no one asked but here is all the audio things in Welcome Home
JULIE: …Which is why the pie-charts must be breen berry! Mr. Dear, write that down!
EDDIE: Breen berry… You know, Julie-
JULIE: AH AH! President Joyful!
EDDIE: Right, right, President Joyful- I don’t think breen berry’s a real berry- I mean- Shoot, what color even is breen?
JULIE: That’s classified, Mr. Dear! That’s why they pay me the Big schamzoolahs!
EDDIE: The what now? I ain’t getting paid in anything, let alone schamzo… schmozos… What’d you say again, President Joyful-
JULIE: SCHAMZOOLAHS!! DABOLOONS! SMOLLEONS! DINNER-OS! Can’t you see what this company is all about, Mr. Dear?!
EDDIE: [Meekly] Uh… Breen?
JULIE: NO! It’s about pie charts, big buildings, hot cakes, small stuffed bears, chalk, and houses!-
EDDIE: I don’t think any’a those things go together quite frankly-
JULIE: It’s about big suits and big hair and big voices! Mr. Dear, are you not confident in our business model!? You have good shoulders under your head, Mr. Dear, I would hate to see you canned!
EDDIE: [Seemingly genuinely fearful] Can me?! But you can’t fire me, it’s my first day on the job!
JULIE: Then you’d better straighten up and fly down, Mr. Dear, because the most important part about running a business is-
[Telephone rings; click as Julie picks up]
JULIE: Hello! President Joyful of Everything Incorporated! …. What? Mr. Billynilly, no… We’ve… We’re broke?! They’ve eaten all of our office supplies?! Even the staplers?! We’re out of business?!
[Julie wails dramatically; sound of rampage continues in background]
EDDIE: Whether letter or parcel, whether rain, snow or- Oh- I mean uh- Joyful residence, who may I ask is callin’? Oh Barn! Good to hear from you- Yeah, we’re playin’ business-something-or-another. Yep, I’d say we’re fresh outta… Whatever we were supposed to be sellin’. I think this time it was breen! …Oh? Yeah he’s right here! Phone call for you, Wally!
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POPPY: …-Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and just a scoop of peanut butter! Gelatin works too, of course, but I always like to spoil myself with a little something extra, but that’s just between us!
FRANK: [He laughs with her.] Of course, I’m no gossip! I suppose gelatin can’t always be relied upon too… Still, I think it holds perfectly sliced fruit beautifully, I think that ought to mean something! You know what, Poppy, no one understands gelatin’s potential! It’s like they say, you eat with your eyes first!
POPPY: They do? Oh- Well- Now you’ve got me worried about this new recipe! It’s not very… Erm… Well, visually appealing.
FRANK: Oh no no, forget what I said! We’ve worked so hard on this- In fact, I bet these could be shaped with one of my copper molds!
POPPY: You’re right! Maybe that one you have shaped like a butterfly, Frank!
FRANK: Oh that’s right! Such a shame butterflies aren’t fond of seed- Or muffins for that matter… This recipe could have saved my garden.
POPPY: Oh dear… You know what? I’ll try to think up a recipe that’s sure to have them…! To make your butterflies do a… [Poppy hums in genuine thought.] Well, I’m not sure how to tell if a butterfly is happy...
FRANK: Whatever you decide to make will have them all aflutter, Poppy! I think our experiment is done too-
POPPY: You’re so kind to say that, Frank- O-Oh, be careful! I wouldn’t want you to burn yourself-
[Sound of tray being set down]
FRANK: I’m alright! You’ve taken all the necessary precautions to ensure my safety- Oven Mitts, aprons, a second pair of oven mitts-
POPPY: Perhaps we could use a third pair of oven mitts…
FRANK: Poppy.
POPPY: You’re working with such dangerous appliances! Who knows what could happen at a moment's notice! Oh goodness gracious, just thinking about it is making my feathers fall out-
FRANK: [Said reassuringly] No, no, no! Don’t get yourself started, Poppy! I would rather be careful than throw caution to the wind anyhow! Besides, we’re safe and sound here… Wouldn’t you agree, Wally?
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“There you are. Welcome Home. Ha ha ha!”
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EDDIE: [Panting, out of breath; audio becoming closer] Hey hey! I’m-a comin’! Just be a second! I’ll be right there-
[Shouting as Eddie trips and falls.]
EDDIE: [Strained] Good night alive! I really ought to look at where my feet are goin’, huh? Oh, hold on, buddy! These are yours! I’d forgotten that I had em’ out to give em’ to ya! Thank the stars I hadn’t dropped nothin’ fragile… [Exhausted] Shoo-wee! I had no idea how late it had gotten! I’m plum tuckered after all of this runnin’ around. It aint’ even the first time I fell today! Ran into a few buildings on the way here, too… Y’know how Julie likes to do her drawin’ on the sidewalks n’ all? Well, she drew up a hopscotch on the curb this mornin’ and I just couldn’t help myself! I just had got to have a hop, skip, and a jump to start my day! I really am accident prone I figure… because my face ended up meetin’ the pavement. [Nervous laughter]
[Galloping sound in background, growing louder.]
EDDIE: I may have been ragged today and tossed around, but I’m still fair to middlin’! Even after that bowlin’ ball order… I suppose I don’t got much more runnin’ left to do today though! Unless ya got somethin’ for me to carry for ya! Is there any letter, package, or parcel you need me to run for ya- [suddenly anxious] wh-what are you lookin’ around me for?
BARNABY: [Panting, shouting in a full run] Mailman! You got any packages for little old me? My kazoo collection should have been in my mailbox today! Where is it?!
EDDIE: [Panicked, stuttering and off guard] N-now Barnaby, you know better! I have to put your mail in your mailbox! It’s policy!
BARNABY: You know a dog like me doesn’t do policy, pal! The only policy I follow is the creed all dogs follow: chasing your local mailman!
EDDIE: [More panicked, getting distant] Aw! I hate that policy! I’ll beat ya to your mailbox, lickity split! … If I don’t split my lickity!
BARNABY: [From afar] I was so close to dogpiling him! Next time, don’t give Eddie any hints, ey Wally!
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Barn: [The phone rings three times. Then it picks up.]
Hello? Hellooo?
[Silence.]
Is this a prank call, kid? Listen, I got a better joke for you- What did the bee say to the flower? I wouldn’t know, I wasn’t there! What do I look like, a BEE’s-dropper?
[Rimshot and horn honk. Barnaby laughs. Silence follows.]
….Not even a chuckle? Boy, tough crowd! Hey, you can’t blame a guy for phoning it in! How about you call me back when you got something funny to say too, little buddy! Buh bye!
Jul: [The phone rings once, but in the middle of its second ring the phone is answered.]
Hello? [LOUDER] Hello!!
[Silence.]
...Hey, are you playing some kind of game? Well- I want to play too! Okay, let’s go on the count of three! One… Two… Three!
[Silence.]
…I don’t know how to play this game. ...Oh, I know what to do! We’ll make a new game! [Frantically spoken] We’ll need a jump rope, some chalk, a dice, a sandwich- I’ll call it… Quiet Sandwich Jump rope! I better get everything ready, Frank’s going to love this game! Okay, Bye bye!
Fran: [The phone rings once before it’s answered.]
Hello, this is Frank Frankly speaking.
[Silence.]
...Hello? … Are you there?
[Silence.]
...Is this Julie? This had better not be another game you’re playing! …Oh no, is this a prank call? Is this Barnaby!? Well, I have a prank for you too, you jokester! A lesson!
Frank clears his throat.
Did you know butterflies have their own way of sleeping? It’s not so much sleeping as it is having a rest ! It is always done with their eyes open, too! They also like to rest under leaves as a means of protection from dew or rain drops! Better yet, to hide from larger creatures with an appetite! A bit like you and those horrible hot dogs you love so much.
[Silence. Frank huffs loudly in annoyance.]
Well, whoever this is, I’ll have you know I have better things to do than wait for you to respond! Good bye!
Edd: [The phone rings once before it is picked up.]
Whether letter or parcel, whether rain, snow, or shine, we weather the weather and never decline! This is Eddie Dear of Eddie’s Post office speaking! How can I help you today?
[Silence.]
...Hello? Is anybody there? ...Should I say the jingle again? Okay-
[Eddie clears his throat.]
Whether letter or parcel, whether rain, snow, or shine, we weather the weather and never decline! This is Eddie Dear of Eddie’s Post office speaking! Do you need stamps? I got ‘em! Envelopes and paper? You bet! Markers, crayons, glue, glitter, tape, staples- [Takes a deep inhale to catch his breath.] I got that too!
[Silence.]
[Mumbling] ...I’m starting to think nobody’s there… Wait… I can’t remember if the phone was ringing… Maybe I was going to make a phone call... But who would I call? Well, if you’re there… Uh… Have a good day!
How: [The phone is answered in the middle of the first ring.]
You’re calling Howdy’s Place! The Home of Everything You Need and Everything you don't! Howdy Pillar at your service!
[Silence.]
...Hello? Hello! Listen, pal, time is jokes and if I’m not laughing then I don’t have time! ...Actually, I do have plenty of time in stock, it’s in aisle two next to the bananas. But …I call ‘em cuckoo clocks!
[Howdy Laughs at his own joke, but it becomes softer and more embarrassed as the silence follows.]
...Alright, alright! You’re giving me nothing to work with, buddy! I only deal in funny business and it looks like you’re runnin’ low, pal! So long! You get it? Like a caterpillar! Haha!
Sall: [The phone barely has a chance to ring once before it is picked up.]
Hellooo! You’re talking to the brightest and most stupendous superstar this side of the neighborhood! Sally Starlet!
[A triumphant 'ta-da!' jingle, followed by silence. Sally whispers her next sentence.]
…I said ‘Hellooo!’ That’s your cue!
[Silence.]
…What’s wrong, do you have stage fright? I know, I know, having a star for a neighbor can be so intimidating! She’s so terrific, you’re probably thinking! Phenomenal, staggering, breathtaking- I’m taking the words right out of your mouth, I bet!
[Silence. Sally sighs softly.]
Well, parting is such sweet sorrows, but I must shine my brilliance elsewhere! Why don’t you call me back when you don’t have such cold feet, hm? Farewell!
Pop: [The phone rings twice before it is abruptly picked up.]
Hello, this is the Partridge nest- Or I mean, this is Poppy!
[Silence.]
…Hello? Dear? Are you there? I can’t hear you if you’re speaking! Maybe it is my connection- Oh my feathers, a telephone is so difficult to work with- So many buttons!
[The sounds of shuffling, squawks and noises of tutting can be heard.]
Oh my goodness! I- Oh no, I’ve dropped the telephone on the ground I- Gracious me, there’s birdseed everywhere! I- I will call you back, whoever this is! Oh- My feathers are full at the moment! Don’t worry about me! Have a pleasant day deary-
[A panicked squawk is heard followed by a loud thud. The phone call abruptly ends.]
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"EDDIE'S BIG LIFT" STORYBOOK RECORD:SALLY:Well it’s a showstopper of an idea, Julie, I’ll give you that. But I just don’t believe it’s possible!
JULIE: No, it’s true! I swear, I swear!
FRANK: Ohhh, what is it that you two are making a ruckus over this time…?
JULIE: Oh, hi, Frank! I thought you said you were going to spend a quiet morning organizing your bowties!
FRANK: [Dryly] How could anyone effectively organize anything with you two talking so loudly at one another?
SALLY: Our most monstrously marvelous Juliet here insists that the local mailman is enough of a powerhouse to lift every! Single! Neighbor! In the neighborhood!
FRANK: [With the tone of someone who’s heard this before] Oh, Julie, not this again.
JULIE: It’s true, it’s true! Fraaaank, you’ve seen it too!
FRANK: Now, Eddie is… Fairly capable what with carrying all his packages and such around, but--
JULIE: [Loudly Interrupting] So you agree!!
FRANK: I did not say-- Julie, our neighborhood includes the likes of Barnaby and Home, no one could--
JULIE: [Triumphantly shouting] EDDIE! CAN! LIFT! A! HOOOUUUSSSEEE!!
FRANK: I give up.
SALLY: Well, I simply can’t accept such a boast without proof.
JULIE: Oh, I can prove it! Look, here comes Eddie now! Watch this!
FRANK: What do you mean you can prove--
EDDIE: Mail call! I’ve got mail here fo-- oh no
JULIE: [Overlapping him, running off in his direction] EDDIE, EDDIE, EDDIE, CATCH ME! QUICK! CATCH ME!
[Sound of packages hitting the ground and Eddie going “oof!” as he catches Julie.]
JULIE: TA-DAA!! See? See??
SALLY: [Dismissively] That’s hardly convincing.
FRANK: Yes, I could probably lift you if sufficiently motivated, Julie.
JULIE: [In the tone of a Woman Scorned] And yet you never play “throw-Julie-up-in-the-air-as-hard-as-you-can-and-see-where-she-lands” with me.
FRANK: [in the deadpan of Man Who Is Sick of This Conversation] We’ve talked about this!
SALLY: Well, I’m not convinced. [commanding; Director Mode] Mail-maaan~! Mailman! Center stage, man!
EDDIE: Uh, yes, ma’am--
SALLY: [Snapping her fingers] Up, man! Up! Lift! Higher now-- with your knees-- all the way up-- there!!
EDDIE: [Overlapping with Sally’s directing] What, oh, uh-- yes ma’am!-- [Strained, lifting] oof-- here we go-- uhf-- alrighty-- hup!
[A little “ta-da!!” jingle plays to signify Sally being fully lifted.]
SALLY: Hm. Passable, I suppose. But I’m still not convinced.
JULIE: FRANK NEXT! FRANK NEXT!!
EDDIE: [chipper, Man On The Job] All right then!
FRANK: Don’t you dare.
EDDIE: [Tone exactly the same, backing off] Wouldn’t dream of it!
FRANK: Oh, look! Wally and Barnaby! Let’s pay attention to them instead and leave me well alone!
BARNABY: What’s all the commotion, fellas and fell-ettes?
WALLY: Hi, Julie. Hi, Sally. Hi, Frank. Hi, Eddie. What are you--
JULIE: [interrupting Wally mid-greetings; he keeps going underneath her dialogue] EDDIE! LIFT WALLY INSTEAD!
EDDIE: Oh, okay! Up we go, little buddy- hup!
WALLY: Oh, I’m up here now.
SALLY: [Scoffs] That’s nothing! Wally weighs three apples soaking wet. Here, watch-- mailman, put him down.
EDDIE: Alrighty?
WALLY: I’m on the ground again.
SALLY: And hup!!
[Another “ta-da!!” to signify her lifting Wally.]
WALLY: Oh, and now I’m up again.
BARNABY: Life’s sure got its ups and downs, eh, pal? [less performer-y inflection] Uhh, but seriously, Jules, what’s this new game of yours?
JULIE: It’s not a game! I’m proving to Sally that Eddie can lift everyone in the neighborhood!
BARNABY: Ohhh, why didn’t you say so? Eddie, ya shoulda started with me. Seein’ as I’m such a tiny li’l pooch and all.
EDDIE: [voice wavering, seeing the writing on the wall here] Uhh.
BARNABY: I mean, it wouldn’t be much harder than liftin’ a couple envelopes, huh? Pickin’ up a li’l guy like me. It’s hardly even worth showin’ off at this point, when you’ve already managed guys so much bigger! But might as well just so you can say honestly you’ve managed the full collection, right?
EDDIE: [resigned to What’s Happening] Okay. I figure I can... Yeah, yup, here we-- [grunt of effort] Hup-- all right-- little more--shoo--
[Big, forceful, weightlifter-style exhale as he gets Barnaby lifted; little “woah!” from Barnaby.]
JULIE: [overlapping others] YES!!
SALLY: [overlapping others, little applause] Oh!
FRANK: [overlapping others, accidentally being Genuinely Impressed a second] Oh my.
WALLY: [overlapping others] Oh, now Barnaby’s up there.
[One solid beat. Then, sound of Eddie collapsing and taking Barnaby down with him, with a loud “OOF!” from both of them.]
BARNABY: Wow, uh-- I don’t even got a joke for this one. That was impressive, Ed. You all right?
EDDIE: [out of breath, audibly Not Just Fine] Oh, yep, j-just peachy, Barnaby. Thanks for askin’.
SALLY: Well I still say it’s only just passable. I’ll bet I can do better. [theatrical] Barnaby! Get over here! I’ll bet you I can lift you over my head!!
BARNABY: [in the tone of a man who wants to see how this plays out] Yeah, all right.
FRANK: [sternly] NO. NO. NO. NO. NO. I’m ending this right now!
JULIE: Oooh, let’s go see if Eddie can lift Poppy and Howdy next! We can save Home for the big finish!!
SALLY: Not if I can lift them first!!
BARNABY: Well, I know what I’m doin’ with the rest of my day. C’mon, li’l buddy, let’s catch this show!
WALLY: Eddie’s going to lift up Home? That’s the most. We can go to Howdy’s together and Home can pick out his own hot dog.
EDDIE: [Still out of breath and flat on the ground] Y-y’all go on ahead! I’ll catch up!!
[Long beat. Just Eddie and Frank are left.]
FRANK: [Frank looks down at him, rotating his head a bit as if to shake it.] You always did work too hard.
EDDIE: Wha? Huh?
FRANK: I’m going inside. Enjoy the ground, Mr. Dear.
EDDIE: Alrighty! S-say, uh, before you go, any chance I could get a hand gettin’ up-- [door closing sound] oh, you’re gone. That’s fine! I’ll, uh, get to pickin’ myself up… before the cows come home, heh-heh.
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[Visual ID: The camera (?) is staring down at a neatly decorated table, adorned with festive baked goods and candy apples.]
JULIE —And the pumpkin was THIIIIS BIG! I SWEAR I’m not lying! I don’t think I’ve EVER seen a pumpkin that big in my life!
HOWDY You’re yankin’ my antennae’s, Julie! A pumpkin as big as a house seems a little far-fetched, don’tcha think?
FRANK Oh Julie, it was HARDLY as big as a house. It was closer to the size of a refrigerator if you ask me!
JULIE Well that’s just not true! My brother Jonesy saw it himself!! With his own… I forget how many eyes he has! At least two… Maybe three? No no, two..-
HOWDY Well, whether it’s fact or fiction, it’d certainly make for one swell store sale, that’s for sure! I can’t even imagine how much a puppy that size would sell for!
BARNABY [It sounds like he chimes in from across the room, attempting to escape the conversation he is in.] Did somebody say puppy?! Well- I am young at heart!
SALLY [She sounds like she is attempting to chase after Barnaby.] No, nonono— you’re not going anywhere! We haven’t even gotten into the cultural importance of the commedia dell’arte—!
BARNABY Oooh Sally, you’re killin’ me! So much gabbin’ just to explain why you’re dressed like a clown! …Come to think of it, I should’a known earlier— ya do look a bit funny t’me.
POPPY Oh Barnaby! She’s much more complex than that! She’s a… A… oh feathers, what was it…? Oh! Pinocchio! ...Or was it Pistachio?
EDDIE I think ya might be thinkin’ of Pedrolino!
SALLY See? Even the mailman gets it!
EDDIE A’course I do- Wait, was that s’pose to be an insult?
[Visual ID: There is visible distortion to the video. The screen darkens and lightens at random and the screen gets covered in discolored static.]
POPPY Oh yes! That theater clown! Sally, you know I do hate to ruffle anyone's feathers as it were, but why so much the focus on horror for your party? Especially when you are dressed for comedy! I think I much rather have a pleasant chuckle! Why… Maybe a chortle, even!
EDDIE I think Sally’s right, though! What’s livin’ without a little scare every now and again? I had a good time listenin’ to all those Tall Tales for Terror n’ Treats— Or whatever it was that Barnaby called it.
BARNABY Nooope, you’re right, Terror n’ Treats!
SALLY Oh bother— I’ll never get the entirety of this little neighborhood in stardom ! At this rate, we will be the laughing stock of the solar system!
POPPY Oh Sally, dear, don’t doubt yourself… You’re doing a wonderful job— …But I wouldn’t throw the fun of clownery out the window!
[Visual ID: Something… Has happened to the apple. A bite has been taken out of it, I think.]
BARNABY Eheheh, as much as I’m enjoyin’ all this talk of clownin’ around, I better go check on my little apple— and I don’t mean Wally. But ya know what, I also mean Wally.
[Audio ID: Barnaby comes closer.]
BARNABY ‘Ey, how’s my little devil doin’ over ‘ere? You guardin’ my apple for me, pal?
[There is a brief pause. What is he doing.]
BARNABY Oh— heh, I guess ya didn’t do a very good job at it. [Barnaby calls out to the room] Hey! Who took a bite outta my apple? I think I see some fang marks, Frank!
FRANK [Seemingly from across the room.] THESE FANGS AREN’T REAL AND YOU KNOW THAT!
BARNABY Suuuure, sure— that’s what they all say!
[It sounds like Barnaby pats the camera.]
BARNABY Don’t worry though, kid, there’s plenty’a other eats here! What’re you feelin’ hungry for, Wally?
[End of Visual and Audio ID.]
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"HAPPY HAUNTING TO BOO AND YOURS" STORYBOOK RECORD:NARRATOR: What a beautiful day in Home, isn’t it, neighbor? Just like every day before today and every day after. But something about today is a little different. Our Sally Starlet might describe it as a spine tingling, bone chilling, and hair-raising sort of day! The sort of day her dear friend Poppy Partridge always dreaded, even as she helped prepare for the celebration.
Yes, that’s right! It was Sally’s favorite holiday- The Macabre Menagerie of Monstrous Mischief-Making! A monumental mouthful, if you ask me. But we’ve had our time talking, let’s peer into Poppy’s window to hear about it for ourselves.
SALLY: …Darling, you’ve produced such a dazzling and decadent display— Thank you again for letting me use your not-so-humble abode for my Macabre Menagerie of Monstrous Mischief-Making festivities.
NARRATOR: Sally carefully placed down the assorted treats on the table- Some even looked like our neighbors! They ought to make one for the Narrator, though...
POPPY: Why of course, dear! It’s so lovely to help you with your erm, well— Macabre— er, oh my—
SALLY: My Macabre Menagerie of Monstrous Mischief-Making, Poppy!
POPPY: …R-Right. [Said very quietly, mostly to herself.] …Does it have to be monstrous…?
SALLY: [Insistently] Poppy! Horror is the backbone of the Macabre Menagerie of Monstrous Mischief-Making! It is integral to what makes thespians, such as myself, able to convey true terror on stage! Everyone in Home simply must experience such a sensation for themselves! So today, everyone will be adorning elaborate ensembles outside of their repetitious apparel and become symbols of pure horror!- [Sally stops her theatrical presentation to return to her less passionate speech.] This will surely help them move into stardom as quickly as yours truly!
POPPY: Oh… But you’re dressed as a clown-
NARRATOR: Sally was dressed like a clown.
SALLY: If everyone is going as something they are not, then I must do so in turn! A director does not leave her actors to fend for themselves! So I arrived… As Pedrolino-
NARRATOR: Pedrolino, for those of you who don’t know, is from the commedia dell'arte-
SALLY: [Scoffing] Oh please, dear narrator! Of course they have!
NARRATOR: Of course. Poppy bristled her feather and sighed gently.
POPPY: [She sighs gently.] …I-I’m not quite sure I see the appeal, but… I suppose—
SALLY: Then look with your fantastic feathered soul, Poppy! There is more to understanding horror than sight alone!
POPPY: [She takes a pause. There’s an air of worried skepticism in her tone.] …More than sight alone?
SALLY: [As Sally rambles off the list, Poppy begins making fretful sounds] Why of course! A foul stench… A chill down your spine… A sour taste in your mouth… An unexpected knock at your door—
[A knocking at the door can be heard, followed by a worried squawk from POPPY.]
NARRATOR: Oh- That scared me too!
SALLY: Oh— That must be our esteemed guests! I’ll get it!
NARRATOR: As Poppy returned to fretting and fawning, Sally walked over to the front door to let in the guests. When she opened the door it revealed… Why, none other than our good friends Wally Darling and Barnaby B. Beagle! Wally was dressed in a devilish outfit, while Barnaby was dressed as… As a werewolf!
BARNABY: That’s were-beagle to you, pal!
SALLY: [She opens the door, an extra dramatic flair to her voice.] Welcome one and all! [She notices who is at the door.] Speak of the devil…
WALLY: Hi Sally. I’m a little devil. We’re here for the.. The… Um.
BARNABY: We’re here for terror n’ treats! Now where’s the punchline start?
SALLY: Terror n’ treats?! What is that?! That’s not what my extravaganza is called!
BARNABY: Oh yeah, the invitation said it was a Macaroni Macramé Marmalade Moose? I ain’t sayin’ all’a that, I think Terror n’ Treats is better. It’s got a little genie-say-quoff to it!
SALLY: Wha— t-that’s je ne sais quoi you— You beast!!
BARNABY: That’s Mr.Were-Beagle to you too! Now if you’ll excuse me, I beast be gettin’ a glass of punch! C’mon, little devil.
WALLY: Okay. I like punch.
NARRATOR: Wally and Barnaby made their way around Sally, who scoffed angrily at Barnaby’s joke. It wasn’t long before another knock was heard at the door. When Sally opened it this time, she revealed Julie Joyful and Frank Frankly! Julie was dressed as a witch and Frank was dressed as a vampire. But they also brought a third guest! A tomato encased in a red gelatin! …Ew.
SALLY: Franklin! Juliet! What a dashing couple you two make! Wonderfully witchy and vivaciously vampirific!
FRANK: [Underneath Sally’s greeting, quietly.] That’s not my name—
FRANK & JULIE: [Said in unison.] Ghoulish greetings, Sally!
JULIE: [She does a witchy cackle and wiggles her fingers at Sally.] We’re SO excited to be at your Magnificently Marvelous, Majestically, Mystifying Macabre Menagerie of Momentously Monstrous Mischief-Making Celebration!
FRANK: Yes– and I’ve brought tomato gelatin! See– There’s a whole one inside!
SALLY: [Her tone is stale.] …So you have. How terribly frightful.
FRANK: [Proudly said as he walks inside.] Thank you.
JULIE: I like your clown costume, Sally!
SALLY: Clown-?! It’s pedrolino!
JULIE: [Julie walks past her, unwavering at the correction as she makes her way to the others.] Wiggly worms and giggly grins! Watch out party-goers, Frank and Julie’s coming in!
BARNABY: [From further away] Hey! A witch and a guy with a cape brought more eats!
FRANK: [Frank goes to drop the gelatin off at the snack table, following Julie closely behind.] I’m a vampire! This gelatin is for looks only too, I better not see a bite taken out of it!
NARRATOR: Sally could only shake her head before one final set of knocks rang through the party. It was finally our friends Eddie Dear and Howdy Pillar! Eddie looked quite elaborate with his costume as Frankenstein's monster while Howdy… Howdy wore a bed sheet. Presumably, he’s a ghost.
HOWDY: I worked hard too! You ever tried to use four scissors at once?
SALLY: …Oh please— re-using the same ghost costume from last year, Howardson?
HOWDY: I resent that implication! Last year’s sheet was off-white— this year’s is eggshell white! And look! [A sound effect plays as Howdy wiggles his antennas] Wiggle room for the fellas!
EDDIE: [Tilting his head up to see] Oh! He’s right!
SALLY: Of course— And what of you, mailman? What are you supposed to be?
EDDIE: [Eddie sounds dumbfounded at her question.] I’m… Ya know, that book with the fella brought back from the dead? By the scientist? I worked real hard on this- Ya know, he’s got stitches… A deathly pallor… A bit of a moral conundrum-
SALLY: Yes, yes, of course, mailman! Now come in here, you two, we’re just about to begin the festivities and you’re our last guests!
HOWDY: Well don’t I feel special! Almost makes it worth closin’ the store early!- Is that my favorite regular over there? Gang way!
[Howdy’s shoes can be heard as he barges past Sally and leaves her alone with Eddie at the door.]
EDDIE: Oh, I like your Pedrolino costume, Sally! Ya know, just the other day when it was real slow in the post office, I was doin’ some reading about the Commedia dell'arte and I think it’s just- Oh! Did Frank bring one of his fancy molds again?
SALLY: That’s right, he did, now just come along inside—
NARRATOR: Oh that Eddie could talk! Sally ushered him inside with the others before closing the door behind her. Everyone had made it just in time for the festivities and the scariest part of the day- It was time for the telling of terrific tall tales. The neighbors gathered together in a circle on the floor just as Sally announced storytime with a flashlight in her hand.
SALLY: [Gathering everyone’s attention.] Alright, alright, everyone— I certainly hope you’ve all brought your own terror-filled tall tales for tonight’s Macabre Menagerie of Monstrous Mischief-Making—
BARNABY: Tall tales? Heh heh, I only brought one’a them, and it’s right behind me.
WALLY: [Leaning over, slightly hushed.] It looks more like a short tail to me, Barnaby.
SALLY: Oh behave, you two— Now, would anyone like to go first—
JULIE: [She cuts Sally off, waving her hand in the air excitedly.] OOH! OOH! Me–me–meme–me! I’ve got a scary story that’ll make your ears ring with fear!
[She accentuates this with an evil witch cackle! Thunder strikes outside.]
NARRATOR: Julie waved her hand up excitedly and- Was that thunder? It’s a beautiful day outside!
SALLY: [Pleased, she hands Julie the flashlight.] Of course, Juliet. The stage is all yours.
NARRATOR: Julie took the flashlight with a smile and stood before the other neighbors, putting on her spookiest voice.
JULIE: It was a dark and blistery night— or, maybe it was a really nice and sunny day— I can’t remember! Maybe it was a little rainy in the morning and sunny in the afternoon! Who’s keeping track anyways?
FRANK: [Said slightly amused.] You’re keeping track! You’re telling the story!
JULIE: Oh! That’s right. Anyways— [She slips back into her spooky voice.] And on that beautiful, horrifying, dark… sunny… day-night— a squirrel walked by, and—
[Julie suddenly lets out a scream, which elicits a terrified scream from Eddie.]
NARRATOR: Julie let out a scream! It only scared Eddie, though…
SALLY: [Sounding absolutely dumbfounded.] That’s— what was that?!
JULIE: I told you! It’s scary! AND spooky! It’s my scary spooky story!
SALLY: Juliet, that’s hardly a—
JULIE: [Continuing, disregarding Sally’s objections.] And THEN, the squirrel leaned over… and he saw…
[Julie lets out another scream, which elicits yet another horrified yell from poor Eddie.]
NARRATOR: Julie let out another scream! Oh Eddie…
SALLY: Alright, alright! I’m putting a stop to this terrifying train-wreck.
EDDIE: I-I dunno, I thought it was pretty darn scary if ya ask me! I mean, we don’t even know what that squirrel was up to… I don’t like it!
BARNABY: ‘Ey, I’m not sure if it’s bone-chilling, but I’ve got one that’ll tickle your funny bones for sure.
FRANK: [Mad.] NO!
SALLY: Now you listen here–!
NARRATOR: But it was too late- Barnaby took the flashlight from Julie’s hands and held it up to his muzzle like he was holding a microphone!
BARNABY: [Overlapping Sally’s objections.] —So what did a vampire, a zombie, and a ghost say when they walked into the bar?
[Pause for comedic effect.]
They said “owch!” ‘Cept for the ghost— he says it went right through him!
[Rim shot sound effect can be heard, followed by a disappointed sound from Sally and Frank.]
[There is scattered laughter amongst a few of the neighbors. Mostly Julie, Howdy and Eddie.]
WALLY: [Underneath the others’ laughter.] Ha. Ha. Ha. …I don’t get it. Ha. Ha. Ha.
SALLY: That is NOT a tall tale! In fact, it is incredibly short!
WALLY: That’s what I said.
HOWDY: Barn, yanno, I like your style— but I think everyone is bone-tired of the stand-up so maybe ya oughtta sit down and give ol’ Howdy a crack at it! I’ve got a real antennae-shaker for ya!
SALLY: [Said with a dramatic sigh.] Finally, SOMEONE with a tall tale worth trembling over.
NARRATOR: I’m not sure about this one.
HOWDY: You better believe it, Sal! -So there I was at the counter of Howdy’s Place!- The home of everything you need and everything you don’t, by the way- Just mindin’ the shop, wipin’ down the counters as I do. Admiring the array of wonderful products that you, too, can purchase and enjoy—
NARRATOR: I think we ought to save the advertisements for television, Howdy.
HOWDY: You don’t know what you’re missin’! A-hem! Anyways— out of the corner of my eye, there I saw it: a terrifyingly good deal— left unpurchased, sitting on my shelf, taking up valuable real estate!
EDDIE: [gasp of horror] Oh my stars! Not an inefficient use of shelf space!!
HOWDY: Don’t I know it! But it had been there for weeks— unmoving, lowering in value, LOWERING in price! It had to be clearanced! First ten percent, then TWENTY percent— THIRTY, FORTY! FIFTY, SIXTY— until finally… it happened…
EDDIE: [Another startled sound, absolutely flabbergasted!] No—!
HOWDY: That’s right! Not seventy-five, not EIGHTY-FIVE— not even NINETY-FIVE— this must-have item was marked down ONE-HUNDRED PERCENT!
[There is a scream from Julie and Eddie, but a small chuckle coming from Barnaby.]
SALLY: You… can’t be serious!
HOWDY: As serious as a heart attack! I was practically GIVING IT AWAY! But what was the buy of the century left unbought?!
SALLY: [Laced with sarcasm.] I’m… dying to know.
HOWDY: It was… The very sheet I’m wearing!!
EDDIE: [Eddie screams again!] I knew it!!!
HOWDY: Available now for only… For only… 100% off! [Howdy lets out a sound of anguish as he begins to dramatically cry]
NARRATOR: Barnaby patted Howdy on the back as the caterpillar cashier cried into his shoulders. Maybe these stories are starting to get scary…
WALLY: …Sally, may I tell a story?
SALLY: Oh Walliford, go right ahead… I suppose I don’t see the harm, seeing as how everyone else’s stories have been… lacking.
WALLY: Okay. I’m going to tell my story now.
NARRATOR: Wally stood up in front of the rest of the neighbors as Julie had and a hush fell over everyone. He held the flashlight but it… It’s upside down. Barnaby could you turn that rightside- Oh, thank you. Wally held the flashlight under his face as he began his terrifying tale.
WALLY: Yesterday, I went on a walk. I saw a kite, stuck inside of a tree. When I kept walking, I saw Barnaby. He was practicing his ball-balancing tricks. Then, I saw Eddie delivering the mail to Poppy’s house.
[He paused.]
…Oh! I almost forgot. I also saw a bug, sitting on a leaf. It reminded me of Frank. After that, I turned around and went home.
SALLY: …And what part of that story was supposed to be scary?
WALLY: Oh. I don’t know if it was scary. I had a nice day.
FRANK: Well, I liked the part in your story about the bug, Wally.
WALLY: Thank you, Frank.
NARRATOR: Oh, that was it! A quiet fell over the neighbors once more, but this time to watch Sally fume! She was shining brightly, getting more frustrated by the second as she tried to collect herself.
SALLY: [There is now noticeable exasperation in her voice.] …Must I really show you all what the true meaning of terror is? The Macabre Menagerie of Monstrous Mischief-Making is all about thrills and chills, and the fear of what goes BUMP in the night!
BARNABY: Oh, heh, that might’a been me! It was time for my bedtime snack!
SALLY: [With a slight scoff, she proceeds.] You’ll ALL be quivering with fright at my tall tale!
NARRATOR: Sally snatched the flashlight out of Wally’s hands and aimed it underneath her face. Everyone leaned in close to hear.
SALLY: [Sally begins, her tone serious and grave.] Have you ever wondered… Why it is that we stay indoors every night?
BARNABY: To get our beauty rest?
JULIE: So we sing each other good night on the phone before bed?
EDDIE: Oh! So we can sort our stamps!
SALLY: What?! No, no, and no! ...It is because this town is rumored to have visitors at night… Something from deep within the forest, far beyond the hills and mountains… No one knows what it wants or where it’s going, just that it is persistent.. Just that it arrives here.
So many stories have risen about their origins… But I know what it is searching for.
[Sally’s Audio is inaudible. If listeners can make out the audio, please help to decipher it with us and your fellow fans. Thank you.]
POPPY: [Poppy announces herself loudly] I have treats ready!
[Everyone is screaming at perhaps what is the best Halloween ever. Wally’s soft ‘aah’ can be heard.]
NARRATOR: Hoo boy! That had me jump up too! Now that was scary! Just like that, the Macabre Menager… Er… Terror N’ Treats nights was a success for Sally and the neighbors of Home! Who knew Poppy dressed as a Pumpkin with a platter of caramel apples was the scariest part of the night!
POPPY: Certainly not me! Oh, would you care for a candy apple, deary?
NARRATOR: Oh yes, thank you- To all you out there on this Terror N’ Treats night, eat plenty, be merry, and be careful… You never know what will come rustling and scratching into the night! Happy haunting and don’t forget to wave up high!
[The NARRATOR cackles villainously as the audio draws to a close.]
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INTERVIEW: INTERVIEWER: -Just wonderful- You sound like you have a lot going on in that neighborhood. In that uh-
WALLY: Welcome Home.
INTERVIEWER: -Yes, yes! That beautiful world of Welcome Home. Since the show’s really taken off, Wally, I’d say you’re quite the popular character now-
WALLY: [Genuinely surprised.] I am?
INTERVIEWER: You are!
WALLY: [Wally laughs and quickly responds.] I am!
[The audience laughs. The interviewer laughs. Wally laughs too.]
INTERVIEWER: Yes- And you’re quite the little charmer too, from what I heard-
WALLY: [Interrupting the interviewer.] -You’re not so bad yourself!
[The audience laughs uproariously again, the interviewer also laughing with them at Wally’s quick-witted remark.]
INTERVIEWER: [Coming down from laughter.] Well, thank you- That’s exactly it! Is that why they call you Wally Darling?
WALLY: They call me Wally Darling because that’s my name.
[The audience laughs again, they’re just eating this up. There's a beat before the interviewer cracking up himself. Wally laughs too, as if on cue.]
INTERVIEWER: [Coming down from laughter again.] That’s true, that’s true! [Pause for audience.] You’re very beloved by a lot of different people now. Do you find yourself in any sort of romances lately, hm?
WALLY: [Flabbergasted] Romance?
INTERVIEWER: Yes- [Whispers to Wally what it means, maybe to be more discreet.] A love life?- Being so popular and all-
WALLY: [Chime in.] Oh no, I don’t know. I love everyone. I love my friends.
INTERVIEWER: Oh? That’s right, you’ve got a lot of friends in that neighborhood- In fact I think you said you brought one in for us to meet. Is that right?
WALLY: Yes, it’s my best friend. He’s my neighbor, too. His name is Barnaby-
BARNABY: [Interrupting as he walks in.] Barnaby B. Beagle! [Quickly said, one after the other] Hey! Who? How? What? Hello! How ya doin’, Rick?
INTERVIEWER: [Said as if to solidify that name in his memory.] Barnaby B. Beagle. Mr. Beagle, a pleasure to have you here.
BARNABY: [Barnaby laughs.] Hey, enough with the formalities- Beagle is my mother’s name, just call me Barn!
INTERVIEWER: Oh is that right? She was a dog too?
BARNABY: Oh no no, she’s a chicken! Ya might’ve heard of her- She’s a real famous lady! She crossed the road once-!
INTERVIEWER: She crossed the road! [Small pause.] What for?
BARNABY: To get to the other side! [He pauses as the audience laughs at such an obvious set up. Barnaby chuckles too as he continues.] They’re still talkin’ about her to this very day!
INTERVIEWER: [Laughing slightly alongside the audience. He repeats Barnaby’s line as if to confirm his words.] To this very day! Wally, you certainly live amongst a colorful array of characters, it’s no wonder you’ve come into stardom recently! So how are you two handling the attention?
BARNABY: I’ve been destined for show-biz since I was just a puppy! What’s a couple more eyes to a well-known comedian like me? As long as they’re not throwin’ tomatoes at me, it sounds like a walk in the park! [Pause for laughter from the audience.] I tell ya, we got a neighbor who's got an arm like a professional baseball player! It’s not easy!
INTERVIEWER: [Laughs] Wow! I've ducked a few tomatoes in my own time. Sounds like a handful, Barn. What about you, Wally? What do you think of all this newfound fame?
WALLY: [Takes a long pause.] I think it’s just the most!
[The audience cheers at hearing his signature phrase before the audio abruptly ends.]
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"JUST SO" SONG DEMO:
[The recording is muffled and aged, with occasional dips. It begins with FRANK muttering to himself.]
FRANK: Let's see now.. right over left, under and through, fold on THIS side, down, up and around, pass it through and PULL- there! A perfectly tied Croquet Tie.
[Frank's door swing open. JULIE enters, excited and a little wound up.]
JULIE: Fraaank! Frank!!!
FRANK: Hm? Oh, Hi, Julie- come on in.
[Julie scampers inside, door closing.]
JULIE: Fraaaank, we’re almost ready to start Hula Hoop BOWLING Croquet!
FRANK: I know Julie, it’s just- wait. Bowling? You can’t just keep putting ‘bowling’ in other games, Julie. Remember Bowling Basketball?
JULIE: I sure do! You got mad because Barnaby kept winning.
FRANK: Well, now I have to change.
JULIE: What! Why?!
FRANK: Because now I’m in the wrong bowtie. You’re in your bowling dress, I can’t show up in my croquet bowtie.
JULIE: Ohhh, does it really matter?
FRANK: Of course it matters!
JULIE: Well… Why?
FRANK: It… just wouldn’t be right. It's like- well take our games for example. It wouldn’t be fun if there weren’t rules, right?
[JULIE gasps with delight.]
JULIE: It COULD be.
FRANK: No, no, no, remember what happened when you tried playing ‘Hopscotch To The Max’?
JULIE: I do-ooo.
FRANK: It took us an hour to get you down off Howdys roof, and we still don’t know where the green chalk went...
JULIE: I still won!
FRANK: So you say. But it wasn’t fun for me.
JULIE: Oh, that’s true. You were pretty grumpy, even though you DID help me get all the leaves out of my hair.
FRANK: Exactly. I like it when there’s rules. I like knowing what I’m supposed to be doing. I like it when things are… organized, or. Done right. When things are so… when they’re just…. just…
JULIE: Just… so?
FRANK: Yes! Just so!
[The audio breaks down for a few seconds, with strange noises and a laugh audible, before the recording is fixed and Frank begins singing.]
FRANK: Like the way I tie my bow tie- just so!
JULIE: Oh!
FRANK: I know how to tie the loop around, and exactly how to pull!
JULIE: Or like the way you keep your garden all in rows!
FRANK: Yes! That way I always know, where each plant will grow.
JULIE: I think I get it now! [Increasingly quick and off-meter] You just like everything neat, and tidy, and sure, and careful, and organized in a row, like a bow- just so!!
FRANK: Right! …Sort of. So if you’ll just give me a moment, I can find the RIGHT bowtie, and-
[There’s a knock at the door, oddly slow and non-rhythmic.]
FRANK: Oh for the love of-
JULIE: I’ll get it!
[The door opens.]
JULIE: HI, Wally! Come on in!
WALLY: Hi, Julie. Hi, Frank. Home wanted to know if it can play croquet too.
[The door closes.]
JULIE: Of COURSE!
FRANK: Well I don’t see why not.
WALLY: Oh, swell.
[There’s a beat of silence, while Wally has absolutely no follow up.]
FRANK: Is there something else, Wally?
WALLY: No.
JULIE: Oh, Wally! We were just talking about how Frank likes things Just So.
WALLY: Just so? What’s that mean?
JULIE: It’s, it’s, like… ties and books and game rules and gardens! Get it?
WALLY: …No. But… I’d like to understand.
FRANK: Oh, not you too- it’s just. Well. Think of a box of crayons.
WALLY: Okay.
FRANK: The colors go a certain way?
WALLY: Do they?
JULIE: They do after Frank steals the box when you’re not looking!
FRANK: Julie.
[JULIE giggles.]
FRANK: Maybe you should go get the game set up at Home's front yard.
JULIE: Ohh, good idea! I have to move the croquet hoops and tell Sally we’re moving the opening ceremonies!
FRANK: Thank you Julie- wait, hoops. You’re not using hula hoops, are you-
JULIE: BYEEE FRANK!
FRANK: JULIE YOU KNOW THOSE AREN’T REGULATION-
WALLY: Bye, Julie.
[JULIE exits, giggling until she’s out of earshot]
WALLY: …I don’t mind that you steal my crayons.
FRANK: My point is- it’s like a rainbow. Like how the colors in a rainbow go.
WALLY: Ohhh.
[Frank resumes singing.]
FRANK: I like it best… when red goes in front of the rest.
And the colors all stay inside the lines!
When each and every hue, from orange yellow green and blue,
WALLY: …and purple?
FRANK: RIGHT! Sometimes things have an order that their context, demands-
[The door SLAMS open.]
BARNABY: AND EVERYBODY LOVES THE WAY I WEAR BOOTS ON MY HAAAAAANDS
FRANK: BARNABY! WHAT are you- its not even RAINING, why are you wearing those?
BARNABY: Ain’t Crow-kay the one where you ride horses? I’m the horse.
FRANK: No that’s Polo-
BARNABY: Marco.
[Frank makes a frustrated noise.]
FRANK: Why are you here.
BARNABY: Came t’ get Wally!
WALLY: Hi, Barnaby.
BARNABY: Hiya, Wally.
WALLY: We’re singing a song, Barnaby.
BARNABY: Hey, I know one of those!
FRANK: No.
[Barnaby begins singing a completely different tune.]
BARNABY: When all you got is your fleas,
and you’re down on your knees
That’s a dog’s day,
Ain’t that the way-
FRANK: OUT.
WALLY: Aw. I wanted to learn the colors.
FRANK: Wally, I think you already know the colors.
WALLY: …I could hear them again.
BARNABY: Yeah Frank, which one’s orange again? [sounding genuinely confused] Am I orange?
FRANK: Out.
BARNABY: Now I’ll never know.
WALLY: Aren’t you coming to play croquet with everyone?
FRANK: I would already be ready if everyone would leave me be so I could finish getting dressed.
[Beat.]
BARNABY: …now don’t take this the wrong way from the dog who don’t wear pants but. What’s missin’?
FRANK: My Bowtie.
[BARNABY mock gasps.]
BARNABY: Wally, don’t look! He’s INDECENT!
FRANK: OUT.
[Barnaby chortles, and the pair leave.]
WALLY: Bye, Frank.
[Frank closes the door and breaths an exhausted sigh. Immediately a distinct cartoon knock sounds- shave and a hair cut.]
HOWDY: Howdy Dooo! Howdy Pillar here-
FRANK: Oh no, Howdy, not now-
HOWDY: Come in? Don’t mind if I do!
[On Howdy's final line, the recording rapidly slows and breaks down, ending suddenly with the sound of a record needle.]
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HOWDY: Howdy-do, fellas! What can I get for you two today?
BARNABY: Hiya Howdy, I think we’re gonna enjoy ourselves the usual.
HOWDY: A usual for my usuals? Comin’ right up, pal-ly!
WALLY: The usual? I thought we were getting hot dogs.
BARNABY: That is our usual, little buddy, it means somethin’ you and me get all the time! Kinda like our morning perusal.
WALLY: You mean our walk?
BARNABY: Yeah, but I like perusal better! Makes me feel like a fancy, high-class pooch! A pedigree with some degrees, if you will.
WALLY: Oh.
HOWDY: Alrighty! I gotta bloodhound in a whirlwind of trouble and an old reliable dog! So what’s the gaff today, Barn?
BARNABY: I got a good one that’s been brewin’ in this pot of mine all day! What do you call a caterpillar after a month-long nap? A butterfly! But if you ask me, I’d call the poor guy a doctor!
[Howdy laughs comically and over the top, slapping the counter. Wally laughs too, announcing the words, “ha ha ha,” out loud.]
HOWDY: That’s a hoot! A holler even! You always never disappoint! Say, Wally, what about you? You got any silly yarns for me today?
WALLY: No, but I have a joke.
[Howdy laughs again, shaking his head.]
BARNABY: What’d I tell you? He’s a natural and that was just a taste! Go on, kid.
WALLY: Okay. How does Barnaby eat his hot dog?
HOWDY: How?
WALLY: He relishes it!
[Howdy laughs heartily as he did the first time, slapping the counter top. Barnaby laughs too.]
HOWDY: He sure does! Boy, you’re getting the hang of this funny business, Walls! It won’t be long before you’re the one paying for these hot dogs!
WALLY: That’s okay, I like when Barnaby buys them.
BARNABY: It’s like ya said, Howdy, we’re a couple’a usuals who know what we like.
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JULIE: [Excitedly and quickly] Frank, Frank, Frank! Oh Frank, won’t you play a game with me?
FRANK: Oh, Julie, good morning. No, I can’t right now. I’m watering my plants, see?
JULIE: I do see! I hear them too! Gee, they sure have a lot to say!
FRANK: [Baffled] What? My Sole and Lyco? What are they saying to you?!
JULIE: [Interrupting him.] Oh, ssh, ssh! Hold on just a second, Frank! They’re telling me right now! ….Mhm… Uh-huh… Oh? Oh! I see- Oh, you don’t say!
[Julie continues to speak to the plants through affirmative sounds. Frank nervously mumbles and tuts from behind her.]
FRANK: Well? What did they say?
JULIE: Your tomatoes think you have a very love-o-ly bowtie today!
FRANK: They do?-
[Frank stops mid-sentence to lean towards the tomatoes and mumble a soft, “thank you,” before returning his attention to Julie.]
FRANK: What else are they saying?
JULIE: Well- they also think your marigolds could be a little merrier! But I wouldn’t say that in front of your flowers!
[Frank pauses again to look at his tomatoes, this time mumbling, “I’m sorry, I’ll see what I can do.”]
JULIE: They also had one last thing to say…. They think… That you’ve done such a good job gardening… That you should go play jump rope with Julie to celebrate!
[Frank sighs loudly in exasperation as Julie laughs.]
FRANK: [Distressed.] Oh Julie! You were fibbing about the tomatoes telling you all that, weren’t you!?
JULIE: No, Frank, I was telling the truth! Honest! Your marigolds really are very, very rude!
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EDDIE: Mail call! I got mail here for Ms. Partridge!
SALLY: I’ll be taking that!
EDDIE: Pardon me for askin’ but-
SALLY: You’re pardoned.
EDDIE: Well, I could have sworn this was Poppy’s barn! I might’ve made a wrong turn at that game of hopscotch outside of Julie’s house! Those games always get me turned around…
SALLY: Of course this is her barn, mailman! But she just so happens to have her feathers full at the moment!
POPPY: Hello, dearie! I’m right here- At least, I think I am- Oh goodness, it’s hard to see past all this yarn!
EDDIE: [Mumbled] Oh darlin’, what has she got you wearing?
SALLY: Can’t you see she is a beautiful beanstalk? The perfect outfit for the star of my next play!
POPPY: Oh yes! I forgot to ask what role this is for… It was a bit sprung on me.
SALLY: It is for Jack and the Beanstalk, obviously! But I have taken some artistic liberties of course- I call this rendition, Sally and the Beanstalk!
EDDIE: Oh boy…. So Sally and the Beanstalk is a little like that story about that fella who traded some cows for a couple’a beans? The same beans that eventually grow into a giant beanstalk he decides to climb up?
SALLY: Yes!
POPPY: [Whispering fearfully] …Climbed…?
EDDIE: And then he runs into that big and mean ol’ giant at the top? The very same who chases after Jack all the way to the bottom?
SALLY: Yes, yes!
POPPY: [Whispering even more frantically] …G-Giant…?!
EDDIE: And when Jack gets to the bottom, doesn’t he cut down that beanstalk with a big axe?
SALLY: Yes, yes, that’s exactly it! But it will be yours truly as the one with the big axe instead!
POPPY: [Louder and afraid] Big axe?!
[Poppy lets out a dramatic squawk and faints with a loud thud.]
SALLY: Oh Poppy, don’t worry! After some rehearsals, you will feel as strong and sturdy as the role you were born to play!
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