OPENING NUMBER FOR OPENING A THEATER

by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty—— on the occasion of the opening of the Claire Tow Theater

COMPOSER: So. A song for the opening of the new theater. An opening number for the opening of a new theater.

LYRICIST: Hmm. So many ways to go with this. Could I have a little music first?

COMPOSER: There are a lot of details. I think maybe words first might be good.

COMPOSER: There are a lot of details. I think maybe words first might be good.

LYRICIST: You know I work better from music first. Please?

COMPOSER: OK. Let me see . . .an opening number. Opening . . . Opening . . .

(THE COMPOSER hums a few notes)

LYRICIST: No, wait. That’s.. I’m sorry, but that’s Cole Porter.

COMPOSER: Oh right. Wow. Hmm...

LYRICIST: OK. All right. What about if it starts with an invocation. Something like... Gods of the theater, smile on us. You who sit up there stern in judgment, Smile on us. You who look down...

COMPOSER: That’s Sondheim.

LYRICIST: Oh. I knew it sounded familiar.

COMPOSER: Identical.

LYRICIST: Fine. Let me think. LCT. LCT...

COMPOSER: Three.

LYRICIST: A new theater ...

COMPOSER: For new writers. Hey . . .

LYRICIST: Yeah. Keep going. Keep free-associating. This could work ... be in the moment...It’s... it’s...

LYRICIST: IT’S A FEELING AND A FLOW

COMPOSER: WALKING IN IT’S...

LYRICIST: I DON’T KNOW. COMPOSER: GRACIOUS. THRILLING. WELCOME. WELCOME. YOU STEP INSIDE THE DOORS SO MUCH HOPE WITHIN THESE WALLS THE SPIRIT SOARS...