Special Edition Matcha
A Play In One Act
(Scripts)
Written By Nigh-Jee
Background
Professor Name: David Renshaw
Educational Institution: Community College of Philadelphia
Grade: A (Passed)
Synopsis
There is a new flavored matcha in town and it is popular with the locals. But an unwanted thing happens after their order.
Act 1: Scene 1
Cast of Characters
Jerome: A nineteen year old male barista.
Alice: A woman in her early twenties (customer).
Lisa: A middle-aged woman (customer).
Jaylah: Another woman in her early twenties (customer).
Manager: A middle-aged woman who’s the manager of the café.
Barista 2: A middle-aged woman barista who wasn’t wearing her name badge.
Setting
Time: December 4th, 6:30PM, Friday
Location: This scene takes place at a coffee shop with a few Christmas decorations around. There are a few people seated at their tables—casually talking, but low enough to hear the characters.
Stage Locations
Coffee Shop’s Pickup Line: Center Stage
Café’s Kitchen: Downstage
Cafe’s Counter Where Ingredients Are: Stage Right
Café’s Entrance: Stage left
Seating Area: Left Center Stage
Ordering Section: Upstage Right
[Two people wait in the pickup line. The two people waiting in the pick up line are Lisa and Alice. They have on winter attire—with each of their own matching colors. A few snowflakes are on their heads but it melts over time.]
Jerome
Hello, you two. Alice and Lisa, is it?
Alice
Yeah,I’m Alice.
[She forces a smile and blank a few times in confusion.]
Lisa
And yes, my name is Lisa.
Jerome
So…we have a bit of a problem. This rarely ever happens, thankfully, but unfortunately—this time it did. So we know we rung both of y’all up for a special edition iced matcha…but we only have enough for one cup. One of our store policies is “full flavor” so splitting the matcha will only ruin the drink. The names on both of those cups are Alice for one and Lisa for the other.
[Jerome nervously looks at Lisa and Alice. His eyes slowly go back and forth from Lisa to Alice.]
Lisa
[Lisa looks at Alice.]
You know, it’s okay. I will just order something else to energize my afternoon.
Alice
[Alice looks at Lisa.]
Oh, no. I completely insist. I was thinking about getting an iced oatmilk with vanilla syrup, anyway. It tastes like the moon and back.
Lisa
You know, what? Actually, I think I might have that, instead. It sounds simple, but delicious. Ummm…
[Lisa looks at Jerome’s name tag on his shirt, squints, and then stops squinting.]
Jerome? Is it? Yes, Jerome—would it be okay if I get that drink, instead? I assume it’ll be a little cheaper so that’s well and fine extra money in y’alls local shop.
Jerome
Oh, that’s fine, mam. And what would you like, Alice?
[Jerome looks at Alice with a full teeth smile.]
Alice
Hmmm…you know what? I think I might get the special edition matcha, instead. Like Lisa said. I have to get this afternoon going! Haha.
[Alice gleefully smiles.]
Lisa
[Lisa slowly turns her head to Alice with a confused look and Alice smiles back.]
[Lisa’s voice cracks a little.]
Oh…okay.
[Lisa faintly smiles–no teeth shown.]
Jerome
[Jerome nervously looks at Lisa and Alice. His eyes slowly go back and forth from Lisa to Alice with a nervous smile—full teeth.]
Well…
[Jerome does a shaky chuckle.]
I guess I’ll just get started on those drinks…
[Jerome turns and faces the coffee shop’s kitchen.]
Lisa
You know, what? I think I might actually want that special edition matcha, again. I’m feeling a little green today. Besides, my niece recently visited me this VERY early December and said the ingredients mix so well together.
Jerome
[Jerome stops, quietly sighs, puts his head down, and turns around to face Lisa and Alice.]
[He speaks softly but loud enough for the two women to hear.]
Okay…
Alice
Oh…I guess you didn’t want the iced vanilla syrup oatmilk I suggested? Because it’s really good.
Lisa
Yes, it’s so good that it makes you just want to order another drink, huh? Haha.
[Lisa smiles and mixes it in with a sly look while staring at Alice.]
Alice
[She chuckles and looks at Jerome.]
Anyways, I saw this special edition drink online and everyone seems to love it and posted really nice photos. NOT to mention, this LIMITED edition drink—has strawberry syrup smoothed in chocolate with peanut butter cookie crumble—WHILE being layered with sweet banana custard, THAT’s been intertwined with vanilla syrup matcha. So yeah, you’re right, they do mix well—unlike us in this…weird situation that’s happening right now.
[Alice smirks at Lisa and chuckles expeditiously.]
Jerome
Yes, that is correct. I…well…made two hundred and thirteen of them so far this month. And it’s only December the fourth.
[He fake laughs and fake smiles. And speaks in a defeated and somewhat shaky voice/tone.]
It’s soooooo popular…haha.
[He quietly sighs.]
[A young woman, named Jaylah, steps behind them in line with winter attire, too (her own matching colors, as well). She has some snowflakes on her wardrobe but it melts over time. Jerome swiftly moves his head to look at the new customer waiting in line. He has a concerned look.]
Jerome
I’ll be right with you, mam.
[Jaylah shakes her head up and down. Jerome looks back at Alice and Lisa. Both Alice and Lisa turn their heads to Jaylah.]
Lisa
[Lisa smiles at Jaylah.]
[Lisa faces back to Jerome. Alice rolls her eyes and then faces Jerome. Jaylah noticed what Alice did and made a worried look.]
Lisa
You know, what? I’m not going to play these reindeer games—even though it is the holidays. So, what other suggestions do you have for a good drink, Jerome?
Jerome
A drink that costs just as much or less must be sufficient. So sorry, it’s a policy rule.
[Jerome cracks a smile, showing no teeth, and with a tired look on his face.]
Alice
Reindeer games? Are you saying that because I look younger than you? Because bringing up my age is so unnecessary. It’s not that serious, it’s literally just a drink.
[Lisa, Jaylah, and Jerome have a shocked and awkward look on their faces. Jerome walks away into the kitchen while Lisa and Alice focus on eachother.]
Lisa
Actually, no that was not the case, little girl. I just don’t want to no longer be a part of these shenanigans. This is how I keep my peace and age beautifully and gracefully.
Jaylah
[Sighs loudly.]
Lisa
[Turns around to Jaylah.]
I completely understand. I wouldn’t want to go through this, either. I’m just going to get another drink and be on my way.
Jaylah
No, it’s not you. You’re actually nice.
Lisa
Oh, thank you. Ahaha.
[She smiles at Jaylah.]
Alice
[Turns around to Jaylah.]
Oh… y’all want to just bond over me, huh? I’m happy to help. You know, there are other café’s that you two can go to. There’s a really good one on Jacolin Avenue. It’s called, “Lala Land.”
Jaylah
You’re sure we’re not already here?
[Jaylah says staring at the wall to avoid eye contact.]
Alice
Oh……excuse me? I was just trying to be polite. Wow.
Lisa
How is that trying to be poli–you know what, I think it’s time for me to go.
Manager
[The manager and Jerome enter from the right downstage. They both stand near where Jerome once stood before he left. Jaylah leaves the line and goes to the “ordering section” which was where she came before. She can be seen talking to a café worker behind the counter.]
Hello, you two. I am the manager of this store. My good team member, Jerome, told me about the situation. Whoever ordered first gets the matcha. Lisa was the one who ordered first. If you ladies need anything else, Jerome will come back and let me know. Have a nice day and happy holidays.
[The manager leaves towards the kitchen with a smile.]
Alice
Oh…
[She slightly looks around, confused.]
Lisa
It’s okay, Jerome. I’m very sorry for the inconvenience. Like I said earlier, I’m not really in the mood for a matcha now, maybe when y’all restock. I’ll be on my way.
[Lisa smiles at Jerome.]
Jerome
I’m the one who should be sorry to both of you. It’s obvious the person who ordered first should’ve gotten it. Please, forgive me.
[Jaylah steps in the waiting line behind Alice and Lisa again and waits.]
Alice
Wow, all this waiting and I wasn’t going to get it anyway. It’s whatever. I don’t really want anything else.
[This time, Lisa is the one who rolls her eyes and slightly shakes her head from left to right.]
Barista 2
Special edition matcha for…
[She looks at the bottle for the name.]
Jaylah!
[Barista 2 places the drink on the counter and leaves towards the kitchen.]
Jaylah
[Jaylah walks up towards the pick-up line past Alice and Lisa—picking up the drink.]
Thank you. Time for me to drive away into paradise.
[She leaves out the entrance door with a smile on her face while sipping on the special edition matcha.]
[Jerome, Alice, and Lisa look at her leave—all of their mouths dropped.]
Jerome
Ummm…I guess she must’ve changed her order while…all of this was happening.
Alice
It’s beginning to look like an ice skating rink out there, let’s hope her wheels won’t ski like that blue hedgehog in those video games.
[Lisa and Jerome look at each other, their mouths dropping once again.]
I’ll just call up later and order a drink at home.
[Alice walks away to the door entrance.]
Jerome
Well, actually we don’t do deliv—
Alice
[Turns around with a stern look on her face.]
Jerome
Well—you know, what? Actually, I’ll talk to my manager to see if we can get that delivered to you.
[Alice leaves out the door with a mad but proud look.]
Lisa
Now that, that scenario is gone. Am I still up for that iced oatmilk and vanilla syrup drink?
[Lisa smiles with a hopeful look on her face. She holds her hands together in front of her chest.]
Jerome
[Jerome fakes a smile by looking slightly defeated and tired.]
Um…sure…it’ll be ready soon, Lisa.
[Jerome walks towards the ordering section to grab a cup on the café’s counter. He whispers to himself.]
Next, I’m gonna apply for college work-study.
[Curtains close.]
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Swarthy & 'Fro 
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