"The Day The Lights Went Out On Broadway"

by

Rachael

He is oblivious to everything that is going on around him. He hears the voices over and over again in his head and door after door slamming in his face. He can vaguely hear Miss Fine, but what she was saying he can't tell. Suddenly, a hand reaches out from a million miles away and lands on his shoulder.

Fran(in slow motion): M-r.-S-h-e-f-f-i-e-l-d?

He snaps out of his state of shock, the phone still dangling from his desk. He realizes Miss Fine is shaking him and crying.

Fran: Are you all right? You scared me.

She replaces the receiver as the operator continues her repetitive chatter about placing a call. He glances around the room realizing everyone is in the study with him. They all look at him worriedly.

Max (slowly): I'm fine but, may I speak to Miss Babcock alone please?

Everyone begins to leave, Fran looks back. She sees Max's face twist into an uncomfortable grin. She can see the pain in his eyes, which seems to mirror the pain tugging at his heart. She turns back. She hates to see the man she loves in such agony. There has to be something I can do, she thinks to herself. Max glances at the closing door and back at C.C., who is obviously worried.

C.C.: Maxwell?

He tries to smile but the pain is too great.

Max: That was Andrew on the phone?

C.C.: Lloyd Webber?

Max nods.

Max: He said ticket sales are falling and less people come to the theater.

C.C.(shocked): We've been raising plenty of money.

Max (shaking his head as he speaks): Not enough.

C.C.: What are you saying?

Max(fighting back tears): Friday is the day that the lights will go out on Broadway.

C.C.: NOOOOOOOOOO!

She begins to sob and fall into Maxwell's arms. Max knows what will become of him if Broadway dies. He closes his eyes and holds her closer as he rocks back and forth in his chair.

Scene 2

He has seen Max like this only twice before. Once when he had found out that his father had cheated on his mother, leading to the divorce and when his wife died suddenly from an aneurysm after several months of agonizing cancer.
Something must be terribly wrong, he thinks to himself. Miss Fine taps him on the shoulder.

Fran: Niles, best buddy, pal, amigo...

Niles: He hasn't told me anything either.

Fran: Damn. C.C. has been moping around here, complaining about something under her breath, and hanging on to Max, all day!

Niles: Well, it's nice to know she doesn't let a situation like this change her attitude any.

Fran (smiles): Well, I'll make a deal with ya. If I find out anything you'll be the first to know.

Niles: Now by the first do you mean before or after the entire state of New York?

Fran: Very funny Niles! I'm serious.

Niles: Hi serious.

Fran: Niles!

Fran: Thank you. Now do we have a deal or not?

Niles: Deal.

They shake hands, just as C.C. enters still moping and complaining. She exits. Niles and Fran look at each other and wink.

Scene 3

He stops just short of the door. Inside he can hear the exercise tape blaring. Can't you do better than Sweatin' to the Broadway Tunes? he thinks to himself. He knocks but Niles doesn't answer. He opens the door a little and immediately the tape is shut off and Niles opens the door further.

Niles: Oh Hello, sir.

Max: I need to talk to you.

Niles: All right.

Niles notices a figure coming down the hallway and closes the door just as Fran passes by.
10 MINUTES LATER...

Max: I told C.C. already.

Niles sits in shock at what he has just heard.

Max: When I left I was told that if Broadway ever closed I still had a job producing plays back in England.

Niles: Have you told Fran?

Max: No, and I want to tell her in person. So not a word!

Niles (mock salute): Yes sir.

Scene 4 The Next Day

Max shouts her name across the hall. She casually puts the remote down and "wags" toward the office. She loves it when he calls her name like that. There is something so sexy about it.

Max: MISS FINE!

Fran: I'm coming.

Max stands in the doorway distraught. His tie is gone and his shirt is undone two buttons. She had been wondering what was going on, because she had heard clanking and banging, in the kitchen, last night. Boxes were scattered about.

Max: Please sit down. I already told C.C. and Niles this, but I decided it would be wrong to leave you in the dark any longer.

Niles begins to exit.

Fran: Hold on I thought we had a deal!

Niles: Yes, we did. If YOU found anything out, I would be the first to know.

Fran: Minor technicality!

Max: Like you age on a tax return form?

Fran glares at Max.

Fran: Ha Ha.

Niles: Nice work sir. I taught you well.

He walks out. Max and Fran are alone.

Max: Broadway is going under. Tomorrow, is the last day Broadway will be in operation. Now, when I wrote plays in England I was told if I ever needed a job I could always come home again.

Fran's face turns red.
The kids are outside snooping and hear the whole thing.

Max: Miss Fine?

Fran: Just you, the kids, and Niles?

Max: I wouldn't want to separate your family and you.

Fran (falling at his feet): WHY!?

Max(helping her up): Pull yourself together.

She leans into him and can smell the Aramis. She breathes it in, remembering the Christmas when she had gotten it for him and falls into his open, loving arms. The kids barge in.

Maggie: We can't go back to England without Fran.

Max (somewhat annoyed that they had been listening) We have to sweetheart.

Gracie: But she's like a mother to us.

Brighton: Heh, we've already lost one mom, why not another.

He hangs his head and leaves, as does Gracie.

Max: All I can tell you is she can visit. I'm sorry do you think this is easy for me?

Maggie: It was easy for you to forget mom so why not Fran too!

Max grabs Maggie. She looks at him with hurt, love and confusion.

Max (softly): I never will forget your mother. I see her in your smile, Gracie's eyes and Brighton's...well anyway, I'm sorry that it has to be this way but no one is at fault here. It's not Miss Fine's fault that I would feel terrible making her leave her family. It's not my fault Broadway is closing. I don't think that you would want to be ripped away from your family. Please Maggie I need you to keep everyone together. I know it will be hard for you to adjust and make new friends, but your a beautiful girl and I'm sure you'll have no problem finding someone. (smile) We'll get through this. The Sheffield's are not quitters. Please Maggie.

Maggie She can visit whenever/wherever?

Max: Absolutely.

Maggie (reluctantly): O.K. See ya the day after we leave Fran.

She walks out smiling, sort of. Max smiles. Fran hugs him again. All through the night Max, Fran and Niles work diligently to get stuff packed up. Fran comes across a picture taken at her Mom's house, the night Max begged her to come back, on the same day she was hired. It was a picture of Max that she had jumped into at the last minute. She wipes away a tear and shows it to Max. He smiles and motions for her to keep it along with a few others. He winks at her.

Scene 5

Max goes down to the office to pack up. There are many tearful good byes and a handshake with Andrew Lloyd Webber. He turns out the light, turns back and leaves.
The news told the story of Broadway's defeat. Everyone slept that night except Max. He tossed and turned. Finally he rises and continues to pack. The next morning before anyone could wake he goes down to the airport and makes reservations. When he had first started out the theater had heard so much about him that they had bought him the house, so if he moved out it was theirs to sell. When he comes back from the airport, he collapses on the couch and sleeps. He is awakened by the sound of the television. Brighton sits watching some cop drama. Max looks at his son and thinks about the memories. His birth, his first word, his first steps. It seems he can reach out and touch them. The family all pitches in and continues to pack. Somehow, through the madness Max has time to call his mother and his old colleagues in England. They welcome him back with open arms.

Scene 6

Finally moving day arrives and everyone is in a frenzy. Everyone runs around trying to find last minute items and throwing them in suitcases and boxes. Finally they have everything ready to go. A few hours later the trucks that will load everything on a boat and plane come and take it away. The house is bare. The harsh reality begins to set in everyone's mind. The kids grab for Fran, who kneels to hold them. Max goes into the office to leave them alone.

Fran: Thanks for a great experience. I love you guys and I'll never forget you.

Brighton: When you came into my life I was a prankster, but you've helped me so much. Thank you.

Fran hugs him.

Gracie: Is there anything you haven't done for me? I no longer need therapy because I can talk to you about my problems. I even learned how to make salesmen cry.

Fran: You got a natural talent! If you need me, I'm a phone call away.

Gracie: I love you Fran.

Fran: You too sweetie.

Maggie: What can I say? I've learned so much from kissing to beauty tips. It's what's on the inside that counts. You're not only beautiful on the outside but on the inside as well, and I know that someday, some guy, will actually appreciate that in you. I can't imagine my life again without you in it and I know dad feels it too. I love you Fran.

Fran: You too Princess. Hold him together for me please. (smile)

Brighton: I may have never said it before Fran, but maybe that's just part of dad in me. I love you Fran and I won't forget you. Not in this lifetime anyway.

Fran: I love you too B.

The kids are all crying and Fran holds them close. To Fran's surprise, when she looks up, Niles is hugging C.C. and they look as if they may actually miss each other. As Fran approaches she sees C.C.'s face wet with tears, but it isn't until Niles sees Fran that his eyes begin to cloud over.

Fran: Well, looks like this is really good-bye.

Niles: Yeah. Take care of chihuahua for me. (smile)

Fran laughs.

Fran: If I see her around I will. Thanks for being there for me when no one else was, a shoulder to cry on. Thanks for sticking by my side with Max. I really love you for that. You're a sweet man Niles. Don't let anyone tell ya other wise. You'll finds some one someday. I'll never forget you.

Niles: You either. I may as well tell you this. (Pause) I always had a kind of crush on you myself, but would never do anything to jeopardize your relationship with Mr. Sheffield. He's like a brother to me and I'd never back stab him like that. So I kept chugging along putting all my feelings aside. I always knew you were out of my league so I never said anything. It's turned out for the better.

Fran goes to kiss him on the cheek but instead kisses his lips. Niles is pleasantly surprised.

Fran: You deserve it.

Niles: Thanks. I have something else to tell you.

He whispers something in her ear.

Fran: That's your last name? Well, your secret is safe with me.

Niles: Well, Mr. Sheffield already knows.

Fran: So?

She whispers something in his ear and touches his mouth, as if to say "not a word."

Niles: See? I always knew you weren't that old.

Fran: Thanks Niles.

They hug. Fran glances over his shoulder to see C.C. and Max hugging. He kisses her gently on the cheek an she cries. As to what they are saying she can't tell but doesn't really want to know. It isn't any of her business.

Fran (under her breath): Wow, I really have come along way.

C.C. walks to the door way as the kids wave good bye.

C.C.: Bye Brighton, Bye Grace, Bye Maggie.

They look at each other in disbelief. She remembered their names!!!

Brighton: Ya know I actually think I'm going to miss her.

He looks at Maggie and Gracie and they all say: Nah!

They walk out to the awaiting limo as did Niles. Max stands, leaning in the doorway to the hall. She walks over to him and he wraps his arms around her.

Max: You're beautiful, ya know that? You remind me so much of my late wife. Maybe that's why I've had such a fear of commitment. When she died I was so positive that I would never be able to love again. Well, I was wrong, dead wrong. She was beautiful and full of energy. When she walked in a room everyone turned their head. (Pause) I've loved you since the first time I set eyes on you. It scared me and I resorted to being even more stuffy than before. I had an immense fear that somehow I would be cheating on my wife. I know it sounds silly but it's true. When I was growing up my parents would never let me step in puddles. "You'll get your new goulashes wet!" they would say, and heaven forbid I should try to eat snow. I was never allowed to really have fun, but Fran I wanted to be able to do these things. When you arrived I knew you were the one for us. You brought so much to those kids lives, that I'll never be able to thank you enough. Not to mention the marked improvement in our wardrobes! Who would've thought that a "Sheffield" would fall in love with a cosmetic salesgirl from Flushing New York, but I did, and I'll never be able to let go. You have touched so many lives that you don't realize how much you-.

He begins to trail off and his eyes begin to fill with tears.

Fran: Weren't you the one who told me to pull myself together. I need you to be strong. The kids need you. (crying) Ah what the hell! There's time for courage later. You have taught me so much about your life that I could never repay you either. Thank you more than words can say.

Max: -mean to everyone. Looks like the end of an era huh? Here take this.

He hands her a handkerchief and an envelope.

Max (con): Don't read it until I'm gone.

Fran looks at him with crying eyes.

Fran: I think it's the beginning of a new one.

Max smiles and holds her close. As they fall into each other, Fran smells his cologne again. Only this time she realizes that it would be the last time (in America at least).
She begins to cry and can feel his body tighten as if he wants to cry but is ashamed too.

Fran: It's not healthy to hold it in babe.

Max begins to sob on Fran's shoulder. It feels good that she had called him babe. He wants to hold her and never let go but he knows what he has to do.

Max: I love you Fran.

Fran: You too Max. Forever and ever.

He brushes the hair away from her face and kisses her forehead gently. He closes in on her face and they kiss gently, with rising passion.

Max: See ya.

Fran: B-(she remembered what Max had told her once, "good-bye is too final") See ya.

She slowly lets go of his hand. (even upset he looks good and how about that kiss!) She walks toward the door. She looks back once and leaves. He looks down at the floor and notices a paper. He picks it up and reads it.

As he finishes he looks at the door and then does a final check of the house. All the lights are out and he slowly walks toward the front door. He can still smell Miss Fine. He stops and looks up.

Max: You're here there's nothing I fear and I know that my heart will go on. We'll stay for ever this way You are safe in my heart and my heart will go on and on! Love ya and miss ya Sarah. May you rest in peace.

He smiles and walks to the door. As he opens it he looks back and a wave of nostalgia hits him. He can still hear sounds from so long ago that seem to echo in his mind as if they were yesterday. He smiles looks around the room one last time and slowly closes the door behind him, remembering the day Miss Fine had first walked through it.

It had been four years since that day and she had been out to England twice to visit. She had read the note and she remembered how it mad her cry. She read it over again. The paper very well kept despite the fact that it had been four years.

The kids are grown up. Maggie is finishing college. Brighton has started his freshman year at Oxford! (He traveled for a year, and spent a week with Fran. They went by the house, a young family with two kids and another one on the way, lived there now. She still remembered... The family was kind of like The Sheffield's.) Niles is still the butler but didn't have to work as hard. Max hired a housekeeper so Niles has to cook and snoop. According to B. Niles doesn't help Max with his love life anymore. "The only woman for you is Miss Fine," he always says and Max whole heatedly agrees. He didn't even look at other woman. Some think he is gay. (Oy, all those years of theater...) C.C. became part of Stephen Spielberg's "dream team" at DreamWorks. Right now she is working on Jurassic Park 3. Fran has a few autographs, partly because Stephen remembers her from when she turned down his date offers, time after time. He used to live a few apartments over. She realizes she hasn't seen her love in about 2 1/2 years. They kind of lost touch. She has talked to him on the phone but it doesn't replace him and fill the void in her heart. When Fran calls the house a French woman answered. She asks to speak to Niles.

Maid: Niles? Who Niles?

Fran: Never mind.

She hung up. Had he moved? She has been saving money from her job in Bloomingdales and bought a ticket to London, round trip. Her mother and father stand at the door and wave good-bye.
She takes a taxi to the house and Niles answers!

Niles: MISS FINE!

He hugs her.

Niles (con): What are you doing here?

Fran: I'm looking for Max.

Niles: I think he went to the bar down on 8th.

Fran: Thanks.

Niles: You look different.

Fran: Good thing?

Niles: I am not at liberty to answer that question on the grounds that it is culturally biased against people such as myself.

Fran: Good answer, I think.

She smiles and walks away. The problem is every store on 8th is a bar! She tries every one of them. Just when she is about to give up she walks into a singles bar called 21.

Fran: Fitting.

She glances at the tables and at the stools. A man sits in the corner, alone.

Fran: Please be him.

As she gets closer she notices the man has black curly hair and a goatee. The man looks up.

Fran (under breath): It's him. He's gorgeous.

Max: May I help you?

Fran realizes he doesn't recognize her (so she thinks) and begins to walk away.

Fran: No.

She doubles back. He looks up and smiles.

Max: I didn't think you could walk away. (Pause) You couldn't for five years why would you now, Fran?

Fran: You do recognize me!

Max: Of course I'd know your beautiful face anywhere. Something's missing though.

Fran smiles from the flattering remark.

Max: That's better. That's what made ya look wrong.

He invites her to sit which she does.
15 min. later... (walking out of the bar)

Fran: Max?

Max: Hmm?

Fran: Step in any puddles lately?

Max laughs.
As they walk away through the London mist they splash through many puddles, not even noticing but perhaps it symbolizes the trials and tribulations of life they will sail through together.

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