When we last saw Giovanna and Hugh, they were just starting rehearsal in their living room working on a scene from a play that Hugh had written. They were preparing to do it in acting class the following night. They were arguing about the way Hugh was playing his part. Giovanna felt Hugh was pushing and he felt she was killing his passion for the moment.
Giovanna: Okay, Hugh, but remember we’re just reading the script. Just say the lines. Don’t act anything.
Hugh: (continuing with an accent) “I told you, Lombardo’s coming to the to the club tomorrow night for the second set.”
G: “Really?”
H: “Yeah.”
G: “Is he coming alone?”
H: “I don’t know if he’s coming alone. Who cares if he’s coming alone or bringing a guest.”
G: Hugh, just be real. You’re making all of these faces. It’s hard to connect with you when you’re making faces.
H: What faces?
G: You’re imitating, not being. “I don’t believe Lombardo will show.”
H: “What are you talking about?”
G: “I spoke to him. He didn’t say anything about going to the club.”
H: “Who did?”
G: “Who are we talking about?”
H: “I don’t know. Who are we talking about?”
G: “Lombardo.” It’s your line. What are you waiting for?
H: I’m just looking at you. Taking you in.
G: Well take me in as you say your line. You’re dragging the scene.
H: That’s it. I’ve had it. I can’t handle this.
G: Just say the words.
H: You jam me up.
G: C’mon honey.
H: Whenever I get on a roll you throw a boulder in front of me.
G: Hugh.
H: Look, let’s forget it.
G: You’re such a terrific actor. Use your humor. Your charm. Your anger. Not some made up imitation. Just be yourself.
H: Every time I try to be myself, you correct me. I feel like I’m in acting school.
G: Sweetheart, let’s just read the script. I promise I won’t say anything.
H: I don’t want to. You take all the fun out of it. I’m really pissed off.
G: All right.
H: I’m serious.
G: I believe you. See, that’s just what the character feels. He’s too angry to talk.
H: Who cares about the character? I’m talking about my feelings.
G: You are the character.
H: Great. Now I’m getting an acting lesson. Thank you, Mrs. Stanislavsky.
Giovanna’s phone rings. She looks over at it.
G: I have to get that. It’s David, my agent. Ciao, David! Come sta? Really?! When? Oh, my God, well of course I’ll do it. Have you seen the new scenes? Okay send everything when you get it.
She hangs up the phone.
G: You won’t believe this! They want to shoot new scenes in Paris! David says they’re the romantic scenes that the script always needed and they’re wonderful. We go back on Wednesday. I have one day to pack and get everything done. Oh my God, I don’t know where to start!
H: So I guess we’re not doing the scene in class tomorrow night.
G: I’m so sorry that we won’t be able do it, but as soon as I’m back we will. I’m really excited about the play, Hugh. What will you do in class instead of the scene?
H: (Walking over to the bookshelves.) Something from “A Streetcar Named Desire.”
He pulls out a copy of the play and starts to read.
“Now that’s how I’m gonna clear the table. Don’t you ever talk that way to me. ‘Pig,’ ‘Pollack,’ ‘disgusting,’ ‘vulgar,’ ‘greasy.’ Those kind of words have been on your tongue and your sister’s tongue just too much around here. What do you think you are? A pair of queens? Now just remember what Huey Long said – that every man’s a king – and I’m the King around here, and don’t you forget it.”
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