Act IV

When the lights come up again, we see Mrs. Frankenstein standing outside her house with a wrap, looking at the stars. She is alone.

Mrs. Frankenstein: What a dreadful night. Soon I will be away from here, with my beloved beside me. This has been a nightmare.

Igor approaches. He has been watching for the SUGAR PLUM FAERIES and is surprised to find Mrs. Frankenstein outside.

Igor: What are you doing out here, Missus. It is dangerous. Have you heard nothing of the beast that roams the countryside?

Mrs. Frankenstein: I am going back inside. I only wanted a glimpse of the night sky once more outside this castle—before I leave it forever…

Igor: [nervously looking about for the SUGAR PLUM FAERIES] It could appear at any moment…

Mrs. Frankenstein: How long have you been with my husband? Twenty years?

Igor: His whole life, Missus. I used to sleep under his crib, when he was but an infant.

Mrs. Frankenstein: Have you ever known him to be… happy?

Igor: Happy, Missus?

Mrs. Frankenstein: Yes, happy.

Igor: I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean, Missus. But please go back inside—it isn’t safe out here. Someone could come by at any time—someone up to no good.

Mrs. Frankenstein: Tell me, Igor. In all the nights my husband was locked away in his laboratory, was there ever anyone with him?

Igor: [frustrated]… not a living thing, ever, but you must go inside…

Mrs. Frankenstein: [dissatisfied with his answer] leave me, Igor—I will not be but a moment. Go inside and see if the bags are ready in the hallway. We are leaving early, and I want no delays.

Igor: But…but…

Mrs. Frankenstein: Go! I am perfectly safe. I am not so fragile as I might look…

Igor: Very well, Missus.. but I shall return in a few minutes to see about you.

Igor shuffles off, checking behind everything in his path, and making his way back into the house. Mrs. Frankenstein stands as if suddenly chilled and is startled by a sudden noise.

Mrs. Frankenstein: Who is there? Show yourself. I am not alone—my…my husband is with me…

The monster appears and Mrs. Frankenstein is too surprised to scream. She stands like a statue. For a few moments the monster looks at her, and reaches out a finger to stroke her cheek, and then as if suddenly enraged, grabs her and throws her over its shoulder.

They exit.

The SUGAR PLUM FAERIES are just behind and gather at the spot they have left. Igor returns, singing.

Igor: She is gone back into the house?

No?

What?

I must awaken the Master…

Igor returns to the house and the SUGAR PLUM FAERIES follow close behind. One of them is carrying some of Clyde’s yellow sheets of paper. She stops at the door, reading, then clutches the papers to her breast.
One of her sisters reaches out, grabs her and pulls her inside.

Back to ACT III

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