Playwright

Mitch – Oakland resident originally from Concord, California: mixed ethnicity (Mexican and Caucasian), earned his bachelors degree in science; charismatic, shares rent and household responsibilities with his roommate, hunter and fisherman, great cook, solid work ethic, mechanic, spends every other weekend camping or vacationing with family and friends, loves dancing and rap music

Felicia – Oakland resident originally from Mendocino County: Caucasian, wants to go to beauty school, exceptionally “street smart,” chain smoker, eats McDonald chicken nuggets 5 out of 7 days a week because it’s cost-effective comfort food, currently homeless, volunteers at food not bombs, gifted artist, dreams of becoming a famous musician

Fred – Oakland resident originally from Alabama: Black, graduated from medical school, known to exaggerate / embellish stories for clout, smokes cigars, owns the house across the street from Mitch, works at children’s hospital with autistic youth, lifts weights daily, married to a young social worker from the Midwest and sponsored every bit of her extensive college education (and he isn’t bashful about sharing this fact)…

Setting: house party / record release BBQ + live music for Mitch’s roommate at their East Oakland home, guests and hosts share complimentary food and drinks laid out on the dining room table, a cool November afternoon, crisp, clean air (since it had been raining softly for 2 days prior to the event), after sunset - festivities advance to the backyard bonfire area, various ‘out of state’ friendly musician attendees do their best to blend in before performing their set, hums of rhythmic pulsations - excited banter between new groups becoming acquainted; as well as old familiar souls reconnecting (good vibes)…

Mitch – "Hi, welcome! Make yourself at home. This is my place... My roommate and hetero-life partner is the big guy throwing this here shindig."

Felicia – (quick, shy eye contact as she extends her hand to shake his while making headway to the snack buffet she spots just beyond the front door screen) "Hey thanks! My friend is really into these bands so I’m stoked to see them perform."

Mitch – "Hell yeah! Well, you’re amongst family here – we can set your backpack down in my room if you’d be more comfortable?" (Gestures to a closed door down the hall from where they’re standing)

Felicia – (Gives the thumbs up appreciation and shoulder shrug still wearing her bulky bag)

"Nah, it’s all bueno, this thing’s kind of like my security blanket." (Already neck deep in pita chips and cheese dip, she spins around to grab a cup and inadvertently knocks a dozen empty beer and soda cans off the counter)

Everybody in eye shot laughs…

Fred – (casually saunters over from across the street) "Hey fam!"

Mitch – (swings open the screen door) "Freddy! My brother! My neighbor! My guy, how are you this fine afternoon?"

Fred – (smiles and puffs his cigar) "Another day, another way to get paid you know!"

Inarticulate affable mumbling as Fred & Mitch embrace eachother – half hug / half wrestling one another to the ground

Mitch – "Fred, Felicia ; Felicia, Fred."

Fred & Felicia – (in unison): "How do you do? Pleased to meet you." (They grin at eachother for a moment and Fred senses Felicia starting to feel awkward)

Fred – "Those are some mad gracious manners ma, where do you hail from? Folks I meet over here at this party house usually say 'Sup' and act all cool ‘n shit. I like you; you’re the real deal" (points at her with his chewed up stogie)

Felicia – (body language instantly more relaxed) "I’m from a place where green in king."

Fred – "See Mitch, you see? Told y’all she was trill."

Mitch – "Yeah Fred’s got that clairvoyant endowment. He’s from the counnnntry!" (pronounced with an inflated satirical accent and suggestive eyebrow fluttering)

Felicia – "Ah that’s hella cool! Country life is the chillinest."

Fred – "They already got you on these hyphy bay area vernaculars too huh? I can dig it sis."

Felicia – "Yup yup, most all of everyone in California says ‘hella’ though."

Mitch – "And we all speaky Spanglish too."

Fred – "That’s that blend! So where you stay at 'Licia? You in East O? These knuckleheads need a stunner like you to come around and shake things up, make a couple grown men outta their backward bachelor butts. Bring some female flavor to the mix."

Mitch – (rolls his eyes)