This 2-act musical spoof takes place in Pete's Luncheonette, a hangout
for kids from Sylvester Stallone High School in Desert County, California at
the present time. OFFSTAGE, on a table, is a fantastic-looking electronic communications
system—a Citizens Band Radio gone bananas with coils, wires, colored bulbs, hand microphone.
There's a stool in front of this rather large and amazing "machine." The FORESTAGE represents
"outside the luncheonette," but it also functions as an "all-purpose" playing area.A funny
thing happens one day: Mongo, a creature from the center of the earth, appears. At first he seems
friendly and all the kids like him. Then suddenly he reveals his true character: he plans to drain
the brains of the students and store the knowledge in his own brain.
Who knows what you look like
when you come from the center of the earth? Be creative. Mongo can be "cuddly" in the manner of TV's
Alf and Cookie Monster. Or, as suggested in the script, he can be "reptilian"—dragon-like. Remember,
Mongo must move rather fast, so the costume cannot be cumbersome or interfere with his speaking. The
important thing to stress is his change in character. Once Mongo reveals his true nature it never
wavers—nasty and dangerous.
As expected, the play ends on a positive note:
PETE: I'm feeling good. (Proud of
himself.) After all, it isn't every day a guy gets to save the world.
MARLENE: (Warmly)
Pete, with a little more experience, you could be a genius. Why, this luncheonette could become a
real landmark.
Other musicals by Kelly: Kilroy Was Here,
Tied to the Tracks, Time and Time Again,
Tumbleweeds
See also: Mystery, Murder, and Mayhem