"The Proposal"

Synopsis: A young man has planned a very romantic setting to propose to his love. Things don't go quite as expected.Time: 20-30 minutes

At Rise:   Snooty Host with a heavy French accent greets them and seats them.The couple is giggly, and acts "in love", almost oblivious to others.

HOST: Bon Soir, my friends, I am Philippe, welcome to ze Club Flambe'. (wags finger at them)Ha ha, I can tell you are ze lovey dovey birds, no? I have a table over here, just for you.(seats them at table) There you are, Mademoiselle, Monsieur. Your server will be right with you. If you have any needs please feel free to call upon me. I am at your service. (bows and leaves)

HE: This is going to be a very special and unforgettable night my love.

SHE: Really? (smiles shyly) Why is that?    

HE: (wags finger) No no, you have to wait a little while to see what I have planned.(they giggle)

WAITER:  Good evening, I am Louie Lafayette, I have the honor of being your server this evening. May I pour you a glass of Perrier?

(With flourish, WAITER pours them both a glass of water, hands them both large menus and knock the mans water glass over, big fuss about wiping it up, etc. the man is irritated. grabs napkin and finish blotting up the water. WAITER walks away snooty like it was mans fault.)

HE:  You know sweetheart, I've been planning this for a long time. I want everything about tonight to be perfect. I want it to be unforgettable.
(soft romantic piano music playing)

SHE: You do? Oh I'm so excited

HE: (smiles) Well there's something I want to ask you tonight, I think it's time, because..

 (As they talk, the recorded soft piano music gets louder and the PIANO PLAYER goes from quietly playing to very dramatic gestures as the  music changes to a more vigorous, classical sound and very loud, MAN motions for HOST)

 HOST: Yes Monsieur, You need somsing?

HE: Yes, that piano player is getting rather carried away, we can't hear ourselves think.

HOST claps heels together and bows, picks up a menu walks to PIANO PLAYER and slaps him across the head with the menu. PP falls off piano stool, gets up, straightens clothes, says "Thank you Philippe, I needed that" Sits down and begins to play the soft music again. HOST walks away. The couple watches all this.

SHE:  Darling, now what were you saying?

HE: Yes I was just saying that we've known each other for a long time now, and you know that I care for you very much.

(WAITER is standing by the table listening, as the mans starts to whisper, the waiter keeps bending closer to hear, MAN and WOMAN look up in surprise, WAITER stands up and coughs, acts embarrassed)

WAITER: You are perhaps ready to place your order now?

The couple look at each other and laugh, they haven't opened their menus.
HE : (scans menu) Let's see...that sound good, give us both that.

WAITER: Very good, and would you like Caesar salad or our House?

HE: House salad will be fine. (each time he answers he looks back at WOMAN and takes her hands, smiles, and expects WAITER to leave.)

WAITER:  And would you like our creamed asparagus or broccoli Almondine?

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