Incognito

Superman has been at the beck and call of the citizens for too many days straight! He’s exhausted, and he’s so tired that he keeps forgetting to switch back to Clark Kent. Fortunately, he has a little super-hero magic, but he’ll need more than that to finally get a break!

This script includes discussion questions and director’s notes on casting and set design.

Debra A. Cole is a celebrated humanities teacher, youth theatre director, and children’s playwright with degrees in journalism, art history, and elementary education. She understands the needs of young performers and their directors and creates pieces that encourage engaging discussion, creative thought, and quirky playfulness. Her goal is that young performers discover the power and delight that theatre brings to actors and audiences alike.

Visit her website:
www.debraacole-playwright.com

Excerpt from the play:

CHARACTERS

CLARK/SUPERMAN — (M) sleepy superhero, tired from a big weekend of saving people.
EDITOR JONES — (M) hard-nosed and cranky
REPORTER 1— (M/F) seasoned reporter
REPORTER 2 — (M/F) seasoned reporter
REPORTER 3— (M/F) big talker – new to journalism
MRS. TINKLEMAN — (F) elderly lady – a bit forgetful and needy, her eyesight has been poor for years
MAVIS — (F) cranky and distracted waitress
CUSTOMER 1 — (M/F) star struck and greedy
CUSTOMER 2— (M/F) star struck and greedy
CHILD — (M) mysterious boy who seems to have wisdom beyond his ye

(The action takes place in modern times in a newsroom, outdoors by a tree, and in a diner.)

(Lights come up on in the Daily Planet Newsroom. Editor Jones, and three reporters, are waiting for Clark Kent to arrive to give him the photo schedule. They are seated around a desk with five chairs – one is empty. Room is tense.)

SCENE 1

EDITOR JONES
(excited) What a night, kids! You all earned your salaries as reporters with the crime spree we had to cover over the weekend.

REPORTER 1
(excited) That was insane! I am still in awe. Can he really be that amazing? How can anyone catch all the criminals in Gotham in 48 hours? Is he magic or somethin’’?

REPORTER 2
(wisely) There ain’t no such thing as magic, friend. Superheroes are a special breed. I’ll tell you what…I want to know his backstory, but I just can’t seem to pin the guy down with an answer. He is a mystery.

REPORTER 3
(forcefully and confidently) If we could only have five minutes of his time. I bet the four of us, as seasoned reporters, could make him finally answer some questions. Superhero, shmooperhero… I could make him talk.

EDITOR JONES
(irritated) And where is that new photographer Clark, we hired? He’s never around when we need him.
(Suddenly, Clark Kent races into the meeting out of breath. He looks a bit frazzled and, without his knowledge, he is still wearing his Superman costume. Everyone in the room sits up straight upon Clark’s entrance, and the table of reporters look visibly excited.)

CLARK/SUPERMAN
(wiped out) Sorry I’m late guys. I was a little foggy this morning after a busy weekend saving… I mean… reading.

(Everyone is staring with their mouths open at Clark.)

What? I said I’m sorry. I don’t like being late for meetings. It just happens sometimes when I’m… I’ve been… busy.

REPORTER 1
(shocked) It’s you.

CLARK/SUPERMAN
(confused) Of course it’s me. I work here. I’m the photographer.

REPORTER 2
(in awe) I’ve dreamed of this day for years. Man, you’re a legend. I have so many questions for you.

REPORTER 3
(stuttering… unable to find words) Uhm… uhm… uh, sir… I mean… uhm… I don’t know where to start… WHY CAN’T I FIND THE WORDS???

CLARK/SUPERMAN
(still confused) Why is everyone acting so strangely? This is the Monday morning news meeting, right? I heard it was a busy weekend of taking out criminals for the Superman guy. It is Monday, right? I’m a little foggy.

EDITOR JONES
(proudly) Welcome, Superman. It is an honor to have you here at the Daily Planet.

(Clark/Superman looks down and realizes he is wearing his costume and looks to the audience and snaps his fingers.)

CLARK/SUPERMAN
FREEZE.

(Everyone freezes and lights dim.)

(Clark/Superman speaks to audience.) I can’t believe I did it again. Mondays are tough for me. You see, I spend every weekend cleaning the streets of our fair city from the evil doers who make our lives difficult. Sometimes, I forget to switch back to being Clark Kent, mild mannered Daily Planet photographer.