ACT ONE Scene One
"WHEN I GET THERE"
A family farm in Kansas - 1939 Morning

DANIEL'S rustic bedroom. Since childhood he has been fascinated by stories about Paris. First in his family to go to college, he will soon travel to France for the summer, a dream come true. Alone in his room he walks in reflection, his beloved books and magazines spilling out of bookcases. He senses his life is about to change forever. A musical motif is heard as DANIEL slowly surveys his childhood room. He steps to the large wooden shutters and flings them open. Glorious sunlight streams in. He begins to sing.

DANIEL sings "WHEN I GET THERE"

I want to see the world
I want to take a stand
There'll be no stopping me
When I get there

Can't wait to see Paree
The way they dress and speak
It's going to seem so strange
But I'll love it

I'll visit Notre Dame
Napoleon's tomb
And walk the Champs Elysees
Be no stopping me
When I get there

I'll climb the Eiffel Tower
And feel like I could fly
They say the world is there
At your feet

I'll have a glass of wine
And show my savoir faire
I'll eat an escargot
With a prayer

I want to dance and sing
And have a fling
Just like a bon vivant
Be no stopping me
When I get there

I'll wear a black beret
And stroll along the quai
Reciting Baudelaire
With panache

Oh, I can see it now
The young philosopher
Debating this and that
With no clue

I know I'm quite naive
An innocent
The world is so complex

But I'm not afraid
Can't wait til I
Get there