BEAUTY IS A BEAST INTRODUCTION
(A single light comes up on the Fairy)
FAIRY: Now how is this story supposed to start. Let's see, Oh, yes. Once upon a time there was a princess named Beauty who was lovelier than anyone else in the entire kingdom. But wait, that's not really when the story started. It really started long ago, in a land far, far away, when Beauty was just a baby. Perhaps I should start by saying twice upon a time. Anyway, There was a royal family, the royal family of Callentine who had brought peace to their kingdom and led everyone out of the Dark Ages, by inventing the light bulb. Just kidding. They were kind and fair rulers who did what was best for the people. As a reward for their good deeds, I decided to make their newborn daughter the most beautiful person in the world. But as you will soon see, making Beauty that way was a big mistake.
(FAIRY snaps her fingers and lights go to black)
SCENE 1
(Lights come up on a medieval village. A castle rises [C] above the peasants' homes [L, R]. Villagers wander, going about their business. Two stop when they see the beautiful PRINCESS)
SARAH: Isn't she the most beautiful thing you have ever seen?
MARY: She is a vision of perfection.
(The PRINCESS notices them talking about her)
SARAH: Her parents must have been truly good to receive such a treasure.
PRINCESS: (Angry) What are you two staring at?
MARY: (Nervous) We were just,
PRINCESS: (Mocks her) "You were just" what? Staring? Gawking? Why don't you go somewhere and mind your own business?
SARAH: Forgive us, Princess.
MARY: We didn't mean to offend you. We humbly beg forgiveness.
(SARAH and MARY rush away nervously)
PRINCESS: Yeah, well forgive this.
(She throws stones at them)
Ha! Got them.
(Laughs)
That'll teach them.
TUTOR: (He comes from castle) Must you treat the peasants that way?
PRINCESS: (Pulls his long beard) I must!
TUTOR: Can't you behave like a lady?
PRINCESS: I will, if you will! (Laughs)
TUTOR: Quit acting like such a beast!
PRINCESS: Don't call me names or I'll have Daddy chop off your head like he did to the rest of my tutors.
TUTOR: I meant it in the kindest way.
(She smiles at his change in tone. She throws another stone at a passing peasant)
I'm just worried about you. You don't seem to care for anyone or anything. Someday you'll insult the wrong person and you'll be sorry.
PRINCESS: No, it's them who will be sorry. Guards!
(GUARDS appear and she points to TUTOR)
Take him away.