Preview #1: (ACT I, Scene i)

Here is the first look at what I have for the Musical. This is the opening scene to the play and marks the formal introduction of Kidd, Paddy, Brianna, and Lukey. I hope you enjoy! Remember to let me know what you think! Thanks!

ACT I
Scene i

(The CURTAIN opens on JACK, JAKEY, LUKEY, BILLY, and other members of KIDD’s crew working in a chemical field. They are in chains and are wearing ragged cloth shirts and pants for clothes. There are sentries watching the crew, making sure they do not stop their work. The barrels and marshes of chemicals are hindering their progress to work, and many of the crew is suffering severely. JACK is leading KIDD’s crew in his absence. They are lifting buckets of chemicals and sifting through the marshes. The music matches the rhythm of their work as the song THE CHEMICAL WORKER’S SONG (PROCESS MAN) begins to play.)

JACK/ ALL:
And it's go, boys, go
They'll time your every breath
And every day you're in this place you’re two days nearer death

LUKEY:
But you go...

JACK:
Well, a process man am I and I'm tellin' you no lie
I work and breathe among the fumes that tread across the sky

JACK/ ALL:
There's thunder all around me and there's poison in the air
There's a lousy smell that smacks of hell
And dust all in me hair

And it's go, boys, go
They'll time your every breath
And every day you're in this place you’re two days nearer death

LUKEY:
But you go...

JAKEY:
Well I've worked among the spitters and I

JAKEY/ ALL:
Breathe the oily smoke
I've shoveled up the gypsum and it neigh 'on makes you choke
I've stood knee deep in cyanide, got sick with a caustic burn
Been working rough, I've seen enough, to make your stomach turn
And it's go, boys, go
They'll time your every breath
And every day you're in this place you’re two days nearer death

LUKEY:
But you go...

BILLY:
There's overtime and bonus opportunities galore

BILLY/ ALL:
The young men like their money and they all come back for more
But soon you’re knocking on and you look older than you should
For every bob made on the job, you pay with flesh and blood

And it's go, boys, go
They'll time your every breath
And every day you're in this place you’re two days nearer death

LUKEY:
But you go...

JACK:
Well a process man am I and I'm telling you no lie
I work and breathe among the fumes that tread across the sky
There's

JACK/ ALL:
Thunder all around me and there's poison in the air
There's a lousy smell that smacks of hell
And dust all in me hair

And it's go, boys, go
They'll time your every breath
And every day you're in this place you’re two days nearer death
And it's go, boys, go
They'll time your every breath
And every day you're in this place you’re two days nearer death

LUKEY:
But you go...

(BLACKOUT. The scene changes quickly to a small port town. There are stalls crammed tightly together and short buildings stacked side by side. One stall in particular seems somewhat more quaint and inviting. It is a flower stall and is neat and tidy. This is the stall of BRIANNA, PADDY’s wife. BRIANNA is busy selling flowers to the many men that crowd her stall. JACK is hidden among them. She is extremely shy, but makes it clear that she is not interested. The other merchants are getting irritated that BRIANNA is taking away all of their customers. ENTER SALLY L. She CROSSES DR and passes BRIANNA’s stall, getting the men’s attention to follow her as she EXITS R. They follow her, calling her name and whistling. She rolls her eyes, and then after EXITING R, re-ENTERS R and leans over to BRIANNA.)

SALLY
You owe me, Brianna. (EXITS R.)

(ENTER PADDY and KIDD L. PADDY is wearing a black coat of fur, and boasts a big black belt as well as a black bandanna across his head. The only other things he has on him other than his black boots and linen shirt is a sword and scabbard. KIDD is wearing more traditional pirate clothes. His brown leather pirate hat, boots, and trench coat as well as his brown leggings and shirt give him an almost royal presence. PADDY opens his arms upon seeing BRIANNA and smiles. BRIANNA is wearing a brown skirt and white linen top with brown and pink floral decorations. She rushes to PADDY quickly and they embrace. Meanwhile, KIDD is looking around as if searching for someone. BRIANNA and PADDY break away from each other and PADDY smiles as the pushes back BRIANNA’s hair from her face.)

KIDD
(Clears his throat.) Paddy? What we came here for, please?

PADDY
(Turning away from BRIANNA. Chuckling.) You’d deprive me from enjoying me own woman, Kidd?

KIDD
(Looking somewhat distracted and still searching around for someone.) Aye; if it means finding us ‘nother ship. We’ve been landlocked for three days now. You know what that does to a crew of no-good pirates? (Taps his head.) Makes ‘em think. I can’t afford me crew to think. Thinking makes men cowards.

PADDY
Aye, I suppose you’re right then. (Turns to BRIANNA and holds her by the shoulders.) Brianna, we need a favor. Our boat’s taken too much a beatin’ to hold out on sea no more. We need us a new ship and I ‘member you tellin’ me about a carpenter dealin’ trade in boats. We was hoping that you’d be able to talk him up for us and get us a nice ship.

BRIANNA
(Smiling.) It shouldn’t be a problem. The only thing will be getting him to listen long enough to say yes. And even then he might not remember what I asked him later.

KIDD
Is he, a drunk?

BRIANNA
Luke Kelly? Oh, yes! Always drinking himself till his own mother can’t recognize him. But not one soul can match his skill.

KIDD
Those are things I look for in a man of trade.

PADDY
Do you mind takin’ us to ‘im Brianna?

(She gives a sideways nod to a heap of sack-flour and wheat UR. PADDY and KIDD raise their brows in question and BRIANNA nods.)

KIDD
(Leans forward towards the pile of sacks and calls out.) Mr. Kelly?

(No reply.)

KIDD
Luke Kelly?

(No reply.)

BRIANNA
(Leans towards the pile. Timidly.) Mr. Kelly?

LUKEY
(From the pile of sacks. Muffled.) Is that an angel I ‘ear callin’ me name? (LUKEY emerges from the pile and is holding a bottle of black rum in one hand. He is young and is wearing a long-sleeved white linen shirt that is covered by a grey jacket-vest. His loose brown pants are tucked into his black boots. His blonde hair is shaggy and messy, and despite his drunken state he still has an air of charm about him.) Mrs. Murphy, I always love ‘earin’ your voice in the mornin’ air! There’s nothin’ more lovely and nothin’ better to soothe me achin’ head.

BRIANNA
It’s past noon Mr. Kelly.

LUKEY
And still your voice is full of heaven’s light.

BRIANNA
Mr. Kelly, I’d like you to meet my dear friend Maxwell Kidd and my lovely husband Patrick.

LUKEY
(Looking up at PADDY, who is considerably larger than himself.) You don’t look so tough.

PADDY
(Laughs and ruffles LUKEY’s hair as he turns to KIDD.) I like ‘im. Fiery, ain’t he?

KIDD
Aye, indeed. But it ain’t why we’re here. We still need a boat.

LUKEY
(Drunkenly.) Boat? I’ve got boats.

BRIANNA
Yes, Kelly. They need a ship so as to leave town tomorrow. They’ve been searching everywhere and I told them you were the man to go to.

LUKEY
But I like me boats. I don’t intend to sells them as soon as I sees somebody.

PADDY
(Chuckling.) We just need one. Don’t be so greedy now, eh?

LUKEY
And what do I get? Got to make sure it’s worth me time. A ship’s not worth little now, is she?

KIDD
We’re prepared to offer two hundred and thirty pounds.

LUKEY
(Eyes wide. Beat.) Blimey. Where’d you get money like that?

KIDD
Let’s just say we found it.

LUKEY
(With slow realization.) You’re pirates?

PADDY
(Cautiously.) Aye.

LUKEY
(Quickly.) I won’t take your money. (Beat.) It’s not worth two hundred an’ thirty pounds when dealin’ with pirates, got to ask for somethin’ more.

PADDY
We got ourselves an opportunist, Kidd.

KIDD
(Pulling his coat back and reaching for something in his pocket. BRIANNA runs back to her stall, and the other merchants turn to watch.) I wouldn’t do this if I were you. We really need us a ship.

LUKEY
(Laughing drunkenly.) I’m no fool! I don’t want your money because I want to board ship with ye.

KIDD
What?

LUKEY
I want to leave town with ye. Always did wonder how it would be to venture ou’ on the sea with a couple of scoundrels.

KIDD
(Confused by the sudden turn of events.) Are you out of your bleeding mind?

LUKEY
Always have been.

PADDY
I say we take ‘im. It’s better than losing over two hundred pounds; the men would be happy to have more money for drink. And a free ship on top of that.

KIDD
(Pulling his coat back down.) It’s not so simple.

PADDY
Now you’re just soundin’ like ye father.

KIDD
(Haughtily.) And you’d take a drunk aboard me ship?

PADDY
Since when ‘ave ye been so stiff about drink?

KIDD
That’s not what I meant.

PADDY
So you’d put aside the dreams of one man because of a little rum?

LUKEY
(Drunkenly.) The man does bring up a good point.

KIDD
(Looking at PADDY, who gives him a stern face.) I suppose you’re right. What's another dunk among me crew?

LUKEY
So it’s a yes?

KIDD
(Sighing.) Aye. But I don’t want you causin’ trouble with me crew.

PADDY
(Smiling.) Welcome to the crew, mate!

KIDD
Paddy, take ‘im to Nancy’s tavern where the rest of the boys are. Introduce ‘im. Tell ‘em we leave tomorrow mornin’.

PADDY
Aye, cap’n. Come now, Lukey. We’re off to drink!

LUKEY
I don’t min’ that at all!

(PADDY takes LUKEY and they EXIT L. KIDD waits for them to leave and then turns quickly to BRIANNA. BRIANNA gives him a knowing smile and sits down on the edge of her stall.)

BRIANNA
You’re not as difficult a man as you’d like Maxwell.

KIDD
What do you mean?

BRIANNA
I mean that you’re an easy read, looking around for Sally Ann as you were.

KIDD
(Smiling.) Am I that obvious?

KIDD
Only to a woman.

KIDD
And how do you know I’m not just lookin’ for a member of me crew?

BRIANNA
Because not even you, as close to your crew as you are, would be so distracted when saying hello to an old friend.

KIDD
Sorry, Brianna. And even if I was distracted, I actually am looking for one of me men.

BRIANNA
And who might that be?

KIDD
Jack.

BRIANNA
Ah, Jack Hinks. Wonderful, charming man.

KIDD
Aye, and a rotten thief and gambler as well. Do you know where he might be off to? He has more than ‘alf me money, and I need to buy food for the crew before we sett off tomorrow.

BRIANNA
(Swinging her legs back and forth in a mischievous way.) I might have seen him.

KIDD
Well then?

BRIANNA
I might have seen him with the group of men that chased off your Sally Ann just a few minutes ago.

KIDD
That dirty fink. Can’t he keep to ‘imself for more than one day? Where did they go?

BRIANNA
Promise me something first and I’ll tell you.

KIDD
(Impatiently.) Yes’m?

BRIANNA
Promise me that you won’t let my Patrick leave without saying goodbye?

KIDD
He always does.

BRIANNA
Maxwell…

KIDD
I promise!

(BRIANNA smiles and points R. KIDD nods his thanks and EXITS R fast. BRIANNA sighs and begins cleaning up her stall as we go to BLACKOUT.)

Character Bios

Here is the cast of the Musical and their character bios. Let me know what you think!

Captain Maxwell Kidd:
Captain of the pirate ship Mrs. White. Captain Kidd is the son of Cait Kidd and Conall Wedderburn. Kidd kept his mother’s maiden name to spite his father for leaving him and does his best to do the opposite of what he told him to do upon growing up. Kidd and his crew find themselves raiding government ships to scour them clean and give their earnings back to the poor people of Newfoundland. Kidd is a proud spirit and loves the equally as proud Sally Ann Dhu. She is the only voice of reason that Kidd ever receives because Kidd’s crew is too loyal and eccentric to see any harm in his actions.

Sally Ann Dhu:
Sister to Johnny Dhu and the love interest of Captain Maxwell Kidd. Sally Ann is a very strong and beautiful individual. Her bright blue eyes and bright brown hair attracts every man in her hometown of Lewisporte. Sally Ann is extremely stubborn and does her best to try and get Kidd to make the right decisions and not steal from the government ships out at sea. Sally Ann eventually steals onto the ship Mrs. White to try and prevent Kidd from putting himself into any further danger.

Patrick “Paddy” Murphy:
Patrick Murphy is the First Mate to Captain Kidd. Paddy, as his crew calls him, is an expert in hand-to-hand combat, but his cocky attitude often gets him into serious trouble. He is the most level-headed of Kidd’s crew, but his overly-cheery demeanor has been known to leave him open to getting caught off guard during combat. Paddy is extremely devoted to his wife Brianna and vows to do everything in his power to protect her from the corruption of the government.

Johnny O’Leary Dhu:
Johnny Dhu is the crew’s lookout and entertainer. Johnny is the brother of Sally Ann Dhu and does not seem to care that his captain is in love with her. His is the crew’s happiest denizen and can be found singing, drinking, and partying when not on the frontlines of battle. Johnny always seems to start trouble and then sneak out quickly while everyone else gets at each other’s throats.

Jack Hinks:
Jack Hinks is the crew’s sly thief. A shrewd and cheating gambler, he somehow manages to woo all the ladies and befriend and the men. He is somewhat mysterious but short in both stature and temper. If anyone finds themselves doing something he finds morally incorrect he is sure to let them know how he feels. He has been dubbed a hero of the poor and needy by the people of Lewisporte and is often the crew member that comes back with the most loot.

Luke “Lukey” Kelly:
Luke Kelly is the owner of the green boat Mrs. White. When asked why he named a green boat after the color white he said that it was due to the purity of the boat; that nothing is more pure than doing another man wrong for wronging someone else. Lukey is a cheery drunk and is often found sleeping below deck.

Jake “Jakey” Taylor:
Jake Taylor is the brother of the feared General William Taylor as well as the crew’s pantry suppliant. He steals food from the government ships that they raid. Often found visiting local taverns to pick up girls with Jack Hinks, Jakey is extremely devious and curious. Jakey is usually the first to break out a drink in a merry situation.

General William Moore Taylor:
The feared General of St. John’s, General William Taylor is the brother of Jake Taylor. He is a giant among men and cannot be matched in stature by anyone in Newfoundland. Although he is set out to bring down Kidd and his crew, he still shows signs of hesitation due to the love he has for his brother.

Brianna Murphy:
The wife of Patrick Murphy, Brianna is a simple market woman who owns her own stall in Lewisporte. She loves that her husband will do anything for those less fortunate than he, but she often can be found waiting for him down by the docks. A blonde with deep green eyes, Brianna is proud of her husband and lives for nothing else than to be by his side. Her unmatched love for him is envied by many of the women in Lewisporte and she is often talked about on the streets.

Billy Peddle:
Billy Peddle is the crew’s weapon’s master. Probably the quietest of the crew, Billy is an expert marksman and is responsible for staying aboard Mrs. White during raids and taking people out with his gun from the masts of the boat.

Cait Kidd:
The mother of Captain Maxwell Kidd. Cait is a humble housemaid who spends her time worrying for her son and late husband. She is often visited by Sally Ann Dhu who promises to get her son to do what is right.

Captain Conall Wedderburn:
The late father of Captain Maxwell Kidd. Wedderburn left Kidd to “fight off pirates” when Kidd was only nine years old. Wedderburn never returned home and Kidd vowed to do everything that his father disproved of after his father did not return.

Inrtoduction to a Musical

The Merry Crew of Captain Kidd is a musical that I am writing using songs from Great Big Sea. The story follows Captain Maxwell Kidd and his conniving crew of law-dodging pirates as they seek to raid government ships out at sea in order to give their earnings to the poor people of Newfoundland. Kidd and his crew often find themselves getting into serious trouble only to be singing and drinking merrily that night. A comedic-tragedy, The Merry Crew of Captain Kidd is full of lively up-tempo songs that reflect the cherry atmosphere of the musical. Enjoy what I have to put up, and let everyone know about this, as I plan to finish it soon. Hopeless Bleak Despair, my other musical, was proving to be too difficult to finish as it did not keep my attention. This musical, however, is too lively and fun to ever lose my interest. Let me know what you think! Thanks!