The February People’s Choice goes to…..

The people have spoken… The February People’s Choice Award goes to Christian Wilburn  for his short play, I’M BACK, presented as a staged reading at Monday Night PlayGround on February 17, 2020 at Berkeley Rep. Congratulations, Christian!

Courtesy of Mr. Wilburn, we’re pleased to share the first two pages from the award-winning script. Enjoy!

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION

Michael Jordan–Male–Early thirties–African American–Tall, athletic, and stubborn. The type of person who sees the world in absolutes.

James Jordan–Male–Sixties– African American–Much shorter than Mike. At one time he might have been as stubborn as his son. Now, with age, and the afterlife, he sees the world with more nuance.

The Phantom–Male–twenties or thirties–any race–The phantom will fill in any roles that need to be filled besides James and Michael. Mainly the Phantom plays both the pitcher and the umpire. Must be good with physicality.

FEATURING

“My Best Was Never Good Enough” by Bruce Springsteen.

————

A minor league baseball field in the backwater of all backwater towns. All the audience sees, is the plate. It is stage right.

Sounds of a cheering crowd. Michael Jordan enters wearing a baseball uniform (Birmingham Barons uniform) and is holding a bat. He is thirty one almost thirty two. His fatigue is visible in his eyes. Sounds of cameras flashing permeate his entrance.

The look of fatigue is replaced by a look of determination, as Michael enters his stance.

The Phantom enters. The phantom will fill in any roles that need to be filled besides James and Michael. At the moment the phantom is the pitcher. The Phantom steps up to the mound. The pair lock eyes.

The first pitch…Jordan almost swings but doesn’t

The Phantom now assumes the role of the umpire.

PHANTOM

Ball one.

The pitcher goes to pitch again, but as he follows through, the world slows down. The phantom “Pitches” the ball. The ball moves through the air, inching toward Michael. (How I envision this, being done is for the phantom to hold the ball out in front of them and inch toward the plate).

James Jordan, Michael’s deceased father enters.

JAMES JORDAN

Hey there Mike.

MICHAEL JORDAN

Dad?

JAMES JORDAN

I’m back. For now.

MICHAEL JORDAN

How–How are you–

JAMES JORDAN

Here? I’ve been here for a long time. This is just the first time you’ve been able to see me.

MICHAEL JORDAN

So why can I see you now?

JAMES JORDAN

Cus you got a big decision to make, Mike.

MICHAEL JORDAN

What decision?

JAMES JORDAN

Baseball or basketball?

MICHAEL JORDAN

You know what came out today, I’m on the cover of Sports Illustrated. It was a picture of me striking out and in big letters “Bag it Michael: Jordan, White Sox are Embarrassing Baseball.” I can’t let them get away with that.

JAMES JORDAN

So are you going back to basketball?

MICHAEL JORDAN

Of course not! I can’t let them win.

JAMES JORDAN

No?

MICHAEL JORDAN

No, I made my choice. I’m playing baseball, and I’m going to be the best in the world.

JAMES JORDAN

At thirty one?

MICHAEL JORDAN

You told me I could be anything I wanted.

JAMES JORDAN

Well that didn’t include being an idiot. Why are you even doing this?

MICHAEL JORDAN

Because it’s the only challenge I have left. I’ve accomplished everything I could with basketball. Besides, if I leave now, I’m a quitter and one thing I will never be, is a quitter.

PHANTOM

Steeeeeeerike one!

MICHAEL JORDAN

Damn it!

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Join us for the next Monday Night PlayGround on Monday, March 16 at Berkeley Rep and choose your own favorite! Click here for more info