GOD/FATHER FIGURE
The performer speaks in a bad imitation of an Italian accent with her back towards the audience.
I believe in America. America’s I make-a my fortune. I raise my daughter in the American fashion. I gave her freedom, but I taught her never to dishonor her family.
Del Vecchio and sons. I mean…Del Vecchio and Recine? May I help you? I mean…Hi dad.
She sings. O mio babbino caro.
I never ask you about your business because you never ask me about mine. I wish you would ask me about mine. You have a sentimental weakness for your children and you spoil us. We talk when we should listen.
She hangs up the phone.
The phone rings and she answers it.
As Kay: Michael, is it true?
As Michael: Don't ask me about my business, Kay.
As Kay: Is it true?
As Michael: Don't ask me about my business.
She slams her hand on the desk.
Alright. This one time, this one time I'll let you ask
me about my affairs...
As Kay: Is it true? Is it?
Beat.
As Michael: No.
She hangs up the phone.
Unbuttoning her shirt. I waltzed in here with my big olive voice and guinea charms…well WASP/Ukrainian/Italian American charms…
She sings: Mi struggo and mi tormento! O Dio! Vorrei morrir.
And I was the greatest piece of ass you’ve ever had. And you’ve had them all over the world.
She sings: Babbo, pietà, pietà! Babbo, pietà, pieta!
She turns. Music starts.
She speaks with cotton stuffed into her bottom lip.
I can’t remember the last time you invited me to your house for a cup of coffee. Even though my wife is Godmother to your only child.
She imitates Marlon Brando’s hand to face gesture. The phone rings and she answers it.
Del Vecchio…
She spits out the cotton.
What’s the matter with you? Never tell anybody outside the family what you’re thinking again. Women and children can be careless but not men.
Loosening her tie and leaning back in chair.
I never wanted this for you. I worked my whole life to take care of my family, and I refused to be a fool, dancing on the string held by all those big shots. I don't apologize - that's my life - but I thought that, that when it was your time, that you would be the one to hold the strings.
