! Scene 8
(A.J. is standing off by himself, pouting. Antonio walks out and sees A.J. alone.)
ANTONIO: A.J.:
A.J., what are you doing out here by yourself? Come on in and celebrate.
Dad, I've been a faithful son all these years working hard to make this circus successful. Giorgio runs off with half our fortune and blows it all on who knows what. Now he waltzes back into our lives and we're having this great feast. What did I get for all my hard work? Not even a pizza party!
ANTONIO:
I know you've worked hard, and you've always been obedient. But that's not why I love you, A.J. I love you because you're my son. And I never stopped loving Giorgio for being disobedient. I love him, because he is my son.
A.J.: ANTONIO:
It's not fair, Dad. He doesn't deserve to be here after what he's done.
You're right. He has made a terrible mess of things. His rebellion broke my heart. But I thought I had lost him forever, and now I have my son back. A.J., come into this party with me and celebrate all that we have as a family. After all, you are my firstborn son, and all that I have is yours! Please think about it, A.J. Just like I rejoiced when Giorgio came home, I'll rejoice when you join the party.
(Antonio rushes off in one direction, and A.J. thoughtfully moves off in another direction.)
(The Street Sweeper enters.) SWEEPER:
This must have been some kind of party. Somebody left quite a mess!
(music begins to "Sweeper Underscore")
Hmm … Iwonder if that older son ever joined the party? You know, it seems like both sons got a little lost, didn't they? (pause for thought) The young one got rebellious and ran off to do whatever he wanted. But, I know what you're thinking. Wasn't the older one the good one? He wasn't rebellious, and he stayed there and worked hard. But the
For Preview Only
