Script

Audition Central: The Phantom Tollbooth JR.

Script: Demons

SIDE 1

(Underscoring begins as three sinister looking figures appear in the bedroom, as if by magic. By their manner of speech, style of movement and costumes, the DEMONS [for that is what they are] radiate evil.)

DEMON I (THE TERRIBLE TRIVIUM)
(to MILO)
Well, of course, nothing is new or exciting. That's just how it ought to be.

(to DEMON II)
We see to that.

(DEMON II, THE DEMON OF INSINCERITY, a pale, slender, attractive young woman, is a malevolent temptress. She nods in agreement.)

DEMON II (THE DEMON Of INSINCERITY)
(to DEMON I, with mock sympathy)
Doesn't know what to do with himself. How nice.

(to MILO, seductively)
But why do anything? What's the point? It doesn't matter, does it?

(to DEMON III)
Who cares?

DEMON III (THE SENSES TAKER)
(to DEMON II, gallantly)
Good advice. What a thoughtful demon you are.

DEMON II
Why, thank you.

DEMON III
(to MILO)
She's right, Milo. Everything is a waste of time. History, geography, math& why bother? You'll probably just get it all wrong anyway.

DEMON II
(in the most fetching, persuasive way)
Besides, you don't have to know all that stuff. You'll never use it.

DEMON I
Just relax, Milo. You can't possibly get it all done anyway.

DEMON III
And if you get the urge to do anything&

ALL THREE
DON'T!!!

DEMON I
It could be very dangerous!

DEMON II
We'll take care of you, Milo. We're your friends.

DEMON III
(to audience, in a confiding tone)
We've known Milo for a long time.

DEMON I
(to audience)
And, by the way, we know most of you, too.

SIDE 2

(One DEMON enters; one by one, the other DEMONS enter from various areas of the stage. Their movements are slithery, bizarre, eccentric, in a word: demonic.)

THE TERRIBLE TRIVIUM
(after sniffing the air)
Someone's coming.

DEMON IV
(sniffing and grinning with glee)
It's him!

DEMON V
(sniffing with disgust)
And that dog  ugh!

DEMON VI
(rubbing its hands in expectation)
Come on! We're waiting for you with open arms!

THE SENSES TAKER
Your old friends!

DEMON IV
(agitated)
Now you're going to get it!

DEMON V
Right here in these dreary, greasy mountains!

DEMON OF INSINCERITY
(very 'solicitous')
Nothing personal, of course, but this is the end of the line, dear.