Wheelhouse

(a play in one act)

CURTAIN RISES on a gathering SCHOLARS of soul music. They are discussing the work and legacy of Michael Jackson.

FIRST SCHOLAR
…at this point, the contribution of Quincy Jones cannot be ignored. It really ties Michael into the continuum of great American music.

SECOND SCHOLAR
Oh, agreed. Those vocal harmonies on the bridge—they’re arranged like the saxophones on an Ellington tune. Just sublime.

While the Scholars are conversing, a WHITE ROCK FAN enters.

WHITE ROCK FAN
How dare you discuss the legacy of Michael Jackson without mentioning Eddie’s solo on “Beat It”? That was a watershed moment! It was an unprecedented fusion of rock and R&B! It introduced hard rock to an entirely new demographic!

The WHITE ROCK FAN stands, pale and sweaty, as the SCHOLARS stare at him for a beat.

FIRST SCHOLAR
Well, yeah. But we’re talking about Off the Wall.

WHITE ROCK FAN
(a moment of dumbstruck silence: then suddenly shouts, throwing the horns)
VAN HALEN 4 LIFE!

Runs madly for the exit, leaving the SCHOLARS bemused.

CURTAIN.

Viz. (scroll down for the comments)