The Plant of Realization

Suzanne Saunders

Appropriate for all ages

CAST LIST:

Mr. Wilkinson: The family lawyer, age is 60 plus.

Bonnie Bradford*: The sister of Frank, Barbara, and Sharon. She is 40 plus and Bill’s wife.

Tara Bradford: College age daughter of Bonnie and Bill.

Bill Bradford: Bonnie’s husband, age is 40 plus, and works as a CPA.

Frank Williams*: The brother of Bonnie, Barbara, and Sharon He is 50 plus and a doctor.

Sherri Williams: Frank’s wife, age is 50 plus.

Sharon Matheson*: Widow in her 50s who works as a nurse and is the sister of Bonnie, Frank, and Barbara. She lives with Barbara and Andy.

Barbara Hunter*: The sister of Bonnie, Frank, and Sharon. She is 40 plus and Andy’s wife.

Andy Hunter: Barbara’s husband, age is 40 plus.

*Frank, Sharon, Bonnie, and Barbara are siblings from the Williams family.



TIME & PLACE:
Middle America anytime within the last thirty years.

ACT I, Scene 1:

SETTING:
BONNIE’s living room. Immediate family members have gathered after the memorial service of Lydia Williams, the mother of Bonnie, Frank, Sharon, and Barbara.

BEFORE RISE:
[Family members are chatting.]

AT RISE:
[There’s a knock on the door. BONNIE approaches the door to answer it.]

MR. WILKINSON: [Mr. Wilkinson enters the living room, holding a plant]
It was a lovely service, Bonnie.

BONNIE: Thank you, Mr. Wilkinson. Come on in.

MR. WILKINSON: I have something for you.
[He hands her the plant]

BONNIE: Oh, thank you. That’s so kind of you.
[She takes it and sets it on a nearby table]

MR. WILKINSON: It’s not from me. It’s from your mother.

BONNIE: What?

MR. WILKINSON: It’s a gift from your mother to all of you.

[He pulls a piece of paper out of his pocket]

Excuse me, I need everyone’s attention. I have a special message from the dearly departed Mrs. Williams, mother to Bonnie, Frank, Sharon, and Barbara. She wrote a letter with special instructions that she wanted me to read to you.

[He reads the letter]

Dear Family,
It is with a loving heart that in addition to the rest of my estate, I leave a special gift with you. Mr. Wilkinson has been instructed to read this letter and bring you a plant. This plant is not a plant of condolences, but a gift from me to you. I was given this plant years ago, and for unknown reasons, it has out lived me. When I was given this plant, I was told that it had the ability to help a person come to a clear decision when faced with a dilemma. Through the years, the presence of this plant has helped me determine what is the best course I should take in life when I have been confronted with a crisis. Maybe it’s just the power of suggestion or wishful thinking, but I am now passing it onto you to care for it since I no longer can. However, I have a request: I want each of my children to take care of it for three months out of the year. By rotating where it resides, no one is left caring for it full-time. I hope it brings to you the peace of mind that it brought to me.
Love you all,
Mama

BONNIE: Mr. Wilkinson, is this for real? The importance of this plant? It’s just a plant. I mean, of course we’ll take care of it, but I’m stunned by this.

BARBARA: Mama’s last sentiment to us is to watch over a plant? A plant that will help us make decisions? I’ve never heard of such a thing.

BONNIE: Well, Mama did say it could just be the power of suggestion or wishful thinking, so I think we’ll leave it at that.

FRANK: [Leaning towards Bill, he says under his breath to Bill]
Early onset dementia.
[He points to his head]

SHARON: I think it’s sweet that this plant was so important to her that she wanted it to be cared for after she was gone.

BARBARA: Sharon, you can’t keep sugar coating everything. Face it. Mom was losing it near the end.

BONNIE: Regardless, I think we should honor her request, and we all take care of the plant just like she asked.
[Everyone agrees to comply]
Okay. Then, we are all in agreement. I will take it the first three months, then Frank will take it the next three months, and Barbara and Sharon will take it for the rest of the year since Sharon is living with Barbara and Andy. Good, then. We have it all settled: the plant will be cared for.

Lights Down
ACT I, Scene 2:

SETTING:
BONNIE’s living room. Bonnie says good bye to the last family member as Tara, Bonnie’s daughter, waits patiently for her.

BEFORE RISE:
[Plant is on table, visible to the audience.]
AT RISE:
[Bonnie is saying good bye to the last guest leaving her living room.]

TARA: Mom, I know that it may not be a good time to talk to you about something right now, but it’s really important.

BONNIE: Sure, honey. What is it?

TARA: It’s about school.

BONNIE: Oh, Tara, I’m so glad you took time off to make it to Mama’s memorial service. Not everybody was able to come, but you did. I know that making this trip wasn’t easy, disrupting your college classes and all.
[Bonnie clasps Tara’s hands in hers]

TARA: But, that’s just it, mom. It wasn’t any trouble. I’m glad to be here for you, but I’m also here for another reason.

BONNIE: What’s that?

TARA: To tell you that I’m dropping out of college.

BONNIE: Oh, my. I didn’t expect to hear that.
[Bonnie releases her hands from Tara’s]

TARA: I’ve put a lot of thought into it, and college just isn’t for me.

BONNIE: Then, what is for you?

TARA: I want to tell you and dad at the same time.

BONNIE: Are you sure about this? This is a big decision that can change the course of your life.

TARA: Exactly, and that’s why I’m doing it. It’s what I have to do.

BONNIE: Why do you want to drop out?

TARA: College isn’t for me. The environment is full of students who don’t want to learn anything. All they want to do is party, and I don’t fit in. I’ll never survive it.

BONNIE: I see.

BILL: [Bill enters the room after talking to the last guests out front]
Well, everyone is on their way. Bonnie, your mother would have loved her service.
[He notices that Bonnie seems distressed and hugs her. He thinks it’s because of the passing of her mother but it’s because of Tara wanting to quit college]
Hey, everything will be fine. Your mother lived a long, wonderful life.

BONNIE: Bill, Tara has something to tell us.

BILL: Sure, Tara, what is it?

TARA: Dad, I’m dropping out of college.

BILL: Dropping out of college? But, what about your plans to be a CPA and work at my firm? Are you sure you want to give that all up?

TARA: Yes, I’m sure. I have to be honest with myself: I don’t want college, and I don’t want to be a CPA.

BILL: What will you do with your life?

TARA: I want to join the Peace Corps.

BILL: The Peace Corps? That’s admirable, honey, but the Peace Corps? Do you know what that means?

TARA: Yes, it means I will be going to a foreign country to help others understand other cultures and promote peace.

BONNIE: Another country? But where?

TARA: Latin America.

BILL: Tara, this is so sudden. Are you sure you’re not being hasty about this decision?

TARA: No, dad. It’s perfect for me. I’m fluent in Spanish, and I’ve already been to Venezuela, so I am familiar with the culture.

BILL: It sounds like you’ve made up your mind.

TARA: Yes, I have.

BILL: Is there anything we can say that would change your mind?

TARA: No, dad. I’m set on my decision. I’m an adult now, and I can do this on my own without your approval, but I’d rather have your approval, if that’s possible.

BONNIE: That’s possible.
[She smiles]

BILL: [His body language implies defeat or disappointment]
Curtain Down
###

ACT II, Scene 1:

SETTING:
FRANK AND SHERRI’S dining room.

BEFORE RISE:
[Plant is on the dining table, visible to the audience.]

AT RISE:
[SHERRI is pouring water in glasses while FRANK puts their plates on the table.]

SHERRI: [Setting down the pitcher of water on the table]
Did you hear that Tara was accepted into the Peace Corps?

FRANK: No, that’s great news. I knew she had applied and went through the whole interview process, but I didn’t know that she was accepted.

SHERRI: [She brings a casserole dish over to the table and sets it down]
Yeah, she was, but I think Bonnie and Bill had still hoped she would change her mind. They really wanted her to finish college.

FRANK: [He sets a basket of rolls on the table]
I understand. I don’t know what I would have thought if any of our kids decided to not finish school. At least the Peace Corps is a worthy cause.

SHERRI: [She sits down at the table to eat dinner]
It is but the idea of Tara being in another country just seems like so much change. Why would she want to go to another country when there is so much here?

FRANK: [He sits down at the table to eat dinner]
Change can be a good thing.

SHERRI: I suppose. Hey, I’m glad you made it back early today. It was nice to have your help.

FRANK: I’m glad to help, but I came back early for a reason.

SHERRI: Oh, is everything okay?

FRANK: Yeah, I think so. I just want to talk to you about something that’s important to me that I think should be important to you, too.

SHERRI: And that is…?

FRANK: Our life together. What we do from here on out.

SHERRI: You’re worrying me, Frank, I don’t get where you’re going with this.

FRANK: I think we need a change.

SHERRI: [She sets her fork down, indicating a loss of appetite]
Change. What kind of change?

FRANK: I think we need a change. We’re in a routine, Sherri, and I think we need to do something about it. Every day during the week, I go to the clinic and work ten hour days, seeing patients. I come home and sit with you for about two hours, and then, the day is over.

SHERRI: I don’t think our life is so bad.

FRANK: I’m not finished. Then, on the weekends when I have time off, you’re always gone at a fundraiser or volunteering somewhere.

SHERRI: I didn’t know that bothered you.

FRANK: Well, it doesn’t bother me. It just means our lives are out of sync. How long are we going to go on like this before we do something about it?

SHERRI: I resent that you think we’re in a rut.

FRANK: I didn’t say “rut.” I said we’re in a “routine.”

SHERRI: Same thing.

FRANK: I disagree.

SHERRI: So, what are you trying to say? That because we’re in a “routine” we need to change? And, what does making a change mean to you, Frank? I know what it means to me. It means separation.

FRANK: Slow down, Sherri. That’s not where I’m going with this at all.

SHERRI: Then give me some clarification on where you are going with this because things are pretty murky to me.

FRANK: I want to take some time off so that we can travel.

SHERRI: What? You want to take time off to travel? For how long?

FRANK: Six months.

SHERRI: Six months? Are you serious? What about your position at the clinic?

FRANK: When we come back, I’ll work as a contracted physician instead of as an employee.

SHERRI: Is there something you’re not telling me? Is your health okay?

FRANK: My health is fine. This isn’t a bucket list thing. It’s just something I want to do while we still can.

SHERRI: Then, this is for real? You want to travel for six months?

FRANK: Yes.

SHERRI: Where? Where would we go?

FRANK: New Zealand. Australia. We could hike, go horseback riding, and maybe even learn to surf.

SHERRI: That sounds exciting, but I can’t see how we can do that.

FRANK: Believe me, Sherri, it’s possible. The only obstacle is ourselves, so if we want to do it, we can.

SHERRI: This is a lot for me to process. You know how I don’t like change. What will I do about the committees I’m involved with?

FRANK: That shouldn’t be too difficult. You just make a few phone calls and find someone else to step in for you. How many committees are you in?

SHERRI: [Sherri makes a face and shrugs her shoulders, showing reluctance to divulge the number]

FRANK: How many? Three?

SHERRI: [She nods her head, “No.”]

FRANK: Four or five?

SHERRI: [She nods her head, “No,” again]

FRANK: I’m afraid to guess any higher. You gotta tell me.

SHERRI: [She takes a deep breath]
I’m involved with twelve.

FRANK: Twelve? See, this is what I’m talking about. We’re so out-of-sync that I didn’t even know you were in twelve committees.

SHERRI: I suppose you’re right. Maybe we need to do something together. But, wow, six months.

FRANK: Well, maybe it’s time to embrace change. When we’re on our trip, you can fill me in on all of the committees you’re involved with.

Curtains Down
###

ACT III, Scene 1:

SETTING:
BARBARA’S kitchen.

BEFORE RISE:
[Plant is on the kitchen counter, visible to the audience.]

AT RISE:
[BARBARA and SHARON are bringing groceries in and setting them on the kitchen counter.]

BARBARA: There’s nothing like tomatoes in the summer.

SHARON: Absolutely. Tomatoes and corn on the cobb.

BARBARA: The two must have summer foods.
[Barbara looks through the mail she had in her hands]
Hey, we got a postcard from Frank and Sherri. They are currently making their way from New Zealand to Australia.

SHARON: I’m so glad Sherri agreed to go. Frank was so excited about this trip.

BARBARA: You know, I can’t believe Sherri had to think about it. If I was offered a trip to New Zealand and Australia, I’d have my bags packed faster than a dog devouring a bone.

SHARON: I’m with you on that!
[They both laugh]
I think change is a good thing. In fact, I have had some ideas for change on my mind.

BARBARA: Really? What would you change? I’m asking because you’ve already gone through so much change with…

SHARON: Yes, I know since I lost Darryl, which I want to say, letting me live with you these past three years has been a great help so much so that I’ve put a lot of thought into what I want to do with my life, and seeing Frank make such a bold move has inspired me.

BARBARA: In what way?

SHARON: After Darryl passed away, I felt at a loss in so many ways. Not only did I lose Darryl, but I lost my sense of purpose. When he had his stroke, I thought, I could handle it. After all, I am a nurse. I’ve cared for stroke patients, and I thought all would be good. But, when he came down with pneumonia, his health deteriorated so quickly and nothing could be done.

BARBARA: Pneumonia can take a person’s life unexpectedly, especially when they’re over forty.

SHARON: I know, and I tell myself that, but losing him made me feel like I had failed him.

BARBARA: No, you didn’t fail him. You and the doctors did everything you could. He was in good hands.

SHARON: It’s something I still wrestle with within myself, but it has brought me to the conclusion that I don’t want to be a nurse anymore. I don’t want to be around sick people. I don’t want to re-live Darryl’s illness every day that I am at the hospital.

BARBARA: Then, what do you want to do?

SHARON: You’ll think I’m crazy, but I want to run a dog rescue for small dogs.

BARBARA: Whoa! What?

SHARON: See. You think I’m crazy.

BARBARA: No. No, I don’t. I just wasn’t expecting to hear you say that. Besides, you already have a small kennel with your three Jack Russell Terriers, Larry, Moe, and Curly.

SHARON: But that’s why I want to do it. They bring me happiness. I know that running a rescue can bring its share of heartbreak, but I think it’s a new chapter of my life that I need to begin.

BARBARA: How would you do this? Wouldn’t the start-up costs be a little much for you?

SHARON: No, not really because I would be taking over a rescue already in operation. A woman I know named Liz, she’s in my Bunco group, said she wants to retire from it and just be a part-time volunteer. So, I told her I’d be interested in taking it over for her. She said she has grants established to help cover costs, and that she would coach me on running fundraisers.

BARBARA: Wow. It sounds like everything is all set then if you want to pursue this.

SHARON: It is and I will. I’m going through with it.

Lights Down


ACT III, Scene 2:

SETTING:
BARBARA and ANDY’S dining room.

BEFORE RISE:
[Plant is on the dining table, visible to the audience.]

AT RISE:
[BARBARA, ANDY and SHARON are playing cards. It’s evening and about a month after SHARON has taken over the dog rescue. Note: Actors can determine the card game]

BARBARA: I think I’m beating you two.

ANDY: I think you’re both beating me.

SHARON: Well, it’s in the cards as to who will end up the winner.

ANDY: So, Sharon, from what I can tell, it seems like the dog rescue adventure has been going well for you.

SHARON: It has been going well. When I get up in the morning, I’m excited to see all their faces and their appreciation. I know some people would disagree with me, but I really do believe animals that have been rescued appreciate the rescuers.

ANDY: I wouldn’t disagree with you on that. I think they do.

SHARON: I’m really glad that I took the leap and pursued something that helped uplift me as a person. Being a nurse was very rewarding, don’t get me wrong, but it became very hard for me to continue after Darryl’s situations.

ANDY: We understand.

BARBARA: I’m glad you took the leap, too, Sharon.

[BARBARA pauses, preparing to change the subject]

You know how Frank taking his trip inspired you?

SHARON: Yes, it gave me the courage to be honest with myself and go after what I really wanted.

BARBARA: [She sets down her cards]
Well, you taking over the dog rescue has been inspirational to me, and I have to admit, I love going down there and helping. It’s meant a lot to me to be a part of it. With that said, I have something I want to share with the both of you.

SHARON: Sure. Does it have to do with the rescue?

BARBARA: Sort of. It has to do with a secret passion I have.

ANDY: Take cover. Here comes the bomb.

SHARON: And, what’s that?

BARBARA: As you know, I counsel troubled youth, so I am more in tune with the culture of the youth.

ANDY: Fasten your seat belts. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.

BARBARA: I have been attending slam poetry readings with my friend Vicki, and I have decided that I want to compete in slam poetry competitions.

SHARON: Do you really? I think that’s great.

ANDY: No comment.

BARBARA: I don’t know how familiar you are with it, but it’s poetry that is meant to be read aloud and with passion.

ANDY: I think I’ll call my first poem, “Speechless.”

BARBARA: Attending the competitions and watching as a spectator has sparked my desire to write and read my poetry to others. But, there’s more to it.

SHARON: What’s that?

BARBARA: I think we can hold a slam poetry competition to help raise money for the rescue. The theme will be “Helping Small Paws.” What do you think?

SHARON: I love it!

BARBARA: I wrote a poem. Would you like to hear it?

SHARON: Absolutely.

ANDY: Yes, I’d like to hear this.

BARBARA: [She stands up and takes a piece of paper out of her pocket]
Now, remember. It’s slam poetry, so I have to read it with passion.
[She psyches herself up to go into the “zone” of a slam poet]
[She reads her poem]
My poem is called A Dog’s Life
A Dog’s life is what you say
When nothing goes your way.
Worn soles and worn paws
Walking the pavement with tired jaws.
Roaming the streets, alone and scared
You ask if anyone out there has ever cared.
But, there is a place for those in need
For those lost, looking for a place to keep.
It’s a place for you and your little paws
Where love and peace rule the law
A place called ‘home for little paws.

SHARON: [Sharon applauds her]
Let’s do it, Barbara. Let’s have this fundraiser.

ANDY: [Andy nods his head in approval]

Curtains Down

###

ACT VI, Scene 1:

SETTING:
BONNIE AND BILL’S living room.

BEFORE RISE:
[All family members are present in the living room, visiting.]

AT RISE:
[BARBARA is setting the plant down on a table in the living room as Bonnie watches. All other family members are present and chatting.]

BARBARA: Here you go Bonnie. It’s your turn.

BONNIE: Thank you, Barbara.
[BONNIE studies the plant]
Barbara, do you think Mama was right: That this plant has powers?

BARBARA: No, I think she was losing it.

BONNIE: I suppose. I just wondered because so much has happened over the past year.

BILL: [Bill walks up to Barbara and Bonnie]
Bonnie, I think it’s all coincidental. It’s just been a busy year for everybody.
[He turns to Frank]
Frank, what do you think about the plant? Does it have powers?
[Bill moves his fingers like magic fingers, mocking the idea]

FRANK: Well, as a doctor, I would say the plant has no magical powers, but from a psychological viewpoint, I’d say that maybe the plant can influence people through the power of suggestion, but that’s a stretch. It’s just a plant.

SHARON: [SHARON steps in]
How can you say that? This plant was special to Mama. That means it’s connected to her in some way.

BARBARA: Are you trying to say that the plant has a cosmic connection Mama?
[BARBARA rolls her eyes]
Sharon, do you hear yourself?

SHARON: I’m just saying it has a connection to Mama. It’s like when you hold something that belonged to her, don’t you feel a connection?
[They all begin to debate the powers of the plant]

ANDY: [ANDY interrupts the arguing]
I have a confession to make!

BARBARA: A confession?

BONNIE: What is it, Andy? Is everything okay?

ANDY: It was me.

BARBARA: What do you mean by that?

ANDY: I gave Lydia the plant.
[Everyone gasps]

BARBARA: You gave Mama the plant? And, you didn’t tell us? Why?

ANDY: I was trying to help her cope with her memory loss. She felt unconfident about making decisions because of it. So, I got her a plant and I told her would help her make decisions.

BARBARA: That’s crazy. Where did you get the plant?

ANDY: From K-Mart.

BARBARA: You mean to say this whole big-to-do is about a plant from K-Mart?

ANDY: Yep. But, she loved it when I gave it to her. I thought of getting her a dog, but at her age and condition, I thought that wouldn’t be a good idea, so I got her a plant.
[ANDY smiles]

BARBARA: I can’t believe what I’m hearing.
[ALL CAST MEMBERS begin to look at the plant]

BONNIE: But, do you think it might have something to it. We all made some big decisions this last year.

BILL: Bonnie, Andy said it was all made up by him.

SHARON: But, you have to admit, there is something special about this plant.

BARBARA: Sharon, there you go again, falling for this mumbo-jumbo stuff.

SHARON: I would think with you being a slam poet now, you would be more open minded to the idea, especially when it was your husband who came up with the scheme.

FRANK: Sharon, this doesn’t have to do with being open minded. It has to do with believing in nonsense.

ANDY: Hey, you guys. You don’t have to worry about it anymore. You can do whatever you want with the plant, unless you just want to keep it for your mother’s sake.
[He turns to Bonnie]
Bonnie, what do you think? It would be your turn to take care of it. Do you want to take care of it for the next three months, or do you want me to take it outside? I didn’t mean for this to cause so much trouble.

FRANK: You didn’t cause any trouble, Andy. We appreciate that you were just trying to help mom.

BONNIE: Andy, if it’s okay with you, I want to take care of it.
[She looks the plant over]
You know, it kind of grows on you.
[She smiles]
No pun intended.

[ALL CAST MEMBERS laugh]

Curtains Down

###

NOTE: If the director wishes to add a dramatic effect at the end, a single spotlight can be placed on the plant, using a special filter to give it a mystical aura before the curtain goes down.