The American Plan
By Richard GreenbergNick has become involved with Lili, a somewhat unstable young woman. Her mother Eva confronts him, and calls him a liar after discovering he has not told the complete truth about his family and background. He describes the aftermath of his mother's death and his father's eventual suicide. The playwright gives these instructions: When Nick finally speaks, it's with a simplicity meant to control the difficulty of what he's saying.
NICK: After my mother died, my father more-or-less lost control of things. Not badly - it was more of a kind of slip of attention. But, apparently, that's all it took. Things fell apart. It had something to do with a partner, I think, or the board - something shifty - I'm not suppressing the details here, I just never quite learned them. Anyway, just like that, it seemed, we were out of business. Suddenly, as you said. And, yes, broke. I was working in New York then, I'd visit on weekends. Every time I did, he'd have sold off another room of furniture and he'd be in it, singing. And he wasn't even drinking - that was the funny part, he was stone-cold sober. I'd say, "Dad... are you sure you're all right? Can I get you anything?" He'd say, "Oh, no, I'm fine, sport - all I need is a shave and a haircut - that's all I need, sport - a shave and a haircut - just a shave and a haircut - then I'll be ready."
He didn't understand how everything had happened to him so fast. He wasn't crazy, I don't think... just surprised... He started singing in the street. He'd forget to to bathe. The house started looking like a junkheap... One day... he had the unfortunate accident with his gun.
I didn't tell any of this to Lili because, well, it isn't the sort of thing you say right at first... and because it was so pleasant not to. Those are the only reasons.
Well. This has been a marvelous party, you've been a perfect hostess, and I've had a splendid time. (Beat.) I wish you'd let me tell Lili instead of you.
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