LARGER THAN LIFE: THE MUSICAL

Scene-by-Scene Synopsis

ACT ONE

            It’s early Saturday morning in a church basement which is prepared for a rummage sale. Ange storms in, arms full of dry cleaning bags and wonders in song “WHERE’S THE COFFEE?”. She is joined in this question over next few minutes by Marnie, Charly and Pat, each of them carrying their own literal and metaphorical baggage. Finally Violet, organizer of the rummage sale, arrives with coffee – along with soy milk and organic honey, of course.

            As everyone sets up, we start to see just what a mismatched group they are. Ange the high-power businesswoman, Marnie the sweet quirky girl who’s looking for love, Pat the Supermom, Charly the funny but cynical lesbian and Violet the tree-hugger. They have gathered to raise money to support a girls’ camp, and also to get rid of some of their excess stuff.

            It’s nearly time for the sale to start and preparations escalate. Violet gets help putting up the “White Elephant Sale” sign and they unpack (“WHITE ELEPHANTS”). Pat receives the first of many cell phone calls from her family, who can’t seem to manage with her away for a few hours. Charly and Marnie begin to see they have a lot in common.

            Marnie reveals her dream, to find a nice boy, settle down, and have kids. Unfortunately, she’s reached the age where her biological clock is ticking down a lot faster than eligible men are showing up. (“NICE BOYS”). Ange attacks Marnie’s idea of a rosy future and Charly leaps to her defense. Pat gets another phone call and Violet affirms her faith in the mystic power of the universe.

            Thwarted in her attack on Marnie, an angry Ange goes after Violet. If she’s such a big believer in “following your bliss” why is she selling off the reminders of her great dream – to sing professionally? Violet’s answer silences even Ange. (“HUSH LITTLE BIG MOUTH”)

            Realizing she’s brought the room down, Violet uses the discovery of a box of wedding gowns and hideous bridesmaid dresses to lighten the mood. (“WEDDING DRESSES”). Pat gets a phone call.

            Now that everyone’s stuff is literally “on the table” Charly makes a discovery. Ange is selling items that clearly belonged to a man. How come? With some prodding, Ange explains that her sale items, including the designer suit and expensive keys, are all that is left of the man who recently and unceremoniously dumped her after five years. (“RABBIT IN THE HEADLIGHTS”).

            Violet takes Ange offstage fro some herbal TLC. Pat goes off to find better phone reception, and Charly and Marnie start a conversation about family – the one Charly has and the one Marnie wants. Everyone comes back in time to hear Marnie’s announcement that the currently single Charly must have it easier in relationships, “because you’re a lesbian” and for Charly’s negative reply. She says she’s just a “FAT COW IN THE CHINA SHOP OF LOVE”

            With early sale shoppers gathering outside, the women make last minute preparations, pausing for an explanation, complete with visual aids, of Charly’s extended family relationships and for a musical discussion of the follies of both men’s and women’s magazines. (“MAGAZINES”). Pat discovers a photo of herself as a new mom, and wonders how such a lovely young woman became the “middle aged nobody” she thinks she is now. The girls remind her in song that she was and is “LOVELY.” Finally the shoppers can be held back no longer, and the shopping frenzy begins. (“SALE SONG”)

INTERMISSION

ACT TWO

             Interacting with each other and imaginary shoppers, the characters share the items they have for sale, from the box of condoms Charly has left over from her AIDS prevention workshop to Violet’s costume tiara. Each of them has to choose what to keep, and what to give away. (“UNPACK MY BAGGAGE”).

            The sale is over, the sellers exhausted but happy. This time it’s Ange’s cell phone that rings, giving her a chance to say a final goodbye to the “Rabbit in the Headlights.”  (“RABBIT TANGO”).

            Everyone is settling in to celebrate with beer and cookies when Pat’s phone rings – again. This time hubby wants to know, “Where’s the milk?” Pat’s answer makes very clear where it’s not. (“THESE AIN’T YOUR MAMA’S TITS”)

            Pat and Violet swap stories about their partners, men they love but don’t always understand.

            Violet rhapsodizes about her big dream of going to Vienna to sing opera. Her new friends suggest she might want to take one step at a time, say by performing with the same local Gilbert and Sullivan society as Pat. (“G&S”)
           
            With the discovery of some unsold baby items, Marnie gets a crash course in child care from Pat. (“SNUGGLY”)

            Ange is packing up to go home and get back on the hunt for a man, but gets slowed down by the suggestion that she might want to try being on her own for a while.
(“TEA FOR ONE”)

            Ever-chivalrous Charly helps Marnie pack her things. Marnie checks to maker sure Charly is single. They both realize there might just be potential in the chemistry between them, unsure as they are. (“SOMETHING”)

            It’s time to clear the room for the next group. Pat gets a phone call. This time her husband is offering her a romantic evening away – the girls make sure she says yes. Charly and Marnie make a dinner date. Violet gets the number for the Gilbert and Sullivan society and plans a nature trip with a surprised Ange. The day’s sale receipts are added up and the fundraiser has been a huge success. There’s nothing left but to sing the "FINALE”.

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