Will Dorian Run David Out of Llanview?

July 14, 1983
__________

SCOTT and PAT enter the LORD LIBRARY.

SCOTT: Have you heard?

VIKI: Yes, David called a few minutes ago. It’s incredible.

PAT: Can the orchestra really have him removed as conductor?

VIKI: Technically, no. That would have to be a decision by the members of the Symphony Board.

PAT: Well, then what is ...

VIKI: That’s technically. Unfortunately, even if the Board recommended he be retained, if the musicians refuse to play under David’s baton ... (she makes a gesture of futility)...The Players’ Committee is meeting at 8:30 – apparently to sign a petition to oust him.

SCOTT: (suddenly angry) I should think the musicians would be honored to have David Renaldi as their new conductor! What is this Viki?

PAT: It’s about too much time on the hands of a certain Woman-of-the-Year.

SCOTT: Not Dorian again?

VIKI: Yes. David also believes she’s the source of all this.

PAT: Sure (To VIKI) Her husband’s back with her, she can’t at the moment make any more trouble for your and Clint at the Banner, her duplex is finished – the woman needs an activity! So she thought she may as well destroy David’s career!

SCOTT: (To VIKI) Is Dorian really capable of such ... indiscriminate malevolence?

VIKI: Ummm ... more likely – if Dorian is at the bottom of this – there’s some motive for it – something that makes sense – at least in her mind.

PAT (has been thinking): You know ... David once referred to her as Dorian Cramer ...

VIKI: Really? How would David know her maiden name?

PAT: I don’t have a clue. Unless ... no, the man’s got enough problems.

VIKI: What?

PAT: I was going to say ... unless he and Dorian knew each other in some former life. (They look at each other).

VIKI (puzzled, to SCOTT): Did David mention to you he’d known Dorian in the past?

SCOTT: No, but that means very little.

PAT: How else would he know her as Dorian Cramer?

SCOTT: Well, one possibility is that he came upon her maiden name in his research.

PAT: Research?

SCOTT: Yes. David likes to be well-informed about the people he’ll be working with. He investigated the Board members when he made his application to the Llanview Philharmonic.

PAT: Fastidious, isn’t he?

SCOTT: Prepared.

VIKI: At any rate, we’ve got to get this situation contained before the Llanview Philharmonic and David are caused a lot of needless embarrassment.

SCOTT: What are the charges against him?

VIKI (shakes her head): David didn’t know. ... The symphony needs this man, I’m convinced of that.

SCOTT: I tend to agree. However, I’m not sure he needs it.

PAT (concerned): Don’t you want David to stay here?

SCOTT: As his manager, I confess to being ... conflicted about that. Quite honestly, I tried to talk him out of accepting this position.

PAT: Why, Scott?

SCOTT: Financially, he’s giving up a great deal to be here full-time – plus, I don’t know how successful he’s going to be in dealing with the political fun and games that already seem to be rearing their ugly head. He’s an artist, and I’m concerned that I haven’t protected him as I should in letting him come ... (We hear David’s voice)

DAVID: He’s also a fighter. (He stands at the door with HERRON)

HERRON (embarrassed at the awkward entrance): Madame, Mr. Renaldi...

VIKI (goes to the door): David! Yes, Herron, thank you very much. (HERRON withdraws, VIKI takes DAVID’s arm, brings him in).

DAVID: Does she really – does Ms. Dorian Cramer Lord Callison really believe she’ll run me out of town without a struggle?

In the LORD LIBRARY, a few minutes later. DAVID is pacing.

DAVID: Absurd. That’s what it is. Ludicrous. Why should I have to concern myself with this nonsense?

SCOTT: Perhaps it’s better that this came up now – before you’re really committed to being here.

DAVID: I am committed. The Llanview Philharmonic and I have an unbreakable date with destiny.

SCOTT: Perhaps.

DAVID (after a look at SCOTT, to VIKI): Tell me what you know about the concert master.

VIKI: He has an excellent reputation, and ...

DAVID: I know that, and he can be replaced. Does he have aspirations to be conductor?

VIKI: Absolutely not. He made that clear before we ever spoke to you.

PAT: David, you know perfectly well he’s not the problem. It’s Dorian.

DAVID: I have no proof of that. Have you?

PAT: Not yet, but ...

DAVID: Then let’s not disregard other possibilities. We’re not trying to lay blame – we’re trying to make sense of a senseless situation.

VIKI: Maybe there’s something to what you say – excluding the Dorian probability for the moment. Maybe you threaten the orchestra. Perhaps they’re afraid of your standards.

DAVID: Perhaps they should be. But the player’s committee approved me to begin with! Why, now, would they reverse their decision?

PAT (impatient): Look, you people can go on chasing phantoms if you like, but I think it’s a waste of time. I know Dorian, I’ve worked for her, I’ve seen her maneuvers time and again, and this one has all the earmarks.

VIKI: Pat’s right, you know. This back-room manipulation is sheer Dorian. Clint and I were her last victims, and it all looks very familiar.

PAT: I don’t know what you did to fan the lady’s fires, David, but whatever it is, real or imagined, she’s gonna get you for it.

SCOTT: But what is her grievance? Isn’t there any way to find out?

PAT (beat; she points to VIKI): Herb.

VIKI: I could speak to Herb.

SCOTT: Her husband? Isn’t he on her side?

VIKI (choosing her words) : He tries.

PAT (laughs): Oh, how he tries.

VIKI: He’s fair, and an honest man.

PAT: And painfully aware of Dorian’s machinations. (To VIKI:) But he may not know the details of this one yet. (To DAVID:) She generally doesn’t own up to him until the plaster dust is settling.

SCOTT: David, would you consider calling the members of the orchestra directly?

VIKI (rises, goes to desk): That’s an idea – I think I’ve got a contact sheet with their phone numbers.

SCOTT: At least you’d know what was on their minds ...

DAVID: I don’t think that’d be appropriate.

VIKI (as she goes through file drawer, to PAT:) You know, I have the feeling none of this would be happening if Cassie were still here ...

DAVID (alert): Cassie?

VIKI: Dorian’s daughter – in Paris for the summer.

PAT (to VIKI): You’re right. Cassie’s the only one with any kind of restraining influence over Dorian.

DAVID: Really.

VIKI: Yes. Dorian wants and needs Cassie’s approval. Say what you like about her, but there’s no doubt in my mind that Dorian really does love that child. (finds paper) Here it is. The Players Committee is meeting in an hour. Here’s the contact sheet – I don’t see what harm can come from calling the orchestra members. I’ll see if I can reach Herb ...

PAT (moving to the door): And I think I’ll mosey on over to Dorian’s to try to feel her out about this – I’m beginning to be fond of her denials and protestations of innocence ...

VIKI: Shall we meet back here later?

DAVID: Fine. (Takes contact sheet to the door, then turns back) I thank you – all – for supporting me in this. It means more to me than you can know.

PAT and DAVID exit.

VIKI goes back to the desk, picks up the phone, then speaks to SCOTT: I know you have mixed feelings about David staying in Llanview, but I don’t. The more I see of him, the more I know we need his kind of integrity and honesty. We will find a way to keep him here.

The Players’ Committee meeting is called in order to "to come to a decision whether or not we shall refuse to perform under the conductorship of one David Renaldi".

SWAIN: As you know, the following petition is being circulated among the membership of the entire orchestra, an I shall now read it. "We the undersigned, members of the Llanview Symphony, do willingly, and without coercion, hereby affirm that as of the above date ... today... we shall not, and shall not be compelled, to perfom our services as musicians so long as Mr. David Renaldi retains the post of conductor. Insomuch as said Mr. Renaldi has ..."

(A voice interrupts him from the back of the room).

DAVID: Excuse me, Mr. Swain. (DAVID stands with SCOTT) Will I be allowed to cast my vote? (FADE OUT as the members react with shock).

Cut to LORD Library. HERB is distraught, shakes his head. VIKI looks on sympathetically).

HERB: This time, Viki, I have no idea why. Usually there’s some clue to Dorian’s ... hijinx. But this David Renaldi campaign ...?

VIKI (concerned): This is upsetting you, Herb. I’m sorry.

HERB: No, it’s just so frustrating! I’d like to help, but this vendetta is just so off the wall!

VIKI (gently): You’ve tried to talk to her about it?

HERB: Oh yes, talking is Phase One. Phase Two is ultimatum delivering – which I’ll dutifully do, which will only drive her more undercover ... (shakes his head)

VIKI (pats his hand): Dear Herb...

HERB: Loving Dorian’s a tricky business, but I guess somebody’s gotta do it.

VIKI (smiles): And you do it wonderfully well.

HERB: Thank you. You know, the one sure way I know of to get Dorian to cease and desist at a time like this, is Cassie. I have half a mind to call her in Paris and ask her to come home.

VIKI: Is this that important to you?

HERB: Viki, this is just one more setup for my dear wife to be publicly and privately humiliated, to be caught at yet one more exceedingly complex, hurtful and ultimately unnecessary scheme. So yes, I’d ask Cassie to come home to spare us all that again.

VIKI: Would you like to use my phone? Actually, it’s Dorian’s old phone ...

HERB (looks at it): Yes. And yes, I would like to use it. Operator, I’d like to make a credit-card call to Paris, France.

VIKI smiles. Cut to the audition room, where DAVID confronts the Players’ Committee.

DAVID (with difficulty): I understand your purpose here this evening ladies and gentlemen, and I will not try to divert you from your duty as you see it. I would however, be less than honest if I didn’t confess some bewilderment and dismay that you – the members of the Players’ Committee, who interviewed and finally approved me as conductor of the Llanview Philharmonic – have so drastically changed your opinion of me. (The Committee is beginning to be uneasy in their chairs).

DAVID continues: I had hoped, of course, that we would have had the opportunity to rehearse together, so that you might experience, first-hand, my method of working. But that seems not to be possible under the circumstances. ... (overcoming pride) I would ... it would be of some interest and possible assistance to me if you would tell me the way or ways in which I have offended you.

SWAIN: Mr. Renaldi, I must remind you that this is a meeting of musicians, Sir – the Players’ Committee. Accordingly, I suggest you leave us.

DAVID (smiles): Does this pass for democracy in Llanview? Is the man most concerned with the outcome of these proceedings not allowed to speak in his own defense? Or perhaps this is justice in the Foster Swain-Dorian Callison mode? (Beat) So be it. I will say nothing further in my defense. But surely, those with the strongest objections to my conductorship will not shrink from speaking their minds in my presence ... (silence, but then a voice speaks out).

PERCUSSIONIST: Mr. Renaldi ...

DAVID: You’re ... Lawrence Gordon.

PERCUSSIONIST: That’s right, Percussion. (He rises, indicates Swain’s petition) That document says you’re proposing unusually difficult and offbeat programs for the new season, that rehearsal time may have to be increased significantly ....

DAVID: Yes, that’s quite true, Mr. Gordon. (Looks around). Next?

(ROBERTA MAXON rises)

ROBERTA: Mr. Renaldi, I understand that in Milan, you once ...

DAVID: You’re presently head of the woodwind section, are you not?

ROBERTA: Yes, Sir. Is it not true that you once fired three violinists in Milan for being ten minutes late for a rehearsal?

DAVID: That’s quite true.

ROBERTA: Is this the sort of tyranny the Llanview Philharmonic can expect under your direction?

DAVID (a beat): They were, indeed, only ten minutes late Miss Maxon. (Looks around) Are there any ...

SCOTT (interrupts): Excuse me, those musicians were intoxicated, and it was the night of the concert. Even though Mr. Renaldi won’t defend himself, surely you can see that such behavior ...

DAVID (sharp): Quiet, please! (A beat) Mr. Swain and I have an agreement. Now. Are there any other charges? (Silence)

DAVID: Very well, I believe I understand your concerns. And, they are justified. (The members nod to one another). It was, and still is, my intention to mold the Llanview Philharmonic into the finest orchestra in the nation. To work hand in hand with each member until we have created one vibrant, living extraordinary unit of sound and inspiration. (Turns to Swain, then, an embarrassed laugh) You know, I do confess to something. I do very much resent the implied division between musicians and conductor. I consider myself a musician whose instrument is the Llanview Philharmonic. And just as each of you ladies and gentlemen has spent endless hours perfecting your art, I intend to emulate your dedication. And so yes, that will mean "substantially increased rehearsal time".

(Percussionist Gordon drops his eyes. David too looks down, pauses. Then, very quiet). I believe that this collection of musicians is a sleeping giant, a musical force with unrealized power and grace. (A beat) Without me, your lives will be simpler and safer. But if I stay, I want you to understand that I know your potential – and that you will be unable to hide out from me. Together we will soar. With me, this orchestra will become one of the most dynamic in the country.

DAVID exits. SCOTT follows him. FOSTER SWAIN steps to the front with the petition.

SWAIN: Well, Mr. Renaldi has made himself quite clear. I think without further ado, we can proceed with the signing of the petition.

LORD LIBRARY. VIKI watches as HERB is on the phone.

HERB (beaming): How are you, sweetheart?! I can hardly hear you, can you hear me? Good. No, everything’s fine. I hope I didn’t wake you up, I didn’t realize how late ... You’re packing? (Looks at VIKI optimistically). For the Greek Islands? Oh. No, I guess it slipped her mind. Your mother’s been preoccupied lately. Yeah, it sounds great honey. I only wish I could join you. Yeah, maybe next time. No, no special reason — just to tell you I miss you. (Smile) I love you too, Cassie. You be careful now, huh? And keep those postcards coming. ‘Bye darling. Yes, I will. ‘Bye. (Hangs up) I don’t believe it!

VIKI: What, Herb?

HERB: It seems that Dorian sent Cassie fifteen-hundred dollars for a little tour of the Greek Islands.

VIKI: Well, that sounds ... nice.

HERB: This is the first I’ve heard of it! Don’t you think she might have mentioned it to me? Or even maybe conferred with me about it? Damn! Cassie’s so excited about going – I couldn’t just ask her to come back.

VIKI: Of course not.

HERB: What is the matter with that woman? What is this, some ego trip – so she can tell people her daughter was living at the Ritz in Paris, and is now touring the Mediterranean? (VIKI shakes her head).. I wonder if she’s thought about Cassie in this – is it good for her? I mean, she is awfully young. (VIKI smiles slightly) Why are you smiling?

VIKI: Just .. You’ve become such a ...Daddy, that’s all.

HERB: She’s my daughter. I love her.

VIKI (smiles): That couldn’t be more obvious. And you’re worried about her, and concerned, and protective, and ...

HERB: Cassie’s very easy to love. (a beat) Now Dorian .. (stops)

VIKI: Yes...

HERB: Well, let’s just say my beautiful bride has some serious explaining to do.

LATER in the LORD LIBRARY.

VIKI and PAT and DAVID are seated. They have been having coffee. And awkward silence. Pat checks her watch. Then:

VIKI: David ... some brandy?

DAVID: If I may. (VIKI goes to get it).

VIKI: Pat?

PAT: No thanks. (She looks at her watch again). They must have decided by now.

DAVID: More than likely.

VIKI (as she pours, to DAVID): You seem so calm.

DAVID: Only on the outside.

VIKI (takes it to him): David, I want to say how embarrassed I am ...

DAVID: About what?

VIKI: The orchestra – that they’ve so easily fallen in line to do Dorian’s bidding.

PAT: We don’t know that yet.

VIKI: Quite true.

PAT: Perhaps the petition’s fallen through – just fizzled out. (There’s a knock at the door).

VIKI: Yes? (HERRON enters)

HERRON: Excuse me, madame, Mr. Swain just left this envelope.

VIKI (takes envelope): Thank you, Herron. Did you tell him I’m at home?

HERRON: Yes Ma’am but he said just to give this to you – that you’d understand.

PAT: We understand all right – he’s too cowardly to face us.

VIKI: Thank you, Herron. (HERRON nods and exits. DAVID has gone to VIKI, takes the envelope)

DAVID: Shall I do the honors?

VIKI: By all means. (PAT brings the letter opener from the desk, hands it to DAVID, he opens the letter, reads it. PAT and VIKI watch, breathless. DAVID looks up from the paper, looks at VIKI with a sad smile)

DAVID: I’m afraid ... I’m afraid you lovely people are going to be stuck with me for awhile. (VIKI and PAT are overjoyed. PAT snatches the paper, as VIKI hugs DAVID).

PAT: It’s not the petition, it’s a statement of affirmation! Signed by the whole orchestra! You won, David! (VIKI’s hug is lasting just a second too long – she pulls back nervously, smiles)

VIKI: Congratulations, David. I’m so happy.

DAVID: Thank you, Viki. Both of you. For your friendship, and your support. (suddenly:) Yahoo!

PAT: Did you just say "Yahoo", Maestro Renaldi?

DAVID: I certainly did! Now, at last, I can build my orchestra!