You are on page 1of 11

Elvet

Prince of Rock and Roll


A Musical Tragedy

Matthew Lederman
350 Albany St.
New York, NY 10280

(M) 917-520-4127
(H) 212-316-6023
(E)lederman@panix.com

Generally, Elvet is the story of Hamlet, but it is moved to the near present (late 1950s,
anyway) and involves the music industry, as Elvet is a young recording star, known as the
Prince of Rock and Roll. Time will be compressed in Elvet relative to the time scale in
Hamlet as travel is much easier in the 1950s than it was in the 1590s. Geographical
destinations are changed from the original, Hollywood for France and New York for
England, and political entities are made more corporate or industrial, Midnight Sun
Records and General Entertainment replace Norway, etc. However, every character and
every scene in Hamlet has been adapted to Elvet.

Act 1

Scene 1:

Bernie relieves Frank from his watch in front of the mansion that houses Elvet (the
recording star known as the Prince of Rock and Roll), Gladys (Elvet’s mother), and the
corporate headquarters of Elvet’s burgeoning entertainment empire (ElvEntCo), presided
over by The Colonel (Elvet’s manager). Mark, who is on guard duty with Bernie, then
arrives with Horace. Once Frank has gone, Bernie and Mark tell Horace about their
encounter with a drunk the previous two nights. They think that the drunk is Elvet’s
father, Vernon, who has disappeared. Horace is skeptical and says that if the drunk
appears, he prove that they are wrong. The drunk shows up and Horace tries to question
him, but the drunk refuses to speak and then leaves. Horace does concede that the drunk
looks like Vernon. Mark asks why they are guarding the mansion so carefully. Horace
gives the history of how Vernon with the help of the Colonel was able to get Elvet
released from a recording contract with Old Willie Fortinbras. Young Johnny Fortinbras,
his son, is attempting to get a new deal now that Vernon is missing and he’s got some
gangsters involved. Horace theorizes that Vernon’s appearance may be an attempt to help
his son or just an attempt to weasel back onto the Elvet gravy train. The drunk reappears
but once more refuses to speak to Horace, then leaves again. Bernie, Mark and Horace
decide to tell Elvet what happened.
Elvet Synopsis 2
Matthew Lederman 917-520-4127

Scene 2:

The Colonel is running a business meeting. He mentions his missing and possibly dead
friend Vernon, and then he addresses the two employees, Voltimand and Cornelius, who
are being sent to General Entertainment, the parent company of Midnight Sun Records, to
resolve their ongoing problems with Johnny Fortinbras. The two employees depart with
the promise that they'll do their best. Next the Colonel speaks to Lamar, who requests
permission to go to Hollywood to negotiate with movie studios for Elvet movies. The
Colonel asks Phineas, Lamar’s father and a trusted adviser to the Colonel, if he thinks this
is a good idea. Phineas says that, while he is unconvinced, he agrees that it should be
investigated. The Colonel grants Lamar permission to try. Finally, the Colonel turns to
Elvet, who appears to be visibly mourning his missing father. Gladys tells Elvet to get
over his grief and enjoy his life at home. Elvet is unpleasant to his mother about this
advice and the Colonel is unhappy that Elvet was unpleasant to his mother. The Colonel
then tells Elvet that he does not want him to return to the Wittenberg School for Truck
Driving because his is a recording star now and has to act like one. Gladys implores
Elvet to stay and Elvet replies that he will obey her. The Colonel approves this decision
and escorts Gladys away.

Song 1 - Elvet sings about missing his father.

Horace, Bernie and Mark enter. Elvet is happy to see his old school friends. Horace tells
Elvet of the encounter with the drunk. Elvet questions Horace and the others about the
drunk and then agrees to join them on watch that night.

Scene 3:

Lamar, while preparing to leave for Hollywood, speaks with his sister Priscilla about
Elvet. Lamar says Priscilla should be careful of Elvet’s advances because Elvet is a rock
star and a mama’s boy and is not free to date or marry whoever he wants. Priscilla tells
Lamar that she will follow his advice. Phineas enters and criticizes Lamar for his delay in
departing, then delays him further by offering offer him advice on how he should conduct
himself on his trip. Lamar says goodbye his father and sister farewell and reminds
Priscilla about Elvet. Once Lamar has gone, Phineas asks Priscilla what Lamar meant
about Elvet. She tells her father of the attentions Elvet has been showing her and Phineas
echoes the warnings Lamar gave her regarding Elvet's station in life relative to Priscilla’s.

Scene 4:

Elvet, Horace and Mark enter. Horace hears a gunshot and asks what it is. Elvet explains
that the Colonel is having a party and his drunken friends like to shoot off their guns. He
then goes on to lament the sad state that his career has fallen into under the Colonel. The
drunk appears and Elvet speaks to him. The drunk does not answer but motions for Elvet
to follow him. Elvet agrees, but Mark and Horace try to stop him. Elvet pulls a knife on
his friends and once again tells the drunk he will follow. Elvet and the drunk exit but are
Elvet Synopsis 3
Matthew Lederman 917-520-4127

followed at a safe distance by Mark and Horace.

Scene 5:

Elvet follows the drunk to a secluded spot and then implores it to speak to him. The
drunk confirms that he is Elvet’s father, Vernon, and that he was forced to run away when
the Colonel tricked him into embezzling and then threatened to turn him in. He also tells
Elvet that the Colonel has poisoned Gladys’ mind against him and stolen her away.
Vernon then asks Elvet to avenge his betrayal as he is lost in a haze of sweet wine and
cannot do it himself. He also says that Gladys is innocent and should not be punished.

Song 2 – Elvet sings about his memories of his father.

Horace and Mark ask Elvet what the drunk has told him. Elvet refuses to say unless they
swear to keep it secret. They don’t want to take an oath (they have loyalties to the
company and the Colonel), but Elvet presses them. They finally agree when they hear the
Vernon’s voice imploring them to swear to the oath. Elvet agrees to tell them everything.

Act II

Scene 1:

Phineas gives his mistress, Rhonda, some papers and money to give to Lamar in
Hollywood, then asks Rhonda to discreetly check up on Lamar’s behavior in Hollywood.
Rhonda agrees and departs. Priscilla enters, upset. She tells Phineas that while she was
alone, Elvet came in looking disheveled. She says that Elvet took her by the arm and
stared at her, then departed without saying anything. Phineas questions whether or not
she heeded his and Lamar’s advice regarding Elvet and she says she did. Phineas decides
that this has driven Elvet insane and insists that he and Priscilla see the Colonel and
Gladys at once.

Scene 2:

The Colonel and Gladys welcome Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two more of Elvet’s
friends from Wittenberg. The Colonel and Gladys explain that they have sent for them to
see if they can help Elvet out of his depression. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern agree to
do what they can for Elvet. Phineas enters with news that Voltimand and Cornelius have
returned from General Entertainment. He adds that he has learned what is bothering
Elvet, but will tell the Colonel later. Phineas then goes to fetch Voltimand and Cornelius
who report that General Entertainment has agreed to restrict Johnny Fortinbras to
producing Jazz as long as Elvet is under contract to them. The Colonel receives the news
gratefully and dismisses them. Phineas then explains to Gladys and the Colonel that
Elvet is mad with love for Priscilla. He reads an excerpt from a letter Elvet sent Priscilla.
Thay are all appalled at how sentimental and poorly written it is. The Colonel asks how
Priscilla received Elvet's advances and Phineas tells of his warnings to her to reject Elvet.
Elvet Synopsis 4
Matthew Lederman 917-520-4127

He proposes that Priscilla's rejection of Elvet is what has caused his recent depression.
Gladys and the Colonel are skeptical, but Phineas proposes a test to prove it.

Elvet enters and Phineas asks the Colonel and Gladys to leave while he speaks to Elvet.
Phineas questions Elvet and is perplexed by Elvet's somewhat bizarre, probably stoned,
answers, particularly about Priscilla. Elvet warns Phineas with a pun to keep Priscilla
away from the Colonel. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern enter and greet Elvet who receives
them warmly. Elvet discusses his recent depression then questions the coincidence of the
pair appearing in Memphis. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern attempt to cover, but Elvet
finally gets them to confess that they are present at the request of the Colonel and his
mother. They inform Elvet that they've brought with them a band that Elvet has enjoyed
previously, which lifts Elvet's spirits. Elvet suggests to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
that his "madness" might be an act. Phineas redundantly informs Elvet of the arrival of
the band and several of the musicians enter. Elvet greets the lead singer warmly and asks
him to sing something he had once heard the singer do.

Song 3 – Blues

Everyone except Phineas is impressed with the singer. Elvet charges Phineas with seeing
to it that the band is well cared for while at court and scolds Phineas when he suggests
that they shouldn’t be treated that well. After, they all leave, Elvet chastises himself for
being unable to summon the emotions necessary to deal with his problems.

Song 4 – Elvet beats himself up

In the end, he decides to fashion a test for the Colonel in the form of a song he will have
the band sing on the following night.

Act III

Scene 1:

The Colonel and Gladys question Rosencrantz and Guildenstern about their discussions
with Elvet, but they report they discovered little about Elvet's condition. Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern inform them that Elvet perked up when the band arrived and he has
scheduled a performance. Phineas tells the Colonel and Gladys that Elvet wants them to
attend. The Colonel then asks Gladys to leave, so he and Phineas can watch Elvet as he
encounters Priscilla. Phineas has her sit where she will be seen by Elvet when he arrives,
then hides with the Colonel. Elvet enters, musing on the value and consequences of life
versus the peace and simplicity of death.

Song 5 – To be or not to be

Elvet spots Priscilla and talks to her. She tries to return some gifts he has given her, but
Elvet denies having given them. They have a brief exchange on the qualities of beauty
Elvet Synopsis 5
Matthew Lederman 917-520-4127

and chastity. Elvet urges Priscilla to become a lesbian rather than become a man's sexual
object. Suspecting that they are being watched, Elvet flies into a rage and strongly
denounces Priscilla. Elvet makes a veiled threat aimed at the Colonel and then leaves
Priscilla upset. Priscilla calls the doctor, tells him about how bad Elvet is and gets him to
prescribe her some narcotics. The Colonel and Phineas emerge from their hiding place.
Phineas once again states that love for Priscilla is the cause of Elvet's problems, but the
Colonel is beginning to suspect other reasons for Elvet's behavior.

Scene 2:

Elvet, producing the performance, outlines his view of contemporary music to one of the
musicians. Elvet speaks with contempt for singers who overdo or pay no attention to the
true emotions of the song. Phineas, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern enter to tell Elvet that
the Colonel and Gladys will be there soon. Elvet takes Horace aside and tells him that
performance will touch on the circumstances of his father's fall. Elvet asks Horace to
keep an eye on the Colonel so that he and Elvet can discuss the Colonel's reaction
afterward. The Colonel, Gladys and others enter. Elvet seems in good spirits as he greets
the Colonel and points out that Phineas was once as a musician (like everyone in the
music industry) when he was younger. Elvet refuses an inappropriately sexy offer to sit
by his mother (who pouts about the rejection), instead preferring to stay near Priscilla.
This causes Phineas to point out (to the Colonel and Gladys) Elvet's attentions toward his
daughter. Elvet and Priscilla exchange several sexual innuendos and Elvet makes
reference to his father's disappearance and his mother's happiness. The concert starts with
a depressing instrumental. Then the song is played.

Song 6 – Thirty Years (kind of a country western Opera)

The song reflects Gladys’ life with her former husband. During the song, Elvet asks
Gladys what she thinks so far and she states that the woman in the song seems insincere.
The Colonel, somewhat more uncomfortable, asks Elvet if he thinks it is crude and Elvet
replies that he thinks it’s unpolished. The song continues and Elvet comments on the
action described in the song. When the song reaches the part where the scoundrel gains
the love of the betrayed man’s wife, the Colonel gets up angrily and calls for the lights.
Everyone except Horace and Elvet leaves abruptly with the Colonel. Elvet tells Horace
he's ready to take the drunk at his word now and Horatio agrees that Colonel's reaction
implies guilt. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern enter and tell Elvet that the Colonel and
Elvet’s mother are very upset by the performance. A musician enters with a guitar and
Elvet tries to get Guildenstern to play it, which he says he cannot. Elvet then sternly
denounces Rosencrantz and Guildenstern for trying to “play” him like an instrument.
Phineas enters to tell Elvet that his mother wants to see him. Elvet says he will see her
and asks that everyone leave him alone for a few minutes.

Song 7 – Witching hour

Elvet ends by stating that he will confront his mother about her affair with the Colonel.
Elvet Synopsis 6
Matthew Lederman 917-520-4127

Scene 3:

The Colonel tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern that he is going to send them and Elvet to
New York for the Colonel’s safety and the safety of the business. Phineas enters to tell
Colonel that Elvet will be speaking to Gladys shortly and that he will hide in the room
and listen in. The Colonel approves and sends Phineas away. Left alone, the Colonel is
racked with anxiety and if he can get away with his crime. The Colonel calls up the
doctor and unburdens himself, but more to get pills than because he means it. While the
Colonel is on the phone, Elvet enters and thinks that it is a good opportunity to take his
revenge against the Colonel. However, he decides that killing the Colonel at that time
would not be satisfactory. The Colonel would not suffer and not be shown to be guilty,
Elvet would end up on charges and Vernon would not have his name cleared. Elvet
decides to wait for a better time to kill the Colonel.

Song 6 – Elvet’s Revenge

After Elvet has gone, the Colonel states that he doesn’t feel better but at least he got some
drugs.

Scene 4:

In the TV room, Phineas tells Gladys that he will hide while she speaks to Elvet. Hearing
Elvet coming, Phineas hides in a closet. Elvet enters and asks his mother what the
problem is. Gladys tells him he is tearing his family apart and Elvet replies that he didn’t
think there was enough family left to tear apart. Gladys says she is going to get the
Colonel and turns on a television in an attempt to calm Elvet. During the ensuing
exchange, Elvet takes Gladys by the arms to make her sit down and, fearing that her life
is in danger, she cries out for help. Elvet draws a pistol and shoots the television. Phineas
calls out, revealing his presence to Elvet who quickly shoots through the closet door
without knowing who is inside. He asks his mother if it's the Colonel and then states that
the act he has committed is not as bad as framing your partner and stealing his wife.
Gladys says she doesn’t understand.

Elvet opens the door and, realizing whom he has killed, curses Phineas for his constant
interference. Elvet returns to Gladys, who is, at first defiant over Elvet's tone toward her.
Elvet points out his father's virtues as compared to the Colonel's vices. During this
exchange, Vernon enters, drunk and dirty, causing Elvet to lose his composure. Gladys is
unable to recognize Vernon and believes that Elvet has lost his mind. Vernon reminds
him that he is not to harm Gladys. Vernon then tells Elvet to speak to Gladys who has
been watching Elvet with horror. Elvet tries to explain to Gladys what is going on and
tries to make her recognize Vernon as he leaves, but she cannot and does not believe it is
truly Vernon. Elvet then begs her to stay away from the Colonel. Gladys agrees to try.
Elvet regrets the death of Phineas and reminds his mother that he is being sent away. He
once again begs her not to sleep with the Colonel again, then exits, dragging the body of
Elvet Synopsis 7
Matthew Lederman 917-520-4127

Phineas.

Act 4

Scene 1:

Gladys encounters the Colonel with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Gladys asks
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to leave them alone a few minutes and then tells the
Colonel that Elvet killed Phineas. Gladys tells the Colonel that Elvet's has gone to hide
the body and the Colonel repeats his intentions to send Elvet away. Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern return. The Colonel tells them what Elvet has done and sends them to join
in the search for Elvet.

Scene 2:

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern find Elvet just as he has finished hiding the body. They
question him about where he has hidden it. Elvet refuses to answer them and compares
Rosencrantz to a parrot that is repeats everything he hears to the Colonel. He insults the
Colonel, and then he tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to lead him to the Colonel, but
then he runs from them, like he’s playing “hide and seek.”

Scene 3:

Rosencrantz enters and tells the Colonel that they have Elvet, but that he won't tell where
he hid the body. Guildenstern brings Elvet in and the Colonel questions him as to where
the body is. Elvet first tells the Colonel that he fed Phineas to the worms, and then
expands the analogy to imply that it would be easy to “shit” the Colonel out. The Colonel
loses his temper and demands to know where the body is. Elvet tells him to look for
Phineas in hell. The Colonel then tells Elvet that he has to leave for New York right
away. Elvet bids farewell, seeming to confuse the Colonel with Gladys, and is led away
with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. The Colonel, left alone, calls the doctor and asks the
doctor to get Elvet committed to drug rehabilitation when he gets to New York.

Scene 4:

In the offices of General Entertainment, Johnny Fortinbras tells an executive to see why
Elvet is there and then departs. Elvet enters with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and asks
the executive about who the people are and what they are doing. The executive informs
them that they are Fortinbras' men and that they all work in A & R. Elvet inquires what
the genre they work in and the executive states that they are all working in Jazz, which he
thinks is misguided. Elvet remarks that the corporation won’t go for it, but the executive
assures him it is a done deal. The executive leaves and Elvet asks Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern to go ahead of him.

Song 10 – Elvet on Action


Elvet Synopsis 8
Matthew Lederman 917-520-4127

At last he resolves to carry out his revenge on the Colonel.

Scene 5:

Gladys, Horace and another man enter discussing Priscilla. Gladys says she does not
want to speak to her, but the man tells her that people are taking Priscilla's mad ranting
seriously, which reflects badly on the Corporation. Horace encourages Gladys to see
Priscilla and she finally agrees. Priscilla enters, asking for Gladys. She sings a
nonsensical (and sexual) song for Gladys who does not know the meaning of it. She
continues to sing as the Colonel enters. He tries to reason with her but she begins to sing
another nonsensical song containing sexual overtones. The Colonel turns to Gladys and
Horace to ask how long she has been like this. Priscilla makes reference to her father's
death, then declares that she will tell her brother of it and departs. The Colonel sends
Horace after Priscilla then decries the many tragedies that have happened lately. There is
a noise outside and a man enters to explain that Lamar returned looking to avenge the
death of his father. Lamar enters with a thug demanding to see the Colonel. He asks the
thug to wait for him outside and confronts the Colonel over the whereabouts of his father.
Gladys tries to calm him, but the Colonel tells her to release Lamar and faces him. The
Colonel informs him that his father is dead. Lamar vows revenge on the man who did it.
The Colonel counsels him to remember who his friends are and Lamar calms a bit. The
Colonel says he will tell Lamar the circumstances surrounding Phineas' death. Priscilla
re-enters and Lamar is devastated to see her in her stoned state. Priscilla continues to sing
suggestive songs and discusses narcotics and her father. She continues to sing as she
departs. The Colonel once again counsels Lamar to take his advice in the matter and
sympathizes with Lamar's loss. Lamar agrees to be governed by the Colonel's better
judgment.

Scene 6:

A cab driver brings Horace news and letters for him from Elvet. Horace reads the letter,
which instructs him to send one letter to the Colonel with other letters and to accompany
the cab driver to where Elvet is. Horace does as he is instructed.

Scene 7:

The Colonel has just told Lamar how Phineas died. Lamar asks why the Colonel covered
it up and did not punish Elvet. The Colonel explains that he did not because of Gladys
and because the fans still hold Elvet in high regard. A messenger enters with letters from
Elvet. The Colonel reads the letter aloud, in which Elvet has returned and asks to see the
Colonel so that he can explain what happened. Lamar says he is anxious for Elvet's
return so he can exact his revenge. The Colonel encourages him, but asks they make
Elvet’s death look like an accident. The Colonel relates that Elvet has heard many times
of Lamar's prowess on the guitar and is envious of Lamar's skill. The Colonel suggests
that Elvet may be goaded into jamming with Lamar, during which Lamar could
Elvet Synopsis 9
Matthew Lederman 917-520-4127

"accidentally" kill him. Lamar adds that he can rewire his electric guitar so that a high
voltage would run through the neck, which would ensure Elvet’s death if a certain chord
was touched. The Colonel says he will also prepare a drug-laced drink in case the electric
guitar doesn't work. As they are finalizing their plans, Gladys enters and informs them
that Priscilla has overdosed. Lamar leaves and the Colonel and Gladys follow, fearing
this will once again send him into a rage.

Act 5

Scene 1:

Two orderlies in a psychiatric hospital are discussing a person who was just committed.
They argue whether or not the person, a woman, should be institutionalized because there
is a suspicion that she is a drug addict, which is not a mental illness. They agree that rich,
well-connected people are granted more privileges than common people. They discuss
other items and the riddles, about what is the best kind of doctor (surgeon, internist, or
psychiatrist) or which nurse a doctor would hire (the one with the big tits). As this is
going on, Elvet and Horace approach the scene. The second orderly leaves and Elvet and
Horace arrive as the first orderly goes about his business. He sings as he works which
surprises Elvet, though Horace concludes that the patients are unlikely to be offended.
The orderly begins moving patients around and Elvet ponders the meaning of the life of
the person who now lives in the institution. Elvet asks the orderly who they are making
the bed for and the orderly replies that it's his. Elvet questions him further and after
several rounds of wordplay, the orderly reveals that it was for a woman. Elvet inquires
how long the man has been an orderly and he replies that he has been there since the day
Elvet was on the Ed Sullivan show. Elvet asks him other questions. The orderly produces
another patient and pronounces that he was a famous comedian, Lenny Yorick. Elvet
reminisces about Yorick who he knew and then asks Horatio if this is his ultimate fate.

Seeing the Colonel, Lamar and others approaching, Elvet and Horace hide to listen in and
watch to determine what's going on. Lamar asks the doctor what further treatment
remains and the doctor replies that they've already done more than they should have,
considering Priscilla's condition may have been a drug related rather than psychiatric.
Lamar rebukes the doctor, stating that Priscilla is a more compassionate person than the
doctor. This statement reveals to the hidden Elvet that it is Priscilla who is being
committed. Gladys brings flowers into the room, and then Lamar demands that he be put
on the drip, too. Elvet takes issue with this and advances, also demands to be put on the
drip. He struggles with Lamar. The Colonel orders that they be parted and attendants
manage to separate them and they emerge from the room. Elvet then announces that he,
too, loved Priscilla and states his objections to Lamar's show of grief. The Colonel and
Gladys make excuses for Elvet's actions and Elvet concludes by stating he does not
understand why Lamar has acted so abusive toward him. He storms off and the Colonel
asks Horace, then Gladys to follow Elvet. He then reminds Lamar that soon his chance
for revenge will come.
Elvet Synopsis 10
Matthew Lederman 917-520-4127

Scene 2:

Elvet and Horace are conferring in a room of the mansion. Elvet is relating how he came
to return to the mansion instead of ending up at the record company and remarks on how
fate seems to be interceding in his life. He relates how he found the packet Rosencrantz
and Guildenstern were carrying and the plot to have him committed and planted drugs on
them. He further states that he feels no guilt for it because Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
took on their assignment happily and sold him out to the Colonel. Elvet returns to the
theme of revenge and asks Horace, given all the offenses the Colonel has committed
against Elvet, if he isn't justified in killing the Colonel. Horace reminds him that the news
from New York should arrive shortly and Elvet says he plans to act before the Colonel
learns what happened to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. He regrets having offended
Lamar and admits that Lamar's grievances with Elvet are similar to Elvet's grievances
toward the Colonel. He resolves to try to make amends once he's handled the Colonel.

Oscar enters and addresses Elvet. Oscar states that the Colonel has placed a wager that
Lamar cannot best Elvet in a guitar-playing concert. Elvet agrees to the contest and sends
Oscar on his way. A short time later a flunky appears asking when the test can take place
and Elvet states he will comply with what the Colonel wishes. The flunky reports that
Gladys and the Colonel are on their way. Once the flunky has gone, Horace cautions
Elvet to listen to any misgivings he has about the contest. Elvet states that he is willing to
abide what providence sends him. The Colonel, Gladys, Lamar and others enter for the
contest. The Colonel asks Elvet to shake hands with Lamar and call a truce to their
differences. Elvet speaks to Lamar, asking his pardon for the offenses Elvet has
committed against him. Lamar says he's unsatisfied by Elvet's words, but will put aside
their differences until a more appropriate time. Elvet and Lamar pick up their
instruments, still exchanging words, and Lamar looks for the one with the electrified end.
The Colonel drinks a toast then vows to drink shots with Elvet if he is winning. Elvet and
Lamar begin their contest by playing "Dueling Banjos" from "Deliverance." the Colonel
pours some shots, but Elvet refuses to drink. The Colonel declares that he will win.
Gladys takes the shot to drink to Elvet's health. The Colonel tries to stop her, knowing it
is drugged, but she insists. The Colonel gives Elvet another drugged shot and Elvet
drinks it down. Lamar, in an aside, states his conscience almost keeps him from carrying
out his revenge against Elvet. They resume the contest and Lamar shocks Elvet, but
doesn't kill him. They scuffle and in the scuffle, they exchange guitars and Elvet shocks
Lamar. Gladys falls and cries out that she is poisoned. Elvet cries out. Lamar tells Elvet,
incorrectly, that the poison that has killed his mother will soon kill him. He confesses to
the plot and that the guitar is electrified and the drinks are poisoned. Elvet shocks the
Colonel with the guitar and for good measure forces him to drink a shot as well, but the
Colonel doesn’t die. Lamar calls out to Elvet to forgive him for his plot against Elvet and
in return he forgives Elvet for the offenses he has committed against Lamar. Lamar grabs
the electrified guitar and dies. Not wanting to outlive his friend, Horace tries to drink
from the cup too, but Elvet stops him, tells him that he didn't drink enough to get a good
buzz, let alone die, and asks Horace to report on all he has witnessed. A shot is heard
from far off and Elvet asks what it is. Oscar reports that it is Johnny Fortinbras. The
Elvet Synopsis 11
Matthew Lederman 917-520-4127

Colonel gets up a little woozy, but alive and tells Elvet that it's just the two of them now
and because they share responsibility for all the deaths, they are forever bound to each
other. Elvet reluctantly agrees. Elvet names Johnny Fortinbras as his new concert
promoter. Johnny Fortinbras and his executives enter and are taken aback by the
gruesome scene they find. The executives announce that they came when they heard that
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were in jail. Horace recounts all that has befallen them.
Johnny Fortinbras announces that he is now President of General Entertainment and he
has no intention of letting Elvet die while he is under contract. Horatio accedes to that.
Johnny Fortinbras sends someone out to the limo to get some white jumpsuits as he has
decided to change Elvet’s act. The play ends with a full Vegas musical number.

You might also like