Joseph  Sample 5:    Opening night. The return of Bert the Director.

 

NARR              Joseph could take it no longer. Touched by the way his brothers had offered their own lives to save their little BENJjamin, he realized that they had learned their lesson. No longer were they the jealous, selfish band of years ago. Their difficulties and famine had made them humble, humble enough to put someone else's life ahead of their own. Throwing off his grand robes, he revealed his true identity. (Throughout NARRATOR'S speech, DIRECTOR has wandered in unnoticed, and is now standing by the side of the stage) 

ISAC                Bert! 

BENJ              Bert? 

DAN                That's not Bert, it's Joseph! 

ISAC                No, Bert, he's come back! 

REUB              He has, too! 

SIMEON          Hiya Bert! 

NAPTH            Good old Bert!  (BROTHERS rush straight past JOSEPH to greet DIRECTOR, clapping him on back, etc) 

LEVI                 We missed you! 

ZEBUL             It was murder without you! 

REUB              We nearly abandoned the whole show! 

JUDAH            We knew you'd come back really! 

GAD                Have you been watching? 

ASH                 Did we do well? 

BENJ               Was the singing ok? 

ISAC                Did you like my joke about the sheep's eyes? 

SIMEON          What about "I'm desperate, Dan!"  (everybody laughs, completely ignoring JOSEPH) 

JOSEPH         Oi!!!!!!  (stunned silence, everyone freezes, then very slowly turns towards JOSEPH) 

ASH                 He spoke! 

REUB              (pointing) You spoke! 

JUDAH            Is that allowed? 

SIMEON          Search me. 

NARR              Realising that it was their long lost Joseph that stood there before them, the brothers rushed to greet him. (BROTHERS drag themselves away from DIRECTOR and half-heartedly go back to JOSEPH. After a few muttered greetings and handshakes they stand around, wondering what to do next, looking embarrassed). Their father, Jacob, was the last, and his greeting was the fondest and warmest. 

JACOB            (Still talking to DIRECTOR)  See you later then Bert. Tada!  (Dir exits. JACOB crosses stage to JOSEPH, who waits eagerly with arms outstretched. JACOB tries to summon up some enthusiasm, but fails miserably) Hi Joseph, all right? (Shakes hand briefly before turning to BROTHERS)  Great to see Bert again wasn't it?