I'm a Good Little Girl -Cold Read

I'm A Good Little Girl a play in one act by Jimmy Brunelle a comedy for 1 player, female. 3 pages Running time: 15 minutes

PLAYWRIGHT'S NOTE I'm A Good Little Girl is a one-person show, a monologue. It is a comedy with serious undertones. It has been done by ages as young as 8 years old and as old as 18. The role can be played by a female of almost any age. Depending on the age of the actress, the play will take on different meanings and interpretations. The bell that rings throughout the play is an ominous, controlling presence in the girl's life. When it rings, the girl instantly obeys. CHARACTERS GIRL: 8-13 years old SETTING Outside of a Native American casino. STAGE REQUIREMENTS a chair I'm A Good Little Girl a one-act play by Jimmy Brunelle GIRL: This is my life. They tell me to sit—I sit. My parents love when I sit here like this. I'm being a good little girl. This chair is like an elevator. I sit in the same place, looking through the same door. The only thing that changes is what I see when the door opens. You might be wondering what floor I'm on now. Well, right now my parents are in that room over there playing the slot machines. I can see them now. They always stay where I can see them. Looks like they're losing today. I'd like to go over and watch, but those guys in the blue coats never let me in. I wonder why. I don't have any money to lose. I always come here expecting to see Indians. I was told this place was run by some tribe, but I don't see any teepees. Just those guys in the blue jackets. I come here all the time, and they still act like I'm not here. They have these blank looks on their faces. Must be from having to wear the same clothes everyday. (GETS UP AND MIMES BOUNCING A BALL. A BELL RINGS. SHE SITS. TALKS TO A TEACHER.) No, Miss Bulging Eyes, I don't have my homework. (PAUSE) Well, I didn't have time this weekend. (PAUSE) There were these men in blue jackets pretending to be Indians that wouldn't let me... (PAUSE) sorry, Native Americans. (PAUSE) Do I have to? (PAUSE) Native Americans are from America, and Indians are from India. Native Americans are from America, and Indians are from India. Native Americans are from America, and Indians are from India. (PAUSE) There were these men in blue jackets pretending to be NATIVE AMERICANS who wouldn't let me do my homework. (PAUSE) Really, Miss Bulging Eyes. They would only let me sit there. (PAUSE) Where were my parents? Well, they were hypnotized by the men in the blue jackets. Really. My Mom and Dad were just standing there like this. (STANDS) And they were just staring like this. (STARES WITH WIDE EYES) And they were just doing this with their arms. (PRETENDS TO PULL A SLOT MACHINE LEVER OVER AND OVER) It was very scary. I'm not telling a fib. Please, don't make me stay after school. My parents both work, and my babysitter doesn't drive. It's a real long walk. I promise I'll do double homework tonight. I promise. (BELL RINGS. SHE PLAYS WITH THE BALL. BELL RINGS. SHE KNEELS ON THE SIDE OF THE CHAIR AND PRAYS) God, tonight I would like to add three things to my list of sacred desires. First, I want a larger daily supply of chocolate. Mom says I shouldn't eat a lot of it, but she eats half a big bag of M+M's everyday. So, it can't be bad for you. I think it makes her happy. She always smiles at my Dad when he brings her chocolate. And she hardly ever smiles. More chocolate, please. I also want softer pews at church. Why do they have to be so hard, anyway? Since I started third grade, I get all these books, and my knapsack is making my back hurt. And when I have to sit in those pews, it really hurts. Just a few cushions would be nice. Lastly, I'd like to be Miss America. I know that I'm from Rhode Island, and no one from here ever wins, but if you help me, I think that can change. (STANDS STRAIGHT) Miss Rhode Island! Hi, I'm Miss Rhode Island. Evening gown! (WALKS DOWN STAGE AND THEN RIGHT TO LEFT AS IF SHE IS ON A RUNWAY.) Swimsuit! And now for the question. (IN DEEP VOICE) Miss Rhode Island, why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near? (IN MISS RHODE ISLAND'S VOICE) Well, Mr. Judge, because I'm so incredibly beautiful and smart, and I smell like birdseed. (IN DEEP VOICE) And Miss Rhode Island wins because she's funny! Yay! Yay! Bravo!! Bravo!!! (IN OWN VOICE) Yeah, Mom, I'm going to sleep. I'm being good....

1.          What is the main source of internal conflict in this story?

A.     Her parents have neglected her through gambling addictions.

B.     The men in blue suits will not let her in the casino.

C.      The girl wants to misbehave.

D.     The girl is hungry.

2.          The author is this play uses the setting of this story to-

A.     Let the reader know where the story takes place.

B.     To provide variety

C.      To show the significance of the problem with the little girl.

D.     To reveal the little girl’s character.

3.          By the end of the story, it becomes obvious that the little girl feels-

A.       Anger towards her parents for neglecting her.

B.       Lonely

C.        Hungry for chocolate.

D.       A little rebellious

4.          What is the best meaning for the word “pew” as it is used in the passage?

A.       A stool

B.       A chair or bench

C.        A footstool

D.       A knapsack

5.          Which of the following statements contribute to the mood of the story?

“…they still act like I'm not here.”	“…they were hypnotized by the men in the blue jackets”	“I want a larger daily supply of chocolate.”
“I'd like to be Miss America.”	“…And she hardly ever smiles.”	“I smell like birdseed.”