MISS SAIGON - LIBRETTO ACT II ** 1 ** ENTR'ACTE ** 2 ** BUI-DOI (In September 1978 JOHN is addressing a conference in Atlanta that CHRIS and his wife ELLEN are attending at JOHN'S request.) CHOIR they're called bui-doi the dust of life conceived in hell and born in strife they are the living reminders of all the good we failed to do we can't forget must not forget that they are all our children too JOHN like all survivors, I once thought when I'm home I won't give a damn but now I know I'm caught I'll never leave Vietnam war isn't over when it ends some pictures never leave your mind they are the faces of the children the ones we left behind they're called bui-doi the dust of life conceived in hell and born in strife they are the living reminders of all the good we failed to do we can't forget must not forget that they are all our children too these kids hit walls on every side they don't belong in any place their secret they can't hide it's printed on their face I never thought one day I'd plead for half-breeds from a land that's torn but then I saw a camp for children whose crime was being born they're called bui-doi the dust of life conceived in hell and born in strife we owe them fathers, and a family and loving homes they never knew because we know deep in our hearts that they are all our children too these are souls in need they need us to give someone has to pay for their chance to live help me try CHORUS they're called bui-doi the dust of life conceived in hell JOHN AND CHORUS and born in strife they are the living reminders of all the good we failed to do CHORUS JOHN that's why we know that's why we know deep in our hearts deep in our hearts CHORUS that's why we know JOHN that they are all our children... JOHN AND CHORUS ...too ** 3 ** THE REVELATION (After the conference, JOHN introduces CHRIS and ELLEN to his co- workers. CHRIS draws JOHN aside.) CHRIS John, you were great. Can I see you alone? I gotta know what you meant on the phone what is this news you received you can only tell me JOHN a lot of groups use my Bangkok staff to process problems on their behalf we got this in from the embassy it's not easy to tell you, it's best that you see CHRIS Kim. it's about Kim, isn't it? only you now how hard I had tried to get word tell me first, nothing else, tell me: did she survive? JOHN you must read the report, Chris, but yes, she's alive CHRIS you don't know, John, these nightmares, the things that I've seen I have seen her face burned, seen her shot with my gun I have chased her through streets and heard nothing but screams what's wrong? Come on. There is still something more JOHN she has a child you have a son (shows CHRIS the report) CHRIS you won't believe me but I dreamed this, John it's in the nightmare when I see Saigon Jesus, John, I am married is this story for real? JOHN I'm only telling you what I received but our reports can usually be believed Kim's a bar-girl in Bangkok pal, I know how you feel CHRIS It's too late! I have a whole new life I have a wife I love, she just can't disappear JOHN listen, guy, I know the shock you've had it isn't always bad, there are solutions here CHRIS oh John, I never told her my wife, how can I tell her? a child, what do I do? I shattered Kim now Ellen too JOHN CHRIS I have learned the best thing for a couple to do I have to tell her you should both come to Bangkok, I mean Ellen too I have to tell her CHRIS us both? JOHN you both should go! ELLEN hey guys, come on CHRIS but first . . . Ellen has to know ** 4 ** WHAT A WASTE (A street filled with vendors in Patpong in Bangkok, outside a sleazy night-club called "Le Moulin Rouge" where the ENGINEER is doorman and barker. Other DOORMEN compete with him for the attention of crowds of TOURISTS.) ENGINEER check it out! DOORMEN girls! I got girls! DOORMEN gorgeous girls! DOORMEN very nice! TOURISTS hey, wow! Oh look! We gotta see! DOORMEN girls! I got girls! DOORMEN gorgeous girls! DOORMEN very nice! TOURISTS I'm glad my wife's not here with me! ENGINEER what a waste! to pay for my keep I'm rounding up sheep to fleece here in Bangkok I'm disgraced I can't get ahead there's nothing as dead as peace here in Bangkok ten cents an hour, that's all they pay I'll have to swim to the USA (to some TOURISTS) if you're looking for fun original sin if you want to put out then you gotta come in (TOURISTS pass. He tries to make them take his leaflets.) DOORMEN girls! I got girls! DOORMEN gorgeous girls! DOORMEN very nice! DOORMEN ENGINEER (to TOURISTS) girls! gee, isn't Bangkok really neat? I got girls! the things they're selling on the street girls! fresh dog, if that's what you'd enjoy worth the price a girl, or if you want a boy DOORMEN and the ENGINEER come, come to me first drink is free ENGINEER (to two Japanese TOURISTS) don't be a lump, you can hump for a small extra fee hump - "humpy, humpy" ENGINEER I'm depressed for hustling amours to Japanese tours is no treat in Bangkok I'm the best but selling these runts for sexual stunts leaves me beat in Bangkok ten cents an hour... (The CLUB OWNER, the ENGINEER'S boss, passes.) CLUB OWNER you said you'd fill my place up - where are they? ENGINEER they're coming, Boss CLUB OWNER Just get to work, half-breed! ENGINEER ...screw the Siamese look how they're ripping off... refugees (to another PASSER-BY) ENGINEER if you're looking for fun original sin if you want to put out then you gotta come in DOORMEN ENGINEER girls! hey boys, don't stand around like wimps I got girls! watch out, those guys, they're really pimps girls! you want some thrills, come-on and grab it! half the price! three girls, two gerbils, and a rabbit DOORMEN hey, come to me! (unfolding folders of photos) DOORMEN look what you'll see! ENGINEER hey, that's a joke, mine blow smoke for a small extra fee VENDORS come try the streets in every venue with tricks, you'll pick from off the menu ENGINEER TOURISTS hey, Joe, try taking a little excursion you'll all feel good from a little perversion oh yeah! massage requiring total immersion oh wow! some strange positions they say are Persian oh no! ENGINEER drinks are on me first girl is free what can I say? You get me for a small extra fee! (JOHN enters looking for KIM. The VENDORS surround him.) ENGINEER (handing a leaflet to John) you want a girl sir? you'll like one of these JOHN you have a Kim here, can I see her please? ENGINEER you pick 'em well. . . monsieur John, is that you? JOHN the Engineer! Jesus Christ! you're here too ENGINEER of all my friends, you're the one that I miss JOHN I'm looking for Kim ENGINEER I love you so, you and your buddy Chris JOHN I'm here about him Kim has a child born in... BOTH seventy-five ENGINEER I filled that out and it's you who arrive you'll find the end of your quest here in our little dive I'm impressed American clerks, a system that works there's really no other JOHN listen, spare me the gas is there really a child? ENGINEER yes, we're blessed and Kim's on a trip for citizenship, and I am her brother JOHN you're her brother, my ass come on, take me inside ENGINEER look Kim, who got our application I said I'd bring us all salvation KIM oh my god! monsieur John! yes, of course he sent you JOHN not in here, is there someplace near we could talk? KIM (to one of the customers) Take your hands off! We're finished! Go find someone else! JOHN come with me, there's a lot I've got to say first KIM Chris is here! say he's here! oh my god, it's all true ENGINEER I suggest, whatever may be you leave it to me just play little mother JOHN what I need to find out she can tell me alone KIM can you take me to Chris? I can leave here right now we've been here for so long took this job to survive one month at sea I was sure we'd drown but I thought about Chris and we didn't go down I've done terrible things but we're safe and you're here so perhaps all the gods have begun to forgive CLUB OWNER did the gentleman order champagne? ENGINEER she was about to get it CLUB OWNER you better get back on the chain, or get out KIM ENGINEER monsieur John I'm so sick of that prick quick before he gets wise look at this let John look at your kid come see love see the lids of his eyes come see Chris let John have his surprise ENGINEER look Uncle Sam how nice I am I doing all this just for Tam an American boy (KIM brings JOHN to her room and shows him TAM) KIM look John, this is his son don't they have the same the smile he's been waiting for his father for a long, long while ** 5 ** PLEASE JOHN I'm not here as a friend I have a job to do it's strange to find my work should lead me here to you Chris knows all about you I have shown him all this but I think that it's time you know all about Chris KIM please, don't you see that's all I live for? I have him and nothing more at night, everything that's not him disappears behind my door JOHN please, he went crazy when he lost you spoke to no one for a year then he finally said "I'm home now, my life has to go on here" Kim, let me finish talking, please that was three whole years ago KIM yes, yes I know I know how pain can grow when the rock you hold onto is a love miles away, listen: please, I already know the story take us to the USA JOHN when we finish here, you'll see him Chris arrived with me today! KIM oh Tam! He's here! he is here, he's so near we might breathe the same air tonight! your father's here KIM JOHN I dreamed so hard I can't tell her like this I kept my faith I should not be the one and now it's true Chris must come see his son please, they don't say don't you see we've been in the files watched over? there's a woman in love as we crossed here the wildest sea? what sustained her for miles even god wants us together Chris still knows nothing of can I end this journey, can I end this journey please? please? JOHN there's only one thing I can do I must bring Chris here to see you ** 6 ** CHRIS IS HERE (CLUB OWNER enters, seeing TAM) CLUB OWNER I thought I said, "no kids around" so what's that brat doing here you better take care, I'm watching both of you you, and your Engineer (as JOHN leaves) sir, would you like a massage? JOHN no thanks, it's not my scene CLUB OWNER you can find boys at La Cage (CLUB OWNER leaves and the ENGINEER enters) ENGINEER where is he? what is that look he was right on the hook don't tell me he slipped free KIM Engineer, Chris is here John is going to get him and bring him to me my heart's ready to burst I don't know what I'll tell him first ENGINEER that guy is no one to trust or a soldier who's just learned he's fathered a son you got to get to Chris first I will find his address now before he can run KIM you can trust what he'll do don't you worry I'll mention you ENGINEER don't screw with me little bitch I don't want any hitch you just do as you're told you'll go to his hotel I'll be working as well guarding our bag of gold KIM tell me where, and I'll go he is longing for me I know (KIM picks up the picture of her parents) you have brought me through the lightning you have watched me from afar you know all and you forgive me loving parents that you are ENGINEER please, let your daughter have your blessing go on, talk to your ghosts, little girl 'til you're blue on the life that starts today you have one chance, just one we must journey to a new world he's her talking to you and I must be on my way I'm on my way (the ENGINEER leaves) ** 7 ** KIM'S NIGHTMARE (as the room darkens, the ghost of THUY appears) THUY did you think I'd gone away this is the face you saw that day staring at you with open eyes you're safe in the daylight but in the dark I rise I'm the crime that you hid for you want yo forget that you killed, but you did! you will never be free not as long as there's me did you think you would escape the judgement that was planned? did you think you would escape the truth's avenging hand just because you have escaped the bound'ries of your land I'm here! I'm here! I'm never dead I'm here! I am the guilt inside your head (KIM finds herself back in Saigon, April 1975) you think your marine's not like other men (CHRIS appears) he betrayed you once and he will again think about that night where was he back then CHRIS I'm getting you out! CAPTAIN SCHULTZ sorry, sergeant, as things degenerate all I'm giving her is her emigration papers without the wait, sign here CHRIS that's not good enough. . . CAPTAIN SCHULTZ this will get her on board the carrier you're declaring that you will marry her when you get back to the states, sign here (a solider brings in KIM) SOLDIERS by order of the old man the embassy will close according to plan CAPTAIN SCHULTZ I'll stretch a couple rules to issue her pass that's it, you're ready. nice ass. who's next? SOLDIERS by order of the old man we're processing the gooks as fast as we can CAPTAIN SCHULTZ I mean Vietnamese, hey don't get me wrong can't leave these looks for the Cong - right? (The scene changes to the room of CHRIS and KIM) CHRIS Christ, I am due at the embassy no time to lose KIM I don't want you to leave me today CHRIS well at least Uncle Sam bought our honeymoon cruise KIM if you're going I don't want to stay CHRIS look I'm leaving my gun we got time stay and pack KIM well I will do whatever you say CHRIS we'll get plenty of word when the VC attack I want you in that bed waiting when I get back (CHRIS returns to the embassy) DOC sorry, sergeant, we must accelerate state department says we evacuate the word is, we must be out by dawn CHRIS but my girl is out there! REEVES sorry, sergeant, it's straight from Washington no one leaves the grounds now, not anyone as fast as we load the planes, we're gone (a huge crowd of VIETNAMESE is pushing at the Embassy gates) GIBBONS (to the crowd) okay! Keep quiet! don't shout! the Ambassador won't leave till everyone's out the choppers're on their way, there's room for you all TROY they're climbing over the wall! get back! MORE MARINES get back! I tell you, don't shout the Ambassador won't leave till everyone's out NOLAN (entering) the Ambassador just sent an order to freeze HUSTON that's it! No more Vietnamese! Get in! (in the streets outside the Embassy, KIM can't get through the guards.) KIM I'm the wife of a soldier please, let me through! help me, who must I pay? tell me what I must do CHRIS (to an OFFICER) let me out, I have got to go back to my bride! KIM listen, someone! My husband is waiting inside! CHRIS (telephoning, inside the Embassy yard) please Kim hear the phone I can't get there please be home KIM (in the street) please Chris no one sees I am lost here find me please BOTH please, get me through, I don't care how don't take my love away, not now KIM CHRIS oh, Chris oh Kim I can't get free please get free still I'm with you I am with you wait for me wait for me FRYE (to CHRIS) sorry sergeant, inside the Embassy! we are pulling out now and there will be no more reprieves CHRIS I got till the old man leaves! JOHN Chris, don't be a ass the Ambassador is leaving now (CHRIS is forced inside the Embassy, whose doors are then barricaded. The VIETNAMESE are now yelling through the Embassy gates.) ONE VIETNAMESE take me with you! take my children! ANOTHER I have a letter, look! ANOTHER I helped the CIA! CROWD they'll kill who they find here! don't leave us behind here! A VIETNAMESE I've a wife who left already! ANOTHER I have an aunt in New York! ANOTHER I have gold, I can pay! CROWD there is no one to find here! they have left us behind here! (KIM has pushed her way through the gate.) KIM I must get in there, listen, anyone! please tell my husband... look! I have his gun! A VIETNAMESE out of my way, if that's all that you've got! CROWD if I am here when they come, I'll be shot! (inside the compound: MARINES guard the roof helipad.) CHRIS let me go, John, I can't leave her why in the world should I be saved instead of her? CROWD they'll kill who they find here! don't leave us behind here! JOHN it's not you, it's the war that's cruel and if some dreams get smashed, perhaps it's best they were CROWD and KIM there is no one to find here! they have left us behind here! JOHN wake up, my friend, your mercy trip has failed there's nothing you can do, that ship has sailed she's not the only one we'll have betrayed CROWD get to the roof, or else we are betrayed! (the CROWD tries to batter down the fences.) KIM (in the yard) oh, Chris I still believe the heart of you is here with me my heart, against all odds holds still (on the Embassy roof, the last helicopter lands. CHRIS runs up and down the wall, shouting for KIM. Finally he is forced to board the helicopter, which takes off. The nightmare passes. KIM is in her little room with TAM.) (KIM takes out her wedding dress and puts it on) KIM you are sunlight and I moon joined by the gods of fortune midnight and high noon that's what we are how in one night have we come so far outside, day starts to dawn one long night time is gone I feel you near I cry no more I know you're here I reach your door and our love is reborn! bright'ning the sky with the flame of love made of sunlight moonlight ENGINEER Kim! Kim! Chris isat this hotel! Go quickly! KIM take care of Tam! (KIM runs through the city of Bangkok to CHRIS'S hotel, as CHRIS and JOHN travel throughout the city to find her.) ** 8 ** ROOM 317 (A hotel room) KIM good evening, maam ELLEN don't turn the bed yet KIM I'm not the maid ELLEN what do you want then? KIM they must have written the room number wrong I am looking for someone named Christopher Scott three-seventeen, oh I'm sorry... unless well, you must be, of course, you're John's wife, are you not? ELLEN oh God, I see it had to happen you must be Kim Chris went to find you please come inside no one will hurt you I'm Chris's wife my name is Ellen (KIM doesn't move) ELLEN in a way, I am glad I am meeting you first understand, you were only a name till tonight I don't know how I'd feel if our roles were reversed please won't you sit down KIM tell me you are lying ELLEN we've been married a year, I am sorry, it's true KIM he said he'd come to get me ELLEN he says he tried to reach you, but what could he do? KIM please tell me you're not married you don't know, you can't know what I've done to be here ELLEN you don't know how he needed a new start KIM I feel walls in my heart closing in I can't breathe I can't win ELLEN as for the child you say it's Chris's KIM oh yes, Madame my son is Chris's I had a dream for my son to belong and not live his life in the streets like a rat ELLEN we aren't rich, but we'll shoulder our load Chris and I are totally together on that KIM then you must take Tam with you ELLEN take a child from his mother, impossible Kim KIM you will take Tam with you then he'll get what I wanted for him ELLEN but Kim, your child needs you Chris is married to me, we want kids of our own KIM Tam's chance lies with you now, not with me BOTH no! can't you see it won't work it can't be KIM if you're saying that because you've made him change his mind Chris must go away and leave me and his son behind if you're saying that because my husband has another wife my child has no future, like the dust of life he must come tonight to my place tell me so to my face (KIM exits) ELLEN I don't want this I didn't come here to meet a girl who loves my husband I came here to help, but what do I do? now, after this, what do I . . . ** 9 ** NOW THAT I'VE SEEN HER it's alright it's alright when you can just imagine there's no face, she's not real and you can tell yourself it's all okay but she's here and my heart cries this isn't happening but the truth is cold and real and I know this storm won't go away now that I've seen her there's no way to hide she is not some fling from long ago now that I've seen her I know why he lied and I think it was better when I didn't know in her eyes, in her voice in the heat that filled the air part of him still lingers there I know what pain her life today must be but if it all comes down to her or me I don't care, I swear, I'll fight now that I've seen her she's more than a name I don't hate this girl even so now that I've seen her I can't stay the same who's this man that I always trusted? now I have to know ** 10 ** THE CONFRONTATION (CHRIS and JOHN return) CHRIS we could not find her anywhere honey, what's wrong? ELLEN Kim was here the one who had to tell her was me JOHN oh, my God, it's my fault CHRIS I knew we were gone too long! ELLEN no, I think it's exactly what I had to see you said you lived with her, that's all you were only one thing you left out is that you loved her CHRIS it was just two weeks, that was years ago JOHN nothing's changed for her ELLEN don't explain there's nothing you can say it's like she's gone insane she tried to give away her own child JOHN she wants your son to be an American boy ELLEN don't you see, she still thinks she's married to you you must tell her she's not, she must hear it and soon 'course that only depends if it's true CHRIS please don't doubt me Ellen: you're my wife lots of guys came back and had no life I had you ELLEN you can say what you want but she's borne you a son in your nightmares the name that you shouted was hers you've been with me two years and not shared things you've done don't hold back let me see is it her now or me? CHRIS let me tell you the way it was back when I was a different man back when I didn't have a clue who I am the feelings locked behind a dam that kept me there in Vietnam there in the shambles of a war I found what I was looking for Saigon was crazed, but she was real and for one moment, I could feel I saw a world I never knew and through her eyes I suffered too in spite of all the things that were I started to believe in her so I wanted to save her, protect her Christ, I'm American, how could I fail to do good? all I made was a mess, just like everyone else in a place full of mystery that I never once understood! I wanted back a world I knew the story of my life began again with you ELLEN CHRIS it's all right now, that's all through oh Ellen, I should have told you we'll get past this, start anew will you ever trust me again? all I want all I have in my life in my life now is you is you JOHN now listen guys it's not so easy there is this kid who looks just like you hey, I think it's great you have each other but he exists you have to face it I run a camp that is filled with bui-doi looking for the fathers that they may never find you don't have a complicated choice with this boy do you want to take him out or leave him behind? CHRIS he's my son I won't abandon him except that, Jesus Christ, John there is also Kim what of her? ELLEN if it was only Tam I'd take him now he is your son we'd make it work somehow but Chris, she still loves you how can I have her near? CHRIS there's no choice I think the answer's clear they'll have to stay in Bangkok we'll support them here ELLEN JOHN I think this is the answer Listen, you didn't see what's in that girl's head CHRIS AND ELLEN for now this is the answer I hope you are both proud of what you've just said ELLEN it's done CHRIS it's done CHRIS AND ELLEN it's planned the girl is smart she'll understand KIM (walking around the streets of Bangkok) you must take Tam with you CHRIS AND ELLEN in Bangkok, he will go to American schools KIM I won't break my promise to my son CHRIS AND ELLEN they will start a new life KIM you will take Tam with you CHRIS AND ELLEN we'll provide for their needs JOHN you are talking like fools! KIM you won't forget Tam is a part of you CHRIS, ELLEN, JOHN we will (you should) do what is right right for him right for us right for Kim KIM I still taste your kisses your voice sings in my ear you can betray what we were yesterday but you'll come back tonight for him (KIM returns to the bar. THE ENGINEER comes out with TAM.) ENGINEER come on, come on, your recitation describe your reconciliation I hope before his stimulation he bought our little group vacation KIM in all his dreams he saw our baby and he's teaching him to fly paper dragons in the sky ENGINEER yes, papers, what's the situation? we'll need our cards for immigration no tricks, I've got my reputation don't want no phony complications KIM no, no he's coming to us tonight pack your things get yourself arranged while I change for my last performance ENGINEER me, Chris and you what a menage! Bangkok can screw! bon voyage! ** 11 ** THE AMERICAN DREAM ENGINEER my father was a tattoo artist in Haiphong but his designs on mother didn't last too long my mother sold her body, high on Betel nuts my job was bringing red-faced monsieurs to our huts selling your mom is a wrench perfume can cover a stench that's what I learned from the French then it all changed with Dien Bien Phu the frogs went home. Who came? Guess who? are you surprised we went insane with dollars pouring down like rain? businessmen never rob banks you can sell shit and get thanks that's what I learned from the Yanks I'm fed up with small-time hustles I'm too good to waste my talent for greed I need room to flex my muscles in an ocean where the big sharks feed make me Yankee, they're my fam'ly they're selling what people need what's that I smell in the air the American dream sweet as a new millionaire the American dream pre-packed, ready-to-wear the American dream fat, like a chocolate eclair as you suck out the cream luck by the tail how can you fail? and best of all, it's for sale the American dream greasy chinks make life so sleazy in the States I'll have a club that's four-starred men like me there have things easy they have a lawyer and a body-guard to the Johns there I'll sell blondes there that they can charge on a card what's that I smell in the air? the American dream sweet as a suite in Bel-air the American dream girls can buy tits by the pair the American dream bald people think they'll grow hair the American dream call girls are lining time square the American dream bums there have money to spare the American dream cars that have bars take you there the American dream on stage each night: Fred Astaire the American dream shlitz down the drain! pop the Champagne! it's time we all entertain my American dream! ENGINEER and CROWD come ev'ryone, come and share the American dream name what you want and it's there the American dream spend and have money to spare the American dream live like you haven't a care the American dream what other place can compare the American dream come and get more than your share the American dream ENGINEER there I will crown Miss Chinatown all yours for ten percent down ALL the American dream! (CHRIS, JOHN and ELLEN enter. THE ENGINEER takes them to see KIM and TAM.) ** 12 ** FINALE (In KIM'S room she has dressed TAM in his best clothes.) KIM now Tam, my brave boy our long wait has ended smile Tam for you have a father at last he has come to take you home all I dreamed for you he'll do you're still mine but I can't go along don't be sad though I'm far away I'll be watching you this is the hour I swore I'd see I alone can tell now what the end will be they think they'll decide your life no, it will be me look at me one last time don't forget what you see one more kiss and then say goodbye (THE ENGINEER comes in and takes TAM to CHRIS. KIM prays before the shrine of her parents, blows out the candles and disappears behind the bed curtain. A gunshot. KIM's body falls to the floor.) CHRIS Kim! Kim! (CHRIS picks up KIM and cradles her in his arms.) CHRIS what have you done, Kim? Why? KIM the gods have guided you to your son CHRIS please don't die KIM hold me one more time (CHRIS holds her) KIM how in one night have we come... so far (KIM'S embrace becomes lifeless. CHRIS sobs, holding her.) THE CURTAIN FALLS END ACT II