LOST
LOST
Written by Kaylyn Fleur Maglana
Directed by Jason Rae Aragon and Queenie Diane Cabil
Music by Lawrence Galve Parcón
Premiered February 11, 2018 at CPAC Conference Hall.
Discover a secret that was never meant to be found. This stage play follows the Reyes family's attempt to piece itself together following the uncovering of a long kept family secret. LOST delves into the story of a teenager on a quest for independence, freedom and a sense of purpose. The choice she makes, affects the lives of her family, who each have to face their own internal struggles. Focused on the message of hope, LOST is a modern retelling of the Biblical story of The Prodigal Son with a fresh twist.
Lost is my first theatrical play to score. I didn't know where to begin at first but I was inspired by the way Jonathan Morali scored Life is Strange. I tailored the tracks to be "loop-able" and have vamp points to anticipate timing for live theatre, because I would be working with pre-rendered WAVs instead of live musicians.
The music for Lost is done with a leitmotif approach, but instead of musical themes, I used Fruit Loops soundfonts as characters. Take Act One, Scene One for example. The scene cuts from character to character, presenting the story's themes and main characters at the very beginning. I thought that was a good anchor point for the exposition of musical themes.
Play the audio file and read along to Act One, Scene One.
ACT 1
SCENE 1
SETTING: The setting shifts from place to place as the characters enter.
(DAD, NICOLE & CLAIRE are at the
dinner table, saying grace.)
00:00
DAD:
Dear God, it’s a new day and a new start at life. Please bless our family and the endeavors of each of my daughters, Nicole and Claire. I entrust their lives into your hands. And please always help us remember, that our family is a circle of strength-
(Opens one eye, nudges NICOLE)
NICOLE:
(Rolls her eyes)
Founded on faith.
(Elbows CLAIRE)
CLAIRE:
(Sighs)
Joined in love.
DAD:
Kept by God, together, forever. Amen.
00:37
NICOLE:
(More to herself)
Yuck! It’s so cringe-worthy! I thought it’d never end.
CLAIRE:
What is it with dad and his rituals?
DAD:
Hey girls, since the holidays are fast approaching, I had the most brilliant idea!
CLAIRE:
What are you suggesting this time, dad?
DAD:
This Christmas, were going to have… drumroll please, a family gathering!
NICOLE:
(Slaps forehead)
We do that every year!
CLAIRE:
Why am I not surprised?
DAD:
No, this time it’ll be different, I promise. Were going to have gift-giving & a special dinner, and-
NICOLE:
Whatever dad.
(The two get busy)
NICOLE:
(Reading an invitation)
You have been invited to an evening of fun and celebration tonight at the Garcia’s residence, 6:00 PM. Yes!
CLAIRE:
Good morning, Claire Reyes speaking. Yes, sir. We are very much open for negotiation. My secretary will be sure to update you on any recent changes. Hello, Chris. Yes, please make arrangements for a flight to Cebu tomorrow.
01:21
SAM:
(Clears throat)
Mr. Arvin Reyes, I love your daughter, and I plan on marrying her. Will you give us your blessing?
(Opens the box containing the ring)
Phew! I sure hope this works out well.
01:44
LEVI:
Alright, Liz. This better be good. What’s up?
LIZ:
It’s a big problem. We’re going bankrupt. I don’t think we can hold on much longer.
LEVI:
What?!
(Overturns table)
FRANZ:
Woah! Calm down there boss! Um, I’m sure there’s a solution somewhere.
LIZ:
Not if you think we can beat Claire Reyes’ on the charts.
LEVI:
Well then, we’ll try! I’ve been in the business world longer than her! We’ll beat her yet!
02:13
MOM:
(Pushed down by someone backstage.
Picks herself up. Looks beaten.)
This wasn’t what I wanted.
(Begins laughing and crying hysterically)
What a life! Haha! It’s a cruel trick, really it is.
(Talking to the audience)
02:26
DAD:
(Finished setting up the chess board)
Nicole, want to play a game?
NICOLE:
(Preoccupied)
Hmm… Is this dress better? No, I think I’ll go with this.
DAD:
Nic? Please play a game with me.
NICOLE:
Um, I’m kinda in a hurry.
DAD:
Come on, dear. Just one. I promise.
NICOLE:
(Sighs, sits down)
Fine.
(END OF SCENE 1)
The score being minimal in nature creates a more intimate and centralized experience. It doesn't call for much attention, but rather acts as support to the story line and the actors in such a small production. [150 seats]
LOST Album is now available for listening and purchase at Bandcamp! Learn more about CPAC Theatrical Arts Guild, and watch the trailer for LOST! Thanks to Kaylyn Fleur Maglana for providing the LOST script excerpt. Also, here are some photos from the production. Some photos are taken by TAG Photographer, Ryle Kyro Mabida.