Jason Robert Brown The Picture Show
[FRANKIE EPPS, spoken]
Well, hey sunshine!
[MARY PHAGAN, spoken]
Sunshine? Looks like rain to me
[FRANKIE, pulling on her hair ribbon]
Not in here, it don't
[MARY]
Frankie Epps! Quit that, you hear?
[FRANKIE]
Oh, what? I ain't doin' anything!
(sung)
I'm gonna go to the picture show
There's a movie I got to see
You know the one called “The Silver Gun”—
Well, I been watchin' since Chapter Three!
I can't wait—it's at eight
But I was wonderin': if you're free...
[MARY]
Go on, go on, go on, go on
You know my mama'd never let me 'til I turn sixteen
Go on, go on, go on, go on
Besides, I only go to pictures that I haven't seen
[FRANKIE, spoken]
Well, when do you turn sixteen?
[MARY, spoken]
Two years from next June
[FRANKIE, spoken]
Too bad about your Mama
[MARY, spoken]
Too bad for you
[FRANKIE, sung]
I know a spot near McConnach's lot
Where you can see the parade real clear
I got a book—you wanna take a look?—
It's called "The Thief and the Brigadier"
I got gum—you want some?
[MARY]
I haven't chewed gum for a year
[FRANKIE]
Go on, go on, go on, go on
I bet your mama'd let me take you to the picture show
[MARY]
Go on, go on, go on, go on
I guess you weren't really listenin' when I said "No!"
Why not ask Iola Stover?
Her mama lets her do whatever she wants
[FRANKIE]
I was hopin' I could go with you
[MARY]
Go on, ask Iola Stover—
Her mama lets her see whoever she wants
[FRANKIE]
Well, maybe I will
[MARY]
I hope you do
[MARY stands up as the streetcar lurches to a halt]
[FRANKIE, spoken]
Hey! Where you goin'?
[MARY, spoken]
To the factory. I didn't get my pay this week
[FRANKIE]
Okay, see you around...
[MARY]
At the picture show?
[FRANKIE]
What? I thought your Mama wouldn't let you
[MARY]
She will with Essie and Betty Jean. Just not with you!
[FRANKIE]
Bye, Sunshine!
(sung)
De de, de de, de de, de de
Ska boo ba doo ba deet'n
Dut'n doo ba doo doo doo
Go on, go on, go on, go on...
[HE spots someone in the crowd.]
(spoken)
Well, Iola! You goin' to the pictures tonight?