Oh, hi Mr. Davis. This is Jenny.

Pause

Yes she did. We’re only a couple of minutes from Anderson’s Deli so she should be there any minute.

Jenny responds almost immediately.

You’re not? Where are you?

Pause. Jenny responds as if in disbelief.

Charlie’s Dairy!? Mr. Davis, I am so sorry, but Diane is going to be a few minutes late. The answering service gave us the wrong location of your meeting.

Pause

No, no. I can get a hold of her. Just stay where you are and Diane will be with you shortly. I promise.

Pause

Great. Bye.

Jenny calls Diane. Diane answers.

Di. Mr. Davis just called. Guess where he is.

Pause

Yep. Charlie’s Dairy.

Pause

I don’t know. We’ll figure it out later. Anyway, he’s waiting for you there.

Pause

OK. Bye.

Jenny hangs up the phone, takes a deep breath, pauses to collect her thoughts, and shakes her head as if in disbelief. Woman walks toward Jenny. Jenny is somewhat startled as she finally notices the woman.

Hello.

WOMAN

I was walking by when I overheard your song. I was so moved I had to stop and meet you.

JENNY

Well, thank you. How nice.

WOMAN

May I ask you a personal question?

JENNY

Sure.

WOMAN

The man you were singing about. Do you still care about him?

Pause

JENNY

Yes. Very much.

WOMAN

Then what’s the problem?

JENNY

It’s kind of a long story.

WOMAN

I’ve got a few minutes.

Pause

JENNY

Well, after we got married and had children, the strong attraction that brought us together began to fade. Our relationship became a matter of convenience, and the once raging fire dwindled to a simmer. Frustration, disappointment and just being busy caused us to drift apart resulting in anger, destructive behavior and hurtful words.

WOMAN

Would you like some advice?

JENNY

Yes, I would.

WOMAN

We’ve been taught to believe when we fall in love with someone that, if the love is true, good feelings will stay with us forever. But the truth is the feeling we call love was never meant to be constant. In fact, love is only one half of a repeating cycle. The other half of the cycle is “repellence.”

JENNY

Repellence?

WOMAN

Before civilization, our ancestors were not monogamous. When it was time to mate, the females would be attracted to the best mating partners. Once they got pregnant, they would repel their mating partner and attract the best nurturing partner.

JENNY

And when it was time to mate again, they would repel their nurturing partner and attract the best mating partner?

WOMAN

That’s right. The cycle of “love and repellence” told them what to do and when to do it.

JENNY

And we inherited this cycle of “love and repellence” from our ancestors?

WOMAN nods in agreement.

But I was taught we get married to form a bond of everlasting love that will help us get through the bad times.

WOMAN

A romantic notion, but not true. The cycle of “love and repellence” is a repeating cycle just like hunger and thirst and the tides of the ocean. During the cycle of “repellence,” the bad times become very trying.

JENNY

So the bad feelings we feel may be no one’s fault.

WOMAN

They usually aren’t. Unfortunately, not knowing about the repellence part of the cycle causes people to feel they have been cheated out of the love promised to them at marriage.

JENNY

So we shouldn’t get married?

WOMAN reacts with haste and some surprise.

WOMAN

Don’t be silly dear. It is because love is not constant that we NEED marriage. Marriage holds us together during the repellence part of the cycle.

Pause. Jenny further ponders the implications of the woman’s words of wisdom.

JENNY

Are you saying the cycle of “love and repellence” is the reason why they invented marriage?

WOMAN

Exactly. If love were constant, there’d be no need to make a commitment.

Pause. Jenny ponders the implications of the woman’s words of wisdom.

JENNY

Since love and repellence form a cycle, then the feelings of love should come back?

WOMAN

Yes, the love will return, but under one condition. And this condition is the secret to success in romance and marriage.

JENNY

What is it?

WOMAN

We must hold on through the repellence part of the cycle and not destroy one another.

The music to Song #24 – “Until Death Do Us Part” – begins.

Our ancestors long ago

Lived by nature’s rules.

They’d get together, then just walk away.

Though we’ve become smarter

There is a hidden truth

That tendency is still in us today.

Feelings told them when and what to do.

Still they’re motivating me and you.

Well, feelings come and feelings go.

The whole world works on the same MO

Bringing us together, then driving us apart.

The good you feel will come and go.

Like the tide it will ebb and flow.

That’s why never make decisions with your heart.

That’s why you say, “Until death do us part.”

So when the day comes that you feel

The love you have is gone.

Don’t blame each other. Just hold on

And know the love will come back strong.

feelings come and feelings go.

The whole world works on the same MO

Bringing us together, then driving us apart.

The good you feel will come and go.

Like the tide it will ebb and flow.

That’s why never make decisions with your heart.

That’s why you say, “Until death do us part.”

That’s why you say, “Until death do us part.”

That’s why you say, “Until death do us part.”

The music ends and WOMAN begins to speak.

WOMAN

You see, when the good feelings temporarily go away, many people take it out on their partner, causing the destruction of their relationship.

Pause. Jenny further ponders the implications of the woman’s words of wisdom.

JENNY

How long does the repellence part of the cycle last?

WOMAN

Depending on circumstances, repellence can last anywhere from several minutes to several years.

JENNY

Let me see if I’ve got this straight. When we get married, we should expect there will be stretches of time when we won’t want to be together. Knowing this, how we feel should not be a factor in deciding to remain married or get divorced.

WOMAN

That’s right. You see, people make the mistake of using love as their guide. If they feel love, they get married. If they don’t feel love, they blame each other and get divorced.

JENNY

They ought to change the wedding vows to: “We promise to work through the times when we don’t feel the love.”

Pause. The WOMAN smiles and nods in agreement. She has made her point.

But what about romance, and expressing love for one another?

The WOMAN pauses, then lifts the long-stemmed rose she is carrying.

WOMAN

Honey, that’s what these are for.

Pause. Jenny places a hand over her mouth. She is reflecting on the past and the woman’s advice. Her head begins to nod slowly as she gains more understanding. Jenny removes her hand from of her face.

JENNY

Thank you. Thank you so much. You don't know what this means to me. Is there anything I can do for you?

WOMAN

Well, actually, there is. I’m to meet my fiancé at “Andersen’s.” Can you tell me how to get there?

JENNY

Sure. Go to the corner and take the “A” bus uptown. Get off at the third stop.

Pause

WOMAN

“A” bus uptown. Third stop. Thank you.

As the woman turns to leave …

My fiancé promised to buy me the best root-beer float in town. I can hardly wait.

Jenny mutters to herself.

JENNY

One long-stemmed rose, meeting her fiancé, a mix-up on the location.

Jenny steps backwards, as if she has momentarily lost her balance.

Wait! Don’t go. I think you might be going to the wrong place.

WOMAN stops and turns around. WOMAN looks bewildered. Jenny keeps one eye on the woman while reaching for her cell phone. She speaks into her phone.

Charlie’s Diary

Jenny calls out to the woman while holding her hand out with her index finger up, then all her fingers up as if saying, “Stop.”

Please, just one minute.

Jenny presses on her phone, presumably on the phone number to Charlie's Dairy. There is a short pause while waiting for someone to pick up the phone.

Com’on, com’on.

Jenny holds her finger out and up as if to say “please allow me just one more minute.”

Hi. May I speak with the manager? It’s real important.

Pause. Jenny keeps an eye on the woman.

Hi, this is Jennifer at Attorney Wilson's office. I’m sorry to pull you away. But I have to ask you an important question. Has your business always been called “Charlie’s Dairy”?

Pause. Jenny smiles and makes a gesture of enthusiasm.

What was it called?

Pause. Jenny repeats what the manager says.

“Andersen’s Dairy.” I knew it.

Extended pause. Jenny continues to smile, now nodding her head up and down.

So 40 years ago, your father changed the name to avoid confusion with “Anderson’s Deli.”

Short pause.

It all makes sense now.

Jenny checks to see that the Woman is still there. Then Jenny turns her head away from the woman and speaks discretely.

I have to ask you one more question. I know this may sound strange, but… have you ever seen the ghost of an elderly man in your place?

Pause. Jenny looks hopeful, then becomes elated with the news. Jenny repeats what the manager just says.

Yes! A single long-stemmed rose. Thank you so much.

Pause

No, I can’t explain now, but I promise to come by and tell you all about it.

Jenny hangs up the phone. The woman looks inquisitive. Jenny takes a deep breath and walks somewhat timidly over to the Woman. Jenny speaks slowly as if she is talking to a child or someone who is hard of hearing.

I’m sorry but I gave you the wrong directions. You don’t want the “A” bus uptown to “Anderson’s Deli.” You want to take the “B” bus downtown to “Charlie’s Dairy.”

WOMAN

Oh no. My fiancé told me to meet him at “Andersen’s,” not “Charlie's.”

JENNY

And you will. Let me see if I can explain. Years ago, a man named Charlie Andersen opened a dairy downtown. He called it “Andersen’s Dairy.” However, when “Anderson’s Deli” opened uptown, in order to eliminate the confusion, Charlie Andersen (“Andersen’s Dairy”) decided to use his first name rather than his last. “Andersen’s Dairy” became “Charlie’s Dairy.” Unfortunately, some long-time residents still refer to “Charlie’s Dairy” as “Andersen’s.”

Jenny shakes her head in assurance.

WOMAN

Are you sure? I don’t want to miss him.

JENNY

Trust me. Just take the “B” bus downtown and get off at “Charlie’s Dairy.” Your fiancé is waiting for you there.

Jenny bobs her head again. The woman looks down as if in deep consideration.

Promise me you will take my advice.

Pause. WOMAN slowly raises her head and looks at Jenny.

WOMAN

I’ll take your advice, if you promise to take mine.

Pause

JENNY

I promise.

Pause

WOMAN

You promise what?

JENNY

I will no longer view marriage as a promise to love, but as a commitment to hold on when the love is temporarily absent.

WOMAN smiles and nods her head.

WOMAN

“B” bus it is.

JENNY

It was so nice to meet you.

WOMAN

Likewise.

WOMAN leaves. Jenny puts one hand over the lower part of her face to hide she is crying from joy and hope. A few seconds go by and Ronnie enters with their lunch.

RONNIE

What a crazy day.

Pause

Hey, are you O.K.?

Jenny nods with enthusiasm.

JENNY

Wonderful!

RONNIE

Wonderful? Are you O.K.?

Jenny laughs.

JENNY

Want to go to the club with me tonight?

RONNIE

You? The club? Are you sure you’re O.K.?

The lights go down. The curtain closes. End of Scene 3, ACT III.

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Foundation to Empower Marriage is a non-profit organization dedicated to educate high school seniors on how emotions work and how to use that knowledge to form and maintain successful long term personal relationships including marriage.

It's Not About Love is a musical written for high school and college students. It reveals the secret to success in romance and fulfillment in marriage. It's message is based on the knowledge and discoveries of Humanology®.

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