The Pinecone Clock
By Collena McMinn
Stage Setup
1.Backdrop- A large, detailed backdrop of an old-fashioned clockface, with visible numbers and hands. The backdrop should have a whimsical, slightly surreal design to match the playful tone of the play.
2.Center Stage- A large, central clock structure with two prominent pinecones representing (RIGHTY and LEFTY) hanging from chains. The clock should have a small door at the back for JERRY to access and adjust the pinecones.
3. Props- A small table or workbench with tools and clock parts for Jerry to use when adjusting the clock. A key that JERRY uses to rewind the clock, which can be places on the table or attached to the clock.
4.Lighting- Soft, warm lighting to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Spotlights on RIGHTY and LEFTY during their dialogues to emphasize their importance. Dim lighting during JERRY’S adjustments to create a sense of mystery and focus on his action.
5.Sound Effects- Soft ticking of the clock in the background to maintain the rhythm of the play.
6.Costumes- JERRY should wear a simple, old-fashioned outfit, such as a vest and trousers, to match the clock’s vintage feel. RIGHTY and LEFTY can be represented by actor swearing pinecone-themed costumes or puppets controlled by the actors.
Characters
LEFTY- Clock’s pinecone on the left. (Gender-Your chose)
RIGHTY- Clock’s pinecone on the right. (Gender-Your chose)
JERRY- Just whistles on stage.
JERRY- Voice of the clock.
Setting
In the hallway next to the front door, LEFTY and RIGHTY, the quirky escapement due, play a crucial role in regulating the clock’s energy release, ensuring it keeps perfect time. LEFTY, with a tendency to forget things, often relies on RIGHTY, the smartass, to keep everything in check. JERRY pops by occasionally to restart the clock, though there’s’ no set schedule for his visits. Time, in this household, is a matter of protection and care. Jerry’s second roll will be the voice of the clock.
Scene One
FADE IN.
JERRY enters with a focused expression. He adjusts the clock, carefully aligning the pinecones, setting the hands to the correct time, and rewind the key for behind the clock. His meticulous attention to detail is evidencing every movement.
RIGHTY: JERRY:
My dear Lefty, is you awake? (cuckoo)
Lefty, yoo-hoo! Wakey-wakey!
I’m trying to talk to you!
Lefty... (cuckoo, Cuckoo...)
Lefty...
LEFTY: Ugh, what is it now? Can’t a guy get some sleep around here? You better have a good reason for waking me up, or I’m going back to dreamland!
RIGHTY: Nothing
LEFTY: What, AGAIN?
RIGHTY: Nothing
LEFTY: Wait, you woke me up for...nothing? Seriously? Well, congratulations, you’ve officially won the ‘Most Annoying Person of the Year’ award. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going back to my beauty sleep
RIGHTY swings harder to tap Lefty with himself (coneto cone)
RIGHTY: Lefty... (pause) Lefty...
LEFTY: (Argutely and peeve) OH, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! What now? Do you have any idea what time it is? This better be good, or I’m going to start charging you for my lost sleep!
RIGHTY: Yeah, what are you gonna do about it?
LEFTY: Oh, don’t even get me started, Righty.
RIGHTY: Get you started? What are you talking about Lefty?
LEFTY: You’re playing games again, aren’t you? Like the time you convinced me that squirrels were secretly running the government!
RIGHTY: (Enthusiastic) Hey, those squirrels had a solid plan! But seriously, what do you want?
LEFTY: (Drowsy, irked) I want to sleep! And maybe asquirrel-free world.
Is that too much to ask?
RIGHTY: OK, whatever.
LEFTY: Whatever with what?
RIGHTY: Whatever.
LEFTY: Whatever back to you too, Righty. Leave me alone
RIGHTY: No.
LEFTY: Yes.
RIGHTY: No.
LEFTY: Are we goanna go in circles now?
RIGHTY: No, I'll just rock back and forth.
LEFTY: Like we're doing now?