"What Cricket Knows" by Jon Gilbert began in 2014 as a Castleton State College (Now Vermont State University) theater module writing prompt.  The class was tasked with writing one scene from the middle of a non-existent play. Jon wrote this scene, which is the rough draft for what is currently Scene 4 of Act 1. It was met with a top grade and the encouragement from the class instructor to flesh out the whole manuscript.

The first draft of Act 1 was completed about a year later, and was presented to the then-Education Director of Weston Playhouse, Susan Haefner. Along with valuable insight and constructive criticism, she suggested that the first act was had a balance of drama and humor and was populated with intriguing scenes and deep characters. 

Because life has an annoying way of doing whatever it wants to do regardless of planning or intentions, Jon reluctantly took a decade hiatus. Writing time was sparse, but "What Cricket Knows" was never far from his mind. Then in 2024, opportunity reemerged, and Jon was presented with plenty of time to get back to the story. Now 'Cricket' is slated to be completed by September 1, 2024.

"What Cricket Knows" attempts the style and elements of an Agatha Christie murder mystery in a contemporary setting. Below is a draft of that first Act 1, Scene 4 that began a decade ago. Hopefully you enjoy it. For questions, comments, or suggestions, please use the contact box on our home page. Thanks!

WARNING: 

THE FOLLOWING EXCERPT CONTAINS ADULT LANGUAGE AND SITUATIONS AND IS BEST VIEWED BY AUDIENCES OVER 16 YEARS OF AGE

ACT I

SCENE 4

 

Later that same afternoon, on stage. City park picnic table. STORMY is dressed provocatively; the tips of her hair are sprayed in multiple colors and her make-up is overdone. CRICKET is seated at the picnic table coloring. STORMY, agitated, is leaning against the table continually checking her cell phone.

 

STORMY looks CR, stands and crosses her arms in disgust. CRICKET looks CR, waves and smiles.

 

STORMY

 

‘Bout fuckin’ time! You know, I actually got places to be.

 

JEREMIAH enters from CR wearing an unbuttoned suit jacket with a loosened collar and tie

 

JERRY

 

Sorry, girls. I left my phone at the office, or you know I would have called.

 

Kisses CRICKET on the head

 

STORMY

 

This happens all the time, Jeremiah. You shoulda been here like an hour ago, son of a bitch. It seems like you try to fuck up my Fridays on purpose. You know they’re like, the only day I get a frigging break.

 

JERRY

 

I know you enjoy your breaks. It’s just that I got on a phone call with Carter, and you know how long winded he can be. Like I said, I would have called, but I left my cell on my desk.

 

STORMY

 

Whatever. It’s just, you know I need my Fridays. After I’m done with that crappy-ass job, I like hanging out with my friends, for Chri’sake.

 

JERRY

 

You have obligations, too, Stormy! (points to CRICKET) You need to spend time with her. In fact, you are more than aware that’s something I’ve been trying to talk to you about.

 

STORMY

 

(calming down) Nah. Forget about it, Jere. I was like, overreacting. I’m just burned out this week. It’s all good.

 

Grabs a suitcase off the table and hands it to JERRY.

 

Seriously, Cricket’s been sayin’ she misses you like crazy. No bigs.

 

She hugs CRICKET; JERRY lightly grabs STORMY’s elbow and pulls her to him, away from CRICKET.

 

JERRY

 

(just above a whisper) Now, hold on a minute, Stormy. You know we need to talk about this. Hell, I’ve been trying to talk to you about this for months. No more slipping away. No more excuses. You’re not brushing it off anymore.

 

STORMY

 

Jere, like you know I been having it tough. The store’s only got me workin’ like twenty-eight hours a week, now. Plus, my rent just went up. (points toward CRICKET)And you know paying for stuff during her visits ain’t exactly cheap.

 

JERRY

 

Do not use Cricket as an excuse! You only have her three days a week, and you don’t pay for any of her expenses. I give you money for her time with you and I don’t ask for any of that back. Ever. Plus, the judge agreed to let you pay a hundred dollars a month for back support, Stormy. How much do you spend on make-up and dresses and your Fridays?

 

STORMY

 

That ain’t fair, Jerry. I told you, they’re like, my fuckin’ break.

 

JERRY

 

Not anymore, Stormy. That’s what we need to talk about. You’ll be getting a letter from my lawyer next week.

 

I’m requesting full custody of Cricket.

 

STORMY

(softly) No.

 

(louder) No!

 

(shouts) No! No, you can’t!

 

JERRY

 

This can’t keep happening, Stormy. I have grounds. It’s not even about the month and a half of child support you owe her, either. You’re not taking care of her, and you know it. Your mouth is foul. I know you’re still using. And you hang out with that deadbeat, Weasel! (pauses)

 

And now Sunday was the last straw, Stormy.

 

STORMY

 

You bastard! That was an accident. You saw she was fine when you picked her up. You know she was fuckin’ fine.

 

Fuckin’ bullshit. This is like, fuckin’ bullshit, and you know it, Jeremiah.

 

You will never take Cricket away from me. I will never, as long as I’m alive, let you take her from me. I will fucking kill you first!

 

END SCENE