Upside The Musical
by Michael Cantor

Michael Cantor 917 455 2646
©2014 by Michael Cantor. All rights reserved.




Cast of Characters
Mark Berman, a new trader on Wall Street.
Nicole Harris, a junior trader
Jon Evans, an SEC investigator
Vipul Gupta, Mark's trading colleague
Andrew Bronstein, Mark's trading colleage
Larry Molinari, Mark, Vipul, and Andrew's boss Randolph (Randy) Worthington, Mark's college friend and
founder of GreenCo, a green lifestyle company Sharon Goldman, an experienced trader
Ed Stanton, Jon's boss

A Judge
A prosecuting attorney A defense attorney
A bailiff
A jury foreman

ACT I
SCENE 1
OVERTURE

CURTAIN IS DOWN.

MARK BERMAN, late 20’s ,
has just finished his Ivy-league MBA,
enters and walks to the center of the stage.

MARK
CENTER OF THE WORLD

FROM THE DAY I STARTED HIGH SCHOOL,
I'VE TAKEN THE RIGHT STEPS
TO KEEP ME STEADY ON THE GOLDEN PATH.
I JOINED THE CLUBS, I VOLUNTEERED,
IN GYM I DID THE REPS.
I DID IT ALL BECAUSE I'D DONE THE MATH.
MY PARENTS WERE SUPPORTIVE-
THEY DIDN'T HAVE A CHOICE.
SOMETIMES THEY SUFFERED RESUM… FATIGUE.
I HAD TO MAKE A STATEMENT -
TO SHOW MY UNIQUE VOICE,
AND GET ACCEPTED TO THE IVY LEAGUE.
AT HARVARD IT WAS DIFFERENT-
I DIDN'T SHINE AS BRIGHT.
JUST PUBLIC SCHOOL-
NO SHINING PEDIGREE.
SO THERE I KEPT MY HEAD DOWN,
MY DREAM ALWAYS IN SIGHT.
UNTIL I GOT MY BACHELOR'S DEGREE.
I'D BEEN PLANNING FOR MY DREAM JOB-
IT FINALLY WAS HERE.
WHEN THE OFFER CAME, IT'S TRUE,
I NEARLY HURLED.
THOUGH I'M STARTING ANOTHER ERA,
THE PATH IS STILL QUITE CLEAR:
I'M ON WALL STREET-
AT THE CENTER OF THE WORLD.

Curtain opens to...

INT. WALL STREET TRADING FLOOR, MORGAN STANLEY.

ENSEMBLE is moving around looking
busy behind MARK.

MARK

IT'S THE CENTER OF ALL THINGS GREAT-
IT'S THE CENTER OF ALL THINGS KIND-
IT'S CENTER THAT'S AN OBSESSION

(spoken, as he looks around in wonder)

And what a center it is...
THERE'S NO OTHER STREET LIKE IT ON THE PLANET
NOWHERE ELSE ARE FORTUNES MADE LIKE HERE.
YOU MIGHT SAY THE VALLEY- I'D SAY CAN IT
IT'S GOT NOTHING ON THE VALUES I HOLD DEAR.
IN THE VALLEY THEY MAKE THINGS,
OR WRITE COMPUTER CODE
TO ORDER LUNCH OR TO HELP YOU HAIL A CAB.
THEY'RE SOLVING THE WORLD'S PROBLEMS,
101'S THE NEW SILK ROAD
BUT LIFE IS NOT SOME BIG COMPUTER LAB.
MANIPULATING NUMBERS IS THE ANSWER
AND WHETHER YOU'RE A SALESMAN OR A QUANT
WHO CARES IF YOU'RE NOT OUT THERE CURING CANCER-
THE STREET WILL GIVE YOU EVERYTHING YOU WANT.

ENSEMBLE

YOU'RE AT THE CENTER
YOU'RE RIGHT AT THE MARKET'S BEATING HEART
WANT TO FIND A DISSENTER?
HERE YOU'LL FIND THAT'S MORE A TERM OF ART.
YOU MIGHT NEED SOMEONE TO GUIDE YOU
AS YOU CARVE OUT YOUR OWN SPACE;
JUST BE CLEAR- THE WORLD REVOLVES AROUND THIS PLACE.

NICOLE HARRIS, also late 20’s, mixed race,
beautiful, a junior trader, also Ivy League,
summers in the Vineyard, who’s been there
for a year, walks to the center of the stage.

NICOLE

THEY SAY THERE'S ONE THING MISSING AT THE CENTER.
THEY SAY A WOMAN'S PLACE IS STILL AT HOME.
THE BOARDROOM MIGHT AS WELL SAY "DO NOT ENTER-
UNLESS YOU'RE EMITTING MAD TESTOSTERONE."
EACH WEEK SOMEBODY ASKS ME TO BOOK TRAVEL.
EACH NIGHT SOME GUY ASKS ME TO CALL A CAR.
THEY THINK THAT THEY CAN JUDGE
BUT I'VE GOT THE GAVEL-
AND SOON THEY'LL SEE HOW MUCH I RAISE THE BAR.
I DIDN'T COME TO WALL STREET TO BE HUMBLE.
I CAME HERE LIKE THE REST TO END UP RICH.
WHEN I RESPONDED TO THOSE GUYS I DIDN'T MUMBLE-
MY STRATEGY WENT OFF WITHOUT A HITCH.
IT'S JUST THE BEGINNING-
THE FIRST PACES ON MY RISE TO THE TOP.
THERE'S NO DOUBT I'LL BE WINNING-
THAT'S THE REWARD WHEN YOU ARE WORKING NONSTOP.
I STILL PUT IN 80 HOURS, MAYBE MORE IN A GOOD WEEK.
THERE'S NO BONUS THEY GIVE OUT FOR BEING MEEK.

MARK AND NICOLE

MY LIFE'S ABOUT TO CHANGE HERE AT THE CENTER-
MY DAD'S ALREADY ASKING ME FOR TIPS.
THEY LOOK AT ME AS IF I'M THE INVENTOR
OF HEDGE FUNDS , CDOS AND THE BLUE CHIPS.
I UNDERSTAND THAT MONEY LEADS TO POWER
IT'S LIKE I'VE GOT MY BONUS ON MY SLEEVE.
MY BANK ACCOUNT IS GROWING BY THE HOUR
IT'S LIKE EVERY 2 WEEKS IS CHRISTMAS EVE.
NO TIME TO WAIT 'TIL I'M OLDER-
IT'S FINALLY TIME TO MAKE MY MARK
NOT LOOKING OVER MY SHOULDER-
THE FUTURE IS BRUSH AND I'M THE SPARK
I'VE GOT MY ID AND MY BLOOMBERG, THE WORLD IS AT MY FEET-
BECAUSE I'M AT THE CENTER -

ALL

AND WHEN YOU'RE AT THE CENTER-
THE FUTURE IS NOW.
THE FUTURE IS YOURS.
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT.
THE FUTURE'S IN SIGHT.
THE FUTURE IS YOURS.
THE FUTURE IS HERE.
THE FUTURE IS NOW.
THE FUTURE IS CLEAR!

ENSEMBLE goes back to their work,
leaving MARK alone in the middle
of the stage. He is approached by
his three new colleagues: LARRY
MOLINARI, an experienced, older
trader who's on the tail end of
his career; and two others, around
Mark's age, who have couple of
years of experience: ANDREW
BRONSTEIN, a nerdy, quant-type,
who is ready to move over to
research, and VIPUL GUPTA, a
slick, aggressive, successful trader.

LARRY

So, you must be the new addition to our little
operation. Berman, right?

MARK

That's right. Mark Berman. And you are Larry-
Larry Molinari, right? I remember from the
interviews.

LARRY

Good memory. It'll serve you well around here.
Myself, sorry but we interview so many people
like you, it all blends in together.

VIPUL

I'm Vipul, and this is Andrew. You'll be
sitting between us- I guess they want you to
learn from the best.

ANDREW

The best ass kissing, maybe, if he watches you.
Vipul is slick, like his hair, so if you want
to learn sweet talk and the best brand of
styling gel for lush Indian locks, keep looking
to your left. If you want to learn how this
place really works, you can look over my
shoulder.

VIPUL

Please. You quants are all the same. You think
because you know a few Greek letters and can
put numbers after them, you are on a higher
level. Let me tell you, it's all about
relationships- anyone can use Excel but it
takes real talent to do what I do.

LARRY

Well, Berman, there you go. I don't envy you,
sitting between these two, but eventually
you'll be able to tune them out, like the rest
of us have. So where are you from again?

MARK

Well, I just finished my MBA at Harvard, and
was at UBS a few years before that.

LARRY

Ah, another Harvard man. Just what we need!
Queens College myself, barely graduated ,
started here as a clerk. But times have
changed.

MARK

You know, I didn't really want to get the MBA-
I was quite a salesman myself at UBS.
I just felt like I had to get it- so I could
end up here.

VIPUL

A salesman- that's what I like to hear. Just
what we need around this place. Our anti-social
nerd quota is already filled. So come on,
buddy, let's see what you've got.

ANDREW

Maybe he can take your place when you go start
your hedge fund.

VIPUL

I'm still looking for investors, so until
you're ready to give me your bonus check, I'm
stuck here. Besides, I'm sure Mark will make
things more interesting. Come on, buddy, show
us what you've got.

MARK

A little friendly competition? I'm in, but you
have to give me a few days at least to get
oriented.

VIPUL

Of course- have to make it a fair fight, and
there' s no way you can compete with me on the
trading floor. I was actually thinking about
after work.

ANDREW

Wow, now I really can't wait to see this!

LARRY

Vipul, come on- easy killer. I think the single
women of New York can wait a week or two to
experience you all in your glory. So Mark, let
me show you around. But first, let me ask you a
question- why are you here?

MARK

Wh...What? Is this some type of existential
question?

LARRY

No, I mean why are you here? Why Wall Street?
Why not some hedge fund or startup that can
help me choose the best type of toilet paper to
wipe my ass?

MARK

Uh, well, I like the challenge- the thinking on
your feet, the rush of the trade.

VIPUL

Come on, we're going to be working together-
you can cut the B.S. My parents wanted me to go
to med school, but they got over their
disappointment pretty quickly when I bought
them a new Mercedes.

ANDREW

You're here for the same reason we all are. The
money.

LARRY

(taking Mark by the shoulder)

That's right- you're here for the money. But
before you start eyeing that loft in Tribeca,
or signing that lease on the new Ferrari- and
if I can get you two to keep it down for a
minute- let me really show you around. It's
been a little tense here the last few weeks-
somebody didn't keep their records right, and
now the SEC is poking around.

MARK

SEC? That's serious! What- who- who are they
going after?

LARRY

Don't worry about it. Look, there's a right way
and a wrong way to establish yourself here. And
I'm going to show you the right way, just like
I did for those two. There are a few things you
need to know to make it here on Wall Street.

ALL THIS CAN BE YOURS

WHEN I DRIVE OUT TO THE HAMPTONS,
IT'S IN A '63 CORVETTE.
AND WHEN MY WIFE FLIES OUT TO TAHOE,
SHE TAKES OUR PRIVATE JET.
MY KIDS ARE SPEAKING MANDARIN WITH FIELD TRIPS TO BEIJING.
IT'S LOUD WHEN YOU'VE GOT 5 OF THEM,
BUT THEY'VE GOT A SEPARATE WING.
IT TAKES YEARS IN THE TRENCHES,
BUT THEN YOUR COMPENSATION SOARS.
JUST PUT IN THE HARD WORK,
AND ALL THIS CAN BE YOURS.
KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN,
KEEP THE CHARTS STRAIGHT.
TAKE A FEW YEARS FROM YOUR START DATE.
KEEP YOUR WEIGHT DOWN,
DON'T GET BURNT OUT.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A BOY SCOUT.
KEEP YOUR DEVIATIONS MINOR;
YOU'LL FIND IT OPENS DOORS-
AND IN A FLASH
YOU'LL SEE -ALL THIS CAN BE YOURS.
THEY SAY YOUR GENERATION
WANTS IT ALL SERVED ON A PLATE.
YOU DON'T WANT TO PUT THE TIME IN -
YOU'VE FORGOTTEN HOW TO WAIT.
I'VE SEEN IT IN WHEN I'M HIRING,
WHEN I HAVE TO BREAK THE NEWS
THAT THERE'S MORE TO A PROMOTION
THAN YOUR FASCINATING VIEWS.
YOU'VE GOT TO MAKE THE MONEY,
BEFORE YOU BLOW IT ALL AT SCORES-
YOU'VE GOT TO KNOW YOUR PLACE FOR A WHILE
BEFORE THIS CAN BE YOURS.
KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN,
KEEP THE CHARTS STRAIGHT
TAKE A FEW YEARS FROM YOUR START DATE.
KEEP YOUR WEIGHT DOWN,
DON'T GET BURNT OUT
YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A BOY SCOUT.
KEEP YOUR DEVIATIONS MINOR;
YOU'LL FIND IT OPENS DOORS-
AND IN A FLASH YOU'LL SEE ALL THIS CAN BE YOURS.

VIPUL

HE TOOK A SECOND MORTGAGE
TO AFFORD THAT PRIVATE JET.
HE'S ALMOST PUSHING 50,
AND NOT RETIRING YET.
YOU CAN GO FOR SLOW AND STEADY,
AND GET CAPTURED BY THE GRIND.
YOU CAN WEAR THE GOLDEN HANDCUFFS,
AND EVERY MONTH FALL MORE BEHIND.
ONE DAY YOU'VE GOT THE BLACK CARD,
THEN YOU'RE REALLY HITTING THE DISCOUNT STORES-
ARE YOU REALLY SURE YOU WANT ALL THIS TO BE YOURS?
KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN,
PUT YOUR TIME IN.
GRAB THE LADDER AND START CLIMBIN'.
HIT YOUR PLATEAU,
THEN IT'S DOWNHILL
YOU'RE A HAMSTER ON A TREADMILL.
THERE'S AN IMAGE IN THE MIRROR,
HE CONVENIENTLY IGNORES.
ARE YOU REALLY SURE YOU WANT ALL THIS TO BE YOURS?
IT DOESN'T TAKE MUCH TIME HERE,
TO PREDICT YOUR CORPORATE FATE.
GET TAPPED BEFORE YOU'RE THIRTY-
BY 35 IT'S WAY TOO LATE.
YOU'VE GOT TO BANK YOUR BONUS,
SO YOU CAN STRIKE OUT ON YOUR OWN
OR YOU'LL END UP PUSHING 40,
AND ALL YOUR CHANCES BLOWN.
YOU CAN GO WORK FOR A STARTUP,
OR PRESERVE THE GREAT OUTDOORS-
'CAUSE I'M PRETTY SURE YOU DON'T WANT ALL THIS TO BE YOURS.
KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN,
PUT YOUR TIME IN.
GRAB THE LADDER AND START CLIMBIN'.
HIT YOUR PLATEAU, THEN IT'S DOWNHILL
YOU'RE A HAMSTER ON A TREADMILL.

LARRY

KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN, KEEP THE CHARTS STRAIGHT
TAKE A FEW YEARS FROM YOUR START DATE
KEEP YOUR WEIGHT DOWN, DON'T GET BURNT OUT
YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A BOY SCOUT.

VIPUL AND LARRY

(alternating)

JUST KEEP UP WITH THE PLAN-
JUST GET OUT WHILE YOU CAN-
AND YOU KNOW ONE DAY ALL THIS CAN BE-
KEEP YOUR FUTURE FILLED WITH MYSTERY-
IT'S UP TO YOU TO DECIDE IF ALL THIS CAN BE YOURS.

JON EVANS, an SEC investigator,
who could have been a trader, also
late 20's , enters at the end of the song

VIPUL

Well, well, if it isn't our favorite G-man.
What's going on , T.B.?

JON
I asked you not to call me that, at least not
here at work.

VIPUL

Come on, Jon, you've been spending enough time
here, it's like your one of us already- just in
a cheaper suit!

(laughs with Andrew)

JON

If Wall Street doesn't work out, there's always
Caroline's.

LARRY

Jon, my friend, let me introduce you to the
newest member of our team. Jon Evans, meet Mark
Berman.

JON

Great to meet you. Lucky you, ending up with
this bunch.

MARK

Likewise- and no complaints so far. Seems like
a fun group.

JON

Don't worry, they're taking it easy on you
because it's your first day. Give them a week
or two.

ANDREW

So Jon, find anything incriminating? Are you
guys finally going to root out the corruption
rampant in the financial industry and make
American safe again for the little guy?

JON

Give me a break. You know why we're here, and
yes, that is my ultimate goal. But seriously,
I'm spending too much time with you guys
already. Have to get back to the office and go
over some things.

MARK

Jon Evans... Jon Evans... Hey, I know it's a
common name, but you look familiar. Are you
from Cranbury?

JON

Yes, I am.

MARK

And you went to Princeton High, right?

JON

That's right- class of 2003.

MARK

Ha! I knew it- we played you in baseball. You
were a pretty good pitcher as I remember.

JON

Good for high school. Made the team at Duke but
couldn't handle the grind.

MARK

Well, it's good to see you again.

JON

You too- and still on opposite teams. Allright,
really time to go. See you all.

JON leaves. On his way out he nods
to NICOLE, who shyly smiles back.

VIPUL

Wow, you knew T.B. back in high school?

MARK

Didn't really know him, just played against him
in baseball. He was a great pitcher. I think I
got one hit off him in my entire high school
career.

ANDREW

Figures he played pitcher. Intense, crafty, but
likes his time off. That's probably why he
chose government work.

MARK

Maybe. So what is up with "T.B."

ANDREW

Vipul calls him that.

VIPUL

Stands for "True Believer." Actually now
everyone calls him that. For some reason he
chose the SEC over this. We- and every other
bank- have been trying to get him to work for
us. It's like a 1000% increase in salary, but
he won't budge. That's why he's the True
Believer.

ANDREW

Whatever you say. I think he just needs a
little more time.

VIPUL
TRUE BELIEVER

THIS GUY'S A TRUE BELIEVER
HE'S NOT JUST MARKING TIME.
HIS LIFE HAS GOT ONE MISSION-
TO STOP FINANCIAL CRIME.
YOU CAN SAY THAT HE 'S A RELIC-
TRUE BELIEF IS OUT OF PLACE.
HE BELONGS BACK IN THE 50'S,
WITH SOME DIRTY RATS TO CHASE.
HE'S THE BACKBONE OF OUR NATION
THWARTING PRICE MANIPULATION,
MAKING SURE THAT EVERY TRADE IS WRAPPED UP NICE.

ANDREW

MY FRIEND I HATE TO TELL YOU-
EVEN A TRUE BELIEVER HAS HIS PRICE.

VIPUL

Could you be more cynical?

ANDREW

I SEE IT EVERY HOUR
ON THE FLOOR OR AT THE BAR.
GUYS WHO LOOK IMMUNE TO POWER-
YOU'D BE SURPRISED AT WHO THEY ARE.
ONCE YOU SEE THAT LITTLE ANGLE,
ONCE YOU FEEL THAT LITTLE RUSH.
NO REPUTATION YET TO MANGLE-
JUST A LAW OR TWO TO CRUSH.
NOW OF COURSE THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS,
LIKE OUR FRIEND, LOOKS STRONG TO ME.
BUT NOTHING GIVES THESE GUYS ERECTIONS,
LIKE FUCKING WITH THE SEC.
SO YOUR BOY'S A TRUE BELIEVER-
WE NEED MORE LIKE HIM TODAY.
ANOTHER HIGH ACHIEVER
WHO CAN MAKE US BASTARDS PAY.
I HOPE THAT I'M DEAD WRONG HERE-
BUT I THINK I'VE TOLD YOU TWICE.
IT'S A WELL KNOW FACT OF WALL STREET-
WE ALL MOVE TO THE SAME BACKBEAT-
SWITCH THE CHANNEL IT'S A REPEAT-
NO ONE'S ASS ESCAPES THE HOT SEAT-
EVEN A TRUE BELIEVER HAS HIS PRICE.
MOST OF THEM WILL GIVE A FEW GOOD YEARS
SUCH NOBILITY- IT COULD MOVE A MAN TO TEARS.
IT'S KIND OF SAD WHEN THEIR DEFENSES START TO CRACK.
JUST BECAUSE OUR SUITS ARE CUSTOM,
AND THEIRS ARE OFF THE RACK.
I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT CORRUPTION
THESE GUYS HAVE TOO MUCH PRIDE.
WHAT I MEAN IS THE SEDUCTION
OF COMING TO THE OTHER SIDE.
YOU DON'T THINK HE'LL GET THE FEVER?
ANY ODDS YOU WANT TO LAY?
'CAUSE I BET YOUR TRUE BELIEVER
WILL WORK FOR US SOME DAY.
THERE'S NO SHORTAGE OF GUYS
WHO WET THEIR SHEETS
YOU KNOW LIKE RUDY'S, ELIOT'S , OR PREET'S.
WHEN THEY DREAM OF CUTTING TITANS DOWN TO SIZE-
THEN JUST LOOK AT WHERE THEY END UP- IT'S NEVER A SURPRISE.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE TERM IS UP,
WHEN THE CAMERAS ARE OFF?
THEY'RE RIGHT WHERE YOU EXPECTED,
FEEDING AT THE WALL STREET TROUGH.
GIVE YOUR FRIEND A FEW MORE YEARS THERE-
OR A DECADE, THAT'D BE NICE.
EXTRA ZEROS MAKE IT EASY-
TO GET OVER FEELING SLEAZY-
THE FIRST DAY YOU MIGHT FEEL QUEASY-
PRETTY SOON IT'S WARM AND BREEZY-
BECAUSE EVERY TRUE BELIEVER HAS HIS PRICE.

VIPUL

Ladies and gentlemen, the most cynical man on
Wall Street.

ANDREW

Just being realistic. How many years has he
been at the SEC- 5? I bet you he doesn't last
another.

VIPUL

I'm always up for a friendly wager. What do you
say - loser bankrolls our next trip to Atlantic
City?

ANDREW

Sounds good to me- do we have a cap on how much
that bankroll may be?

VIPUL

No, this is no limit.

ANDREW

I'm all in.

LARRY

I can't wait for that trip- looks like we win
either way! So Mark, let me finish showing you
around the floor.
(they walk around the office)
This is where you'll be sitting- right between
Vipul and Andrew. Just try not to get whiplash.
This here of course is the most essential item
in a trader's life. This is your mother, your
mentor, and your cheating girlfriend all rolled
into one-

MARK

Finally! I've been waiting to finally have one
of my own-

LARRY

That's right- your very own Bloomberg terminal.
IT will help you with the login, and you can
finally get to work. Over there are some of the
support staff, some of the other trading
groups, and...
(they come to a desk that is decked out
like a shrine)

MARK

What is this? Is this your desk? How does
anyone work here? No wait, this must be
Vipul's, right?

LARRY

Ha! In his dreams. Vipul, Andrew, come over
here- Mark would like to know about the shrine.
No, nobody works here- too distracting. This,
my friend, is the Hurwitz Chair.

MARK

It has a name? Was it a gift to you from the
Hurwitz Family Foundation?

VIPUL

Hey- this is no joke. You have to respect the
chair.

MARK

Ooooh- sorry. But tell me, you just keep an
empty chair here, on the trading floor, wasting
what I assume is valuable space- for what?

ANDREW

Seriously, the name Bernie Hurwitz means
nothing to you?

MARK

No, I don't know who that is. The name sounds
familiar thought- maybe someone I went to
college with...

LARRY

Bernie Hurwitz was the king of all traders.

VIPUL

He did it right.

ANDREW

One big trade, left his mark, and then
disappeared.

VIPUL

That's right- the greatest trade ever, then
rode off into the sunset.

LARRY

THE GREATEST TRADE

THE DAY IS LEGENDARY
BUT TO ME IT'S STILL SO CLEAR
THE SPEED; THE GRACE;THE TIMING;
THE TOTAL LACK OF FEAR.

ANDREW

I HEAR THEY BRONZED HIS KEYBOARD
AND SENT IT TO D.C.
IT'S DOWN IN THE SMITHSONIAN,
NEXT TO THE FIRST TV.

VIPUL

YOU COULD HAVE HEARD A PIN DROP
THE DAY WE HEARD THE NEWS.
OUR SHARE PRICE NEARLY DOUBLED,
BUT THESE CHAIRS WERE MORE LIKE PEWS.
THE GREATEST TRADE IN HISTORY -
$10 BILLION WITH A CLICK.
I'M JUST UPSET IT WASN'T ME -
IT KIND OF MAKES ME SICK.

VIPUL, LARRY, AND ANDREW

THE GREATEST TRADE , THAT WAS EVER MADE.
THE SET OF BALLS, THAT HE DISPLAYED.

ANDREW

HE TALKED TO DIERDRE BOLTON,
AND A BIT ON CNN.
THEN HE TOOK HIS MASSIVE BONUS
AND WAS NEVER SEEN AGAIN.

LARRY

TO US IT'S STILL A MYSTERY-
WHO WAS ON THE OTHER SIDE?
I'VE HEARD IT WAS THE SAUDIS
AND THEY TOOK IT ALL IN STRIDE.

VIPUL

IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE RUSSIANS;
IN FACT THAT'S WHAT WE FEARED.
THE TRUTH IS HE PISSED SOMEONE OFF-
AND THEN HE DISAPPEARED.

ANDREW

HE BUILT UP HIS POSITION,
BUT KEPT IT UNDER WRAPS
HE KEPT IT OFF THE BALANCE SHEET
TO BEAT THE TRADING CAPS.

LARRY

THE GUYS FROM RISK HAD NO IDEA,
THOUGH IT'S NOT AS IF THEY CARED.
THEY REACTED LIKE THE REST OF US-
JUST DROPPED THEIR MOUTHS AND STARED.

VIPUL, LARRY, AND ANDREW

THE GREATEST TRADE, THAT WAS EVER MADE.
THE GREATEST HAND, THAT WAS EVER PLAYED.
GEORGE SOROS WEPT, AND PAULSON SCREAMED.
WHAT ELSE TO DO? THEY BOTH GOT CREAMED.

LARRY

THE CEO WAS DESPERATE-
THE BOARD WANTED HIM BACK.
THE GUY HAD SINGLEHANDEDLY
PUT THEIR OPTIONS IN THE BLACK.

ANDREW

THEY WENT OUT AND HIRED PINKERTON,
AND CALLED THE CIA.
HIS FATE IS STILL A MYSTERY-
IT'S PUZZLING TO THIS DAY.

VIPUL

HE MADE THAT TRADE-
SO FUCKING GREAT,
THEN DISAPPEARED ,
TOOK A CLEAN SLATE.
MY FAVORITE ONE-
HE'S AT CLUB MED.
HE'S TEACHING TENNIS;
UNLESS HE'S DEAD.

LARRY

THAT'S WHY THIS SPACE IS EMPTY-
IT'S CHANGED INTO A SHRINE
SOME COME AND RUB HIS BLOOMBERG-
ITS POWERS ARE DIVINE.
BUT TRY AND SIT AND USE IT-
NO ONE WOULD EVER DARE.
YOU'VE GOT TO BE A LEGEND
TO FILL THE HURVITZ CHAIR.

VIPUL, LARRY, AND ANDREW

THE GREATEST TRADE-IT'S YOURS TO MAKE.
A FEW CAME CLOSE, BUT LOST THEIR STAKE.
IT MIGHT TAKE YEARS, OR JUST A WEEK.
THE CHOICE IS YOURS -BE BOLD OR MEEK.
KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN AND YOU'LL DO FINE-
BUT THIS FLOOR COULD USE A SECOND SHRINE.
SO TAKE A STAND, THROW THE GRENADE;
IS IT IN YOU, THE GREATEST TRADE?

LARRY

Don't worry, Mark, you've got a while before
you get to that level.

VIPUL
Right- look at Larry- almost 20 years and he
still hasn't made it!

LARRY

That's why I love working with you Vipul, the
support, the camaraderie.

ANDREW

And nobody gives it better than you, Larry.

LARRY

I'm touched, honestly. Well, enough chatting-
Mark, you've been thoroughly introduced. Now
it's time to see what that MBA can really do
for you.

VIPUL

Yeah, good luck buddy. Don't worry, we'll cut
you some slack on your first day.

MARK

Slack? But I barely know how to use the
Bloomberg!

ANDREW

(lovingly to the terminal)
Oh, don't worry. You'll learn, and soon, you'll
learn to love it as much as we do.

VIPUL

Ah, yeah, whatever. Regardless of how you do
today, tonight you're buying.

ANDREW

That's right, rookie tradition. We'll walk you
over to Johnny's around 530. Larry, you coming?

LARRY

Sorry boys but have to get home to the kids.
Maybe next week.

VIPUL

All right- they're about to ring the bell-
let's see what you've got Mark.

SCENE 2

INT. JOHNNY'S BAR. LATER THAT EVENING.

The bar is filled with Wall Street
types. VIPUL, ANDREW, and MARK are
at one side, talking.

VIPUL

I couldn't believe it, but that's the price
they were giving me, so bam! I went right in
and gutted those motherfuckers. I just wish I'd
had more inventory. That one trade made my
whole month! Gentlemen, today was a good day.
Maybe it was thanks to our new good luck charm?

MARK

Give it a few more weeks and we'll see. I don't
particularly like being seen as a good luck
charm.

ANDREW

If it brings up your bonus a few figures,
believe me, you'll start wearing four leaf
clovers and carrying a rabbit's foot. Speaking
of bonuses, how did your first day go?

MARK

Not too bad- now I know my way around a
Bloomberg. I just followed the script today,
didn't take too many risks.

VIPUL

That's the way to start, but if you don't take
risks, you wont get very far here.

MARK

Like I said, give me some time- I have no
problem with risk.

JON walks into the bar with
ANOTHER SEC INVESTIGATOR.
Their suits and bearing stand
out from the rest of the crowd.

VIPUL

Speaking of risk- look who's here. T.B.! What's
going on? Catch any bad guys today manipulating
the markets and making life tough for the
individual investor? Actually, I dont really
care - can Mark buy you a drink?

JON

Gentlemen- good to see you too. But sorry, no
fraternizing with the enemy this evening. I
have some visitors in from DC.

ANDREW

Does the SEC make you all shop at the same
crappy store for your suits?

JON

No, why, does Morgan Stanley make you all go to
the same stylist for your haircuts?

VIPUL

Good one, Jon! With wit like that, you really
need to get out of government work and come
entertain us on the trading floor.

JON

Nice try Vipul, but that's not happening. I
have to get back to my colleagues- dont want
them to get lost in here.

JON walks across the stage back
toward his friends, and on his way
passes NICOLE and SHARON
who aretalking at a table.

NICOLE

Can you believe it? I've been here a year
already and this guy still is asking me to book
him his trip to Shanghai!

SHARON

At least it only happened to you once this
week. When I first got here, I was getting
requests like that five times a day!

NICOLE

What is wrong with these guys? Were all of
their moms secretaries? Can they just not
handle the concept of a female trader?

JON

(interrupting, trying to be smooth in his
G-man sort of way)
Ladies. The sexism of Wall Street getting you
down again?

NICOLE

Ah, if it isn't the True Believer himself, here
to... What? Provide a sympathetic ear so we can
incriminate ourselves?

SHARON

Really Jon, shouldn't you be back over there
with the boys? Couldn't you get indicted or
something for buying us a drink?

JON

Unfortunately that's true- the SEC does not
look kindly at alcohol on our expense reports.

SHARON

Well, I would offer you one myself but wouldn't
want your friends over there to get the wrong
idea.

JON

They are starting to look a little antsy...

As JON is picking up his drink to
go, VIPUL races over to the table.

VIPUL

Nikki, Sharon- what are you two doing all the
way over here? T.B., are you bothering these
lovely ladies?

SHARON

Nah, he was just leaving.

JON

Right, just leaving. See you all.

He walks over to the AGENT at the
bar.

NICOLE

Sharon, you are tough- you didn't need to do
that.

SHARON

Look, Nikki, I spent my 20's dedicating my
social life to this job and wasting my time
talking to guys like that.

NICOLE

I'm still in my 20's, and I dont know, there's
something about the G-man thing that gets me...

VIPUL

Nikki, you can hang out with T.B. as much as
you want tomorrow back at the office.
For now, come over here and drink with us. The
new guy is buying. Let me introduce you to him.

NICOLE

New guy? How new?

VIPUL

Today was his first day.

SHARON
Great- just under the wire before you corrupt
him for life.

VIPUL

One man's corruption is another man's virtue.
Come on, let's go.

They walk over to MARK and ANDREW.

ANDREW
Nicole, Sharon. Vipul, what happened to T.B.?
You scared him away?

VIPUL

No, I think it was Sharon actually.

ANDREW

No surprising. You scare me too.

SHARON

Sorry to hear that. I'll try to be more mild
mannered from now on.

VIPUL

Sharon, Nicole, let me introduce you to Mark
Berman, the newest member of our team. Mark,
this is Sharon Goldman, one of the baddest
female traders around, and Nicole Harris,
equally bad. She was just like you only one
short year ago.

MARK

Just like me? Naive, confused, and sweaty?

VIPUL

Maybe I misspoke. She was new, just like you,
but I would never use any of those words to
characterize her.

NICOLE

Oh, Vipul, you are too kind.

VIPUL

Hey, the brown and beautiful have to look out
for each other.

At this point, RANDY WORTHINGTON-
also late 20's, slick, confident,
looks and talks like he just
stepped of a yacht in
Kennebunkport- enters the bar. He
scans the crowd and starts walking
toward the group, focusing on
SHARON, who is on the outside of
the group.

RANDY

Hi. I'm Randy.

SHARON

(surprised)

Hello. I'm Sharon.

RANDY

Not a bad crowd for a Monday night.

SHARON

No, not bad at all.

RANDY

Wow, that is a nice sized diamond. Are you here
with your fiance?

SHARON

No, just some friends from work. Nicole, this
is Randy.

(Nicole turns around from her conversation
with Mark)

NICOLE

Hi Randy. Nice to meet you. How do you know
Sharon?

RANDY

I don't - we just met. Can I get you a couple
more drinks?

NICOLE

No, I'm fine for now. So do you always just
walk up to strangers in bars?

RANDY

Ever since I was a kid. You'll find that I have
very little shame, so getting rejected doesn't
really bother me.

NICOLE

I like your honesty. Here, let me introduce you
to our friends. Guys, I want you to meet
Randy....

RANDY

Worthington.

NICOLE

Randy Worthington. Randy, this is Andrew,
Vipul, and Mark...

RANDY

Mark Berman! Holy shit! What the hell are you
doing here?
(they do the man hug)

MARK

Randy? I should be asking you the same thing.

NICOLE

So, how do you two know each other?

MARK

We went to college together. Randy was a year
ahead of me. Last I'd heard you were traveling
around the world, though I guess for someone
with such deep roots in the Upper East Side, a
bar in the financial district must be pretty
exotic.

RANDY

Ah, Mark, haven't lost your wit or the chip on
your shoulder. Yes, well, I was traveling
around the world, but after seeing all that
poverty, all those wealthy tourists wasting
their money on trinkets and "experiences," but
I realized that it was time to settle down and
do something- something that would make a
difference.

VIPUL

So what, you're going to save the world through
financial manipulation?

RANDY

No, I'll leave that to you all. I was actually
down here meeting with some investors. I've
started a company- perhaps you've heard of it-
GreenCo?

MARK

You started a company? You started GreenCo?
Man, I wish I had met you a few months ago and
gotten in on that IPO. But I never pegged you
for the entrepreneurial type. I thought you'd
be happy to invest and let other people do the
hard work.

RANDY

My trip around the world changed me. I saw how
these people lived, how they're destroying
their own land because they don't have access
to clean water, how they are giving their kids
asthma because of the way they heat their
houses- it really got to me.

SHARON

That's something I couldn't figure out- an
amazing IPO for a company that's basically
going to provide indoor plumbing and electric
heat? Did you just start ConEd international?

RANDY

No, it's about more than that. I'm not only
trying to change lives in other countries, but
to change the mindset here at home. We focus on
everything Green- green energy, green living,
and the whole green lifestyle.

ANDREW

That whole green movement is a pile of crap.
Unless you can change the way they live in
India and China, what we do here doesn't affect
anything.

RANDY

Another environmental cynic. I've heard it so
many times before. But you're wrong- and I can
prove it.

GO GREEN

DID YOU KNOW THAT EVERY PERSON
LEAVES THREE TONS OF WASTE A YEAR?
AND IT TOOK 50 PINTS OF WATER
TO GROW THE BARLEY FOR YOUR BEER?
DO YOU WANT TO SAVE THE PLANET?
DO YOU WANT TO STOP THE LIES?
OR WADE BACK TO YOUR APARTMENT
WHEN THE WATER LEVELS RISE?
THERE IS ONLY ONE DIRECTION,
AND IT'S TIME WE ALL COME CLEAN
YOU CAN WATCH THE WORLD GO BY,
OR YOU CAN GO GREEN.
GO GREEN FOR OUR FUTURE,
GO GREEN FOR HUMANITY,
GO GREEN FOR THE CHILDREN,
OR OTHER PEOPLE'S VANITY.
NOW YOU CAN BE THE PROBLEM,
OR STAND UP TO THE MACHINE.
YOU CAN GO STRAIGHT TO HELL
OR YOU CAN GO GREEN.

ENSEMBLE

GO GREEN -THE CLIMATE'S CHANGING.
GO GREEN- YOU BETTER ACT FAST.
GO GREEN-THERE'S NO EXCHANGING;
WE'VE GOT ONE PLANET-GOT TO MAKE IT LAST.

RANDY

LIKE YOU I WAS A PARASITE,
WHEN I GOT TO BUSINESS SCHOOL.
A COMPETITION NEARLY EVERY NIGHT,
ON WHO COULD BE THE BIGGEST TOOL.
THEN I HAD A REVELATION
ABOUT THE FUTURE OF OUR NATION
THERE WAS JUST ONE WAY TO GO-
I HAD TO GO GREEN.
GO GREEN FOR OUR FUTURE,
GO GREEN FOR HUMANITY,
GO GREEN FOR THE CHILDREN,
OR OTHER PEOPLE'S VANITY.
NOW YOU CAN BE THE PROBLEM,
OR STAND UP TO THE MACHINE.
YOU CAN GO STRAIGHT TO HELL
OR YOU CAN GO GREEN.
MY SUIT IS MADE OF HEMP,
THESE SHOES HAVE BEEN RECLAIMED.
THIS WATCH FEEDS KIDS IN ASIA,
SUFFERING FROM CLIMATE CHANGE.
UNLIKE YOU I CANT BE BLAMED!
TAKE A REAL GOOD LOOK AROUND YOU,
THINK ABOUT THE PRICE WE PAY.
HER FURY WILL ASTOUND YOU,
IF WE TREAT MOTHER EARTH THIS WAY.
IT'S TIME TO JOIN THE MOVEMENT-
IT'S TIME WE ALL COME CLEAN
YOU CAN LET YOUR GRANDKIDS DIE
OR YOU CAN GO GREEN.
GO GREEN FOR OUR FUTURE,
GO GREEN FOR HUMANITY.
GO GREEN FOR THE CHILDREN,
OR OTHER PEOPLE'S VANITY,
IT'S RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION,
LIKE YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN.
YOU CAN GO STRAIGHT TO HELL
IT MIGHT FIT YOU VERY WELL-
YEAH YOU CAN GO STRAIGHT TO HELL,
OR YOU CAN GO GREEN.

MARK

Wow. You really have changed.

RANDY

Indeed I have. So think about it.

ANDREW

I still say it's B.S.

RANDY

Look, I have to go meet with my investors. They
just can't stop celebrating this IPO! Great to
meet you all. Mark, really great to see you
again-would love to catch up.

MARK

Sure, me too- let's go out in a few weeks, once
I'm settled in.

RANDY

Sounds good. Sharon, if things don't work out
with whoever gave you that diamond, let me
know. See you all.

RANDY leaves.

VIPUL

Wow, what was that? You knew him in college?

MARK

Yeah, we were pretty good friends. Talked and
dressed the same way, but something else really
has changed him.

SHARON

He is nothing if not self-confident.

ANDREW

I thought I'd seen it all with all these egos
around here, but he gives you a whole new
perspective.

SHARON

As much as I'd like to remain in Randy's wake,
I have to get home.

ANDREW

Me too. Share a cab?

SHARON

Sounds good.

VIPUL

Yeah this place is dead anyway- I'll go with
you. Mark, Nicole- we have room for one more.

MARK

No, I'll stay- I can walk home from here.

NICOLE

I'll keep you company.

VIPUL

All right, you two- just remember, opening bell
is at 930!

VIPUL, SHARON, and ANDREW leave.

MARK

Thanks for staying

NICOLE

It's only right- someone has to show the new
guy around. Besides, I don't have much to go
back to.

MARK

I know what you mean- I just moved to New York,
barely furnished my apartment, and barely have
any money until that first paycheck.

NICOLE

Don't worry- there' no feeling like opening up
your account after that first direct deposit,
and realizing that you've finally made it.

MARK

So what about you? Phobic about buying
furniture?

NICOLE

I wish. No, bad breakup. It's only been a few
weeks.

MARK

Oh, sorry to hear that.

NICOLE

Thanks. It's just so hard to balance life and
this job. I mean look at Sharon- she got
engaged to the first guy she dated in 6 years!

MARK

Must be tough. That won't happen to me, though-
there's no way I'll wait more than two years to
go on a date!

NICOLE gets a text and reaches for
her phone.

NICOLE

What? Oh, sorry, I have to get this. It's a
message from my boss. He is needy.

MARK

I understand.

NICOLE

I mean seriously, why is it that he's always
texting me after hours, and the guys on the
team get a pass?

MARK

I seriously have no idea.

NICOLE

Funny. Sorry, can you-

She gets distracted and starts
looking at her phone, then looking
around the room

Oh, hey, some of my other friends are here.
(she is still distracted by the phone)

MARK

Oh, that's great.

OVER MY SHOULDER

I GOT A SCENT OF YOUR PERFUME-
I WAS IMMEDIATELY FLOORED.
I SWEPT YOU UP LIKE A VACUUM,
KNOWING I'D NEVER BE BORED.

NICOLE

I GAVE YOU POINTS JUST FOR TRYING
ATTENTION NEVER GETS OLD.
I'M NOT ABOVE SOME WHITE LYING-
TO KEEP YOU HERE IN CASE MY PROSPECTS GET COLD.

MARK

IT'S THE SAME SITUATION
AND I'VE ADJUSTED JUST FINE-
WHY WORK AT CONVERSATION,
WHEN IT'S SO EASY TO HOOK UP ONLINE?
YOU'RE LOOKING OVER MY SHOULDER-
THE ROOM JUST GOT COLDER.
THERE'S NO WAY YOU'RE GOING HOME ALONE.
'CAUSE THERE'S ALWAYS SOMEONE BETTER ON YOUR PHONE.

GIRL

(approaches Mark)

I WANT TO MARRY GEORGE CLOONEY,
BUT I'LL SETTLE FOR HIS TWIN.

MARK

I'D HAVE PEGGED YOU FOR GEORGE LUCAS,
SPENDING NIGHTS WITH JAR JAR AND ANNAKIN.

GIRL

I DON'T KNOW THAT YOU'RE EITHER
BUT YOU MIGHT DO FOR TONIGHT.

NICOLE

I'M JUST GETTING MY BEARINGS,
LET ME SEE IF MY FRIENDS ARE ALRIGHT.

MARK

I'M NOT THINKING OF MARRIAGE-
MORE LIKE A FEW WEEKS AT A TIME.
I DON'T NEED A COMMITMENT,
NOT WHEN I'M ABOUT TO ENTER MY PRIME.

NICOLE

YOU'RE LOOKING OVER MY SHOULDER-
THE ROOM JUST GOT COLDER.
THERE'S NO WAY YOU'RE GOING HOME ALONE.
'CAUSE THERE'S ALWAYS SOMEONE BETTER ON YOUR PHONE.

MARK

WE BOTH KNOW WHAT WE'RE DOING-
WE'RE BOTH PROS AT THE GAME.
WE'VE BEEN PLAYING SINCE HIGH SCHOOL-
MAKING SURE WE DON'T END UP LOOKING LAME.

NICOLE AND THE GIRL

EVERYBODY NEEDS ACTION-
NO ONE WANTS TO MISS OUT.
I'LL TRADE DEPTH FOR ATTRACTION-
NOW IT'S CLEAR YOU KNOW JUST WHAT I'M ABOUT.

MARK

WHO WANTS TO LOOK LIKE A LOSER-
ADMITTING MY PROSPECTS ARE DIM?
RISK THAT MY NIGHT IS A SNOOZER-
WHEN I COULD END UP WITH HER, HER OR HIM?

NICOLE

I'M KEEPING MY OPTIONS OPEN
RELATIONSHIPS ARE SO LAME.
SORRY IT'S NOT WHAT YOU'RE HOPIN'-
BUT AT THE END THERE'LL BE NO ONE TO BLAME.
THAT'S WHY I'M LOOKING OVER YOUR SHOULDER
NOW LET ME BE BOLDER-
THERE'S NO WAY WE'RE GOING HOME ALONE.

MARK AND NICOLE

CAUSE THERE'S ALWAYS SOMEONE BETTER-
YES THERE'S ALWAYS SOMETHING BETTER-
AND THERE'S ALWAYS SOMEONE BETTER ON THE PHONE.

MARK

I guess that makes it clear.

NICOLE

Well, at least we both want the same thing.

MARK

Right. OK, well, have a good night. I'll see
you tomorrow at the office.

NICOLE

Right, see you tomorrow.

As the curtain closes, NICOLE is
waving to her friends and going
over to talk to them, and MARK is
talking to the GIRL.

SCENE 3

NEXT DAY, BACK AT THE WALL STREET TRADING FLOOR.

NICOLE and SHARON are talking.

NICOLE

Why did you leave so early last night?

SHARON

Early? Jeff got home an hour before me.

NICOLE

I forgot, you are now living in domestic bliss.

SHARON

And you, how did it go with Mark? You're not
looking too tired. I hope that's because of
youth and not because you had a boring night.

NICOLE

Sorry, it was boring. I'm just not ready for a
relationship- neither of us are, it seems.

SHARON

What? Who's talking about a relationship? You
just met! I was expecting a little fun, not a
ring.

NICOLE

Yeah, well, it got awkward. I got a text from
Brian-

SHARON

Ah, nothing like a text from your boss to kill
the evening. Believe me, I've been there.

NICOLE

Yeah, well, it wasn't anything major- I could
have handled it, but then I got a little
distracted, and he got all defensive, and that
was it.

SHARON

That was it?

NICOLE

Yes, that was it. That fucking Brian- can't he
text one of the guys instead of me? Why is it
that I'm always holding his hand?

SHARON

That's just how it is. Wall Street just hasn't
evolved. They watch Mad Men and long for the
good old days.

NICOLE

Well, it's bullshit. I'm sick of their
attitudes, looking down on me when I'm kicking
their ass. My returns are better than any of
those pricks.

SHARON

You're telling me- I've been here a lot longer
than you, been kicking ass since I arrived, and
look where I am. Stuck. But you, you're coming
at the right time. You may think things are bad
now, but they've gotten exponentially better in
the last few years. There may actually be hope
for you.

GLASS CEILING

YOU'VE GOT TO BE A TOUGH BROAD
YOU'VE GOT TO LET IT ALL SLIDE
YOU CAN'T LET THESE GROWN UP FRAT BOYS
STEP ON YOUR PRIDE.
THEY'LL TRY TO KEEP UP-
THEY CANT HANDLE THE PACE-
THEN WHEN BONUS TIME COMES AROUND
JUST SHOVE THAT PAYCHECK IN THEIR FACE.
BUMP YOUR HEAD ON THE GLASS CEILING
JUST BE SURE TO LEAVE A CRACK-
IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO STOP CONCEALING
ALL THOSE PROFITS AND YOUR RACK.

NICOLE

I WISH IT WERE GLASS-
FEELS A LOT MORE LIKE LEAD.
I'VE GOT TO SAY I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF BANGING MY HEAD
THEY CANT LOOK AT MY EYES.
THEY STUTTER AND BLUSH.
IT'S LIKE BEING BACK IN HIGH SCHOOL
AND ALL THE NERDS HAVE THE SAME CRUSH.
I'VE GOT TO BE A LITTLE CAUTIOUS-
IT'S THE SYSTEM THAT'S TO BLAME.
BUT I WANT THAT CORNER OFFICE
SO I NEED TO PLAY THE GAME.

NICOLE AND SHARON

IT'S A MERITOCRACY-
WHAT A LOAD OF HYPOCRISY.
WE'VE GOT THE LOOKS AND BRAINS AND MAKE LOTS OF MONEY.
NO LACK OF AMBITION-
JUST NO RECOGNITION
THAT WE KILL IT EVERY QUARTER WHILE YOU'RE CALLING US HONEY.

SHARON

THINGS COULD BE WORSE.
EVERY JOB HAS ITS WARTS.
YOU COULD BE SITTING BACK IN RESEARCH WRITING REPORTS.
YOU'RE WEARING CHANEL.
YOU DO YOUR SHOPPING AT SAKS.
DON'T THINK I'M CAVING IN- THESE ARE JUST FACTS.
I WANT TO BREAK THROUGH THAT GLASS CEILING
AND IT'S COOL TO SEE YOU TRY.
BUT WHEN MOST PEOPLE HEAR YOUR STORY
I DON'T THINK THEY'RE GONNA CRY.

NICOLE

SURE I'VE GOT A NICE LIFE.
NO ONE FORCED ME TO CHOOSE.
I COULD BE OUT IN PALO ALTO
WEARING COMFORTABLE SHOES.
I COULD BE MORE RELAXED
BUT DON'T THINK I'M MISLED;
I'D STILL BE UNDER THE GLASS CEILING
BANGING MY HEAD.
IF I LEAN IN ANY DEEPER,
I'LL BE FALLING ON MY FACE.
IT'LL TAKE MORE THAN GOOD POSTURE
TO MAKE CHANGES IN THIS PLACE.

They exit as MARK, VIPUL, and
ANDREW enter.

VIPUL

So, how did it go last night? I have to say I'm
impressed- only been here a day and already
getting Nicole's attention. It took me months!

ANDREW

All that buildup for the one instant of
rejection. Probably could have spent that time
better elsewhere.

VIPUL

At least I have something outside this office.
All you want to do is hug that terminal.

ANDREW

I don't know -things are getting pretty
stressful around here, with the SEC, the new
bonus numbers. Sometimes I think I should just
move over to research. Must less stressful.

MARK

Research? Is that how you want to spend your
days, calling people and writing reports? No
way- I'll take the stress, as long as it comes
with action.

VIPUL

And a nice bonus! Last year they totally
screwed me- I had returns like nobody else in
the whole group but barely got above the
minimum. Larry said it was because the whole
group underperformed- why should I be punished
for these losers? Just a bit of recognition,
that's all I'm asking for.

MARK

Recognition would be nice. But for me, there's
only one thing that would make me a success,
that would make taking all this crap worth it.

ANDREW

And that would be?

MARK

Same as all of you- I want to find that trade.
I want to sit in the Hurwitz chair.

ANDREW

Goood luck- that thing has been empty for years-
and with all the new regulations and worse, all
the data avaialble to anyone with a Bloomberg,
it's never going to happen.

VIPUL

He's right. So let's talk about more short-term
goals. What happened with Nikki?

MARK

What happened- it was really weird. We were
talking, things seemed to be going well- she
even opened up about her last relationship.

VIPUL

Ah, yeah, that ended badly.

ANDREW

It's tough for women like her. The younger guys
can't handle a woman making more than them, and
the older ones want a trophy wife.

MARK

Yeah, well, however it ended, she got a text
from her boss-

VIPUL

Brian. Man, he has a talent. He can ruin an
evening without even being there!

MARK

And then she started looking at her phone, and
got totally distracted, and that was it.

ANDREW

What do you mean that was it? She got
distracted and then got up to leave?

MARK

No, she just got distracted and made some
comment about her friends being there.

VIPUL

And that was your signal to let the night end?

MARK

Yeah- I figured, if her phone was more
important than me...

VIPUL

Are you serious? Are you listening to yourself?
Dude, she looked at her phone for a minute -
OK, maybe 2. You're telling me you've never
done that before?

MARK

Well, yes I have, but the way she did it...

ANDREW

Mark, you need to take a step back. Put this in
perspective. She just looked at her phone!

MARK

OK, maybe you're right. I overreacted.

VIPUL

No kidding. Let me tell you something- you need
to build up your defenses a little bit more. An
ego that's so easily bruised won't last very
long around here.

As they are talking, NICOLE walks
by

ANDREW

If you're going to react like this to every
slight-

NICOLE

Are you two complaining about your bonuses
again? Poor babies.

VIPUL

Nikki, you know it's not only about the money.
It's about the recognition. About acknowledging
the work we do.

NICOLE

Hey, it could be worse- at least they don't ask
you to make travel reservations.

ANDREW

Or text you in the middle of a magical evening!
(Nicole is not amused)

MARK

(akwardly)

Hi Nicole- how did it go with your friends last
night?

NICOLE

It went fine. We had a few drinks and went
home. How did it go with that girl you were
talking to?

ANDREW

You- you didn't tell us there was another girl.

VIPUL

(after elbowing ANDREW)

Hey, well, we have to get back to work, right
Andrew? See you two later- maybe back at
Johnny's tonight?

ANDREW and VIPUL leave.

MARK

She was nice. A little too eager to meet a Wall
Street guy though.

NICOLE

Oh, I thought she was more of the actor type.

MARK

Ha ha. Yeah, well, we had a few drinks but I
got tired and went home. Once she found out
that I was just starting out, she lost
interest.

NICOLE

Funny the things that can distract people.

MARK

Look, Nicole, I'm sorry I got so worked up
about you looking at your phone. I think it was
all the stress- the first day, trying to figure
out what exactly I'm doing, that perfume you
were wearing...

NICOLE

Nice try. Listen Mark- you will do great here,
I'm sure. And who knows, maybe there is a great
guy under that mass of insecurity. But let's be
clear- I don't want you to waste your time.
Even if I could manage balancing this job and a
social life, I'm not dating anyone at work.
It's just a rule I have.

MARK

I can respect that, but what kind of rule is
that? And how long have you worked here- like a
year? Are you going to let some arbitrary rule
like that stand in the way of something great?

NICOLE

It just makes it easier.

MARK

We are too young to take the easy route! Look
at this place- look at this job.
It's exciting but it's soulless, and the
pressure can eat you alive. We need something-
someone - to distract us from it. Or at least
to make it easier to deal with, staring at that
terminal and yelling all day.

NICOLE

You are a good salesman. And you may have a
point, but I'm sticking with the rule.

MARK

Like I said, I respect that, and I'll keep a
respectful distance, but I'm not giving up. I
really think you are making a mistake.

SOLD ON YOU

FROM THE TIME I WAS A CHILD
TALKING BACK AND RUNNING WILD
THERE WAS ONE THING I COULD DO WITHOUT FAIL.
NEED TWO HOURS MORE FOR CURFEW,
SO THEY WON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE UP TO?
THEY WOULD ALWAYS COME TO ME TO CLOSE THE SALE.
I COULD TALK MY WAY OUT OF ANY SITUATION
NO CLERK HAS EVER CHECKED MY ID.
GAVE MY PARENTS FITS, GAVE MY FRIENDS ALL CONSTERNATION
BUT I NEVER HAD A TEACHER GIVE ME LESS THAN A "B".
I WAS SO DAMN SMOOTH THAT IT ALL WAS TOO EASY
TAKE A GIRL FROM BAR TO BED IN AN HOUR.
I DON'T WANT TO SEEM RUDE
I KNOW IT SOUNDS SLEAZY,
I HAVE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MY OWN SUPERPOWER.
NOW I'VE GOT THIS FEELING
I'M GETTING OUT OF MY RANGE
I'M NOT SURE THAT I KNOW WHAT TO DO.
NO MORE DOUBLE DEALING-
LOOK I KNOW THIS SOUNDS STRANGE-
I CAN SELL ANYTHING, AND I'M SOLD ON YOU.

NICOLE

YOU THINK THIS IS THE FIRST TIME
A GUY'S COME UP TO ME,
AND TOLD ME I AM THE ONE?
I KNOW YOU'VE GOT A FRISSON AND MY PERFUME'S SUBLIME
BUT COME ON - DO I LOOK LIKE I'M DUMB?
WHEN YOU LOOK THE WAY THAT I DO
THERE'S NO PLACE THAT YOU CAN GO TO
WITHOUT HEARING A LINE
OF HOW MY BEAUTY'S TRANSCENDENT.
I'VE HAD A COUPLE YEARS OF PRACTICE
SO I KNOW JUST WHAT THE ACT IS-
YOU CAN GIVE IT A REST,
I'M NOBODY'S DEPENDENT.
IT'S HARD TO SEE BEYOND MY CUP SIZE
OR HOW MY DRESS GOES WITH MY GREEN EYES.
I FEEL FOR YOU , BUT THAT'S KIND OF WEAK.
HOW CAN SOMEONE WITH MY APPEARANCE
DISSECT A TRADE WITH SUCH COHERENCE?
GOTTA GIVE THANKS TO MOTHER NATURE,
BECAUSE I AM A FREAK.
I'VE GOT A SIMILAR FEELING
AND IT'S RIGHT IN MY RANGE-
I LIKE HOW WHEN I STARTED TALKING YOU FROZE.
I CAN SEE THAT YOU'RE REELING
BUT PLEASE-DON'T EVER CHANGE
USE IT AS INSPIRATION- THE ONE SALE YOU COULDN'T CLOSE.

MARK AND NICOLE

(alternating)

YOU SAID INSPIRATION-
-I'VE SAID WORSE BEFORE
MORE LIKE MOTIVATION
-AS IF YOU NEEDED MORE
THERE'S NO WAY I'M GIVING UP THE CHASE.
-YOU ARE SUCH A CHARMER
I'VE HEARD THAT ONE TOO
-BUT THERE'S NO CHINK IN MY ARMOR
I'M COMING BACK FOR YOU
-TAKE A LOOK AT THE EXPRESSION ON MY FACE
-THERE'S A SINGLE CONCLUSION, TO BREAK THROUGH THE DELUSION
-THERE'S NO SHAME IF YOU TRY AND YOU FAIL
THERE'S NO WAY THAT I'M GOING TO FAIL
-YOU'RE NOT CLOSING THIS SALE
I AM CLOSING THIS SALE.

MARK

I just want you to know, I don't see you as
some sort of transaction to complete- it's just
the mindset...

NICOLE

Don't worry. I'm nobody's transaction. But I
like your persistence. Maybe you're right about
the rule.

MARK

I certainly hope so. So, are you free tonight?

NICOLE

Give me some time to think about it- maybe...

MARK's phone goes off- he's
received a text

MARK

That's strange- who would be texting me now?
Let me check...

He looks up from his phone,
surprised.

Sorry, Nikki- this is about as hypocritical as
you can get, but I have to go. Let me know
about tonight, OK?

NICOLE

(taken aback)
Is everything OK?

MARK

Yes, sure, everything's fine. I just have to
take care of something- I'll be back right
after lunch.

NICOLE

OK, I'll let you know about tonight.

SCENE 4

THAT AFTERNOON- A RESTAURANT IN THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT.

RANDY is sitting at a table,
waiting for MARK, who enters and
joins him.

RANDY

Thanks for coming- sorry about the short
notice.

MARK

It was pretty surprising. I mean, when you said
it would be good to catch up, I didn't really
expect you to follow through!

RANDY

It's been too long. And all this activity-
starting the company, the IPO, the investors-
has been making me crazy. I wanted to talk to
someone who knew me from before, when I was
just a WASP looking to spend daddy's money.

MARK

I can see why- nobody, least of all me,
expected you to actually spend your family's
money wisely. I figured your trip around the
world would be more about yachts and
supermodels.

RANDY

I probably expected that too, and it was, for
the first few weeks. But it got boring after a
while- and besides, something changed in me
along the way.

MARK

Well, whatever it was, sounds like it turned
out well for everyone involved. That IPO was
really impressive.

RANDY

Yes, people were pretty floored- especially my
dad. His expectations were not much higher than
yours when I started out. So, what about you?
How are you liking your first few days in the
big leagues?

MARK

It's fine- pretty much what I expected. Pretty
tense, pretty high stress, and very
competitive. Everyone thinks they're underpaid
and underappreciated. It's pretty much like
hanging out with my dad every day.

RANDY

Here's to fathers and exceeding their
expectations!

MARK

Cheers. So, Randy, look, I'm glad to catch up,
but it doesn't feel like much of an emergency.
Why did you send me that text?

RANDY

That text- yeah, sorry if it sounded overly
dramatic. I guess I really needed some
anchoring, to talk to someone who doesn't want
anything from me. These last few months have
been so difficult... I guess it was the stress.
You're right- my bad. I hope I didn't pull you
away from anything too important.

MARK

No, just trying to make up with Nicole- you
remember her? From the bar?

RANDY

Oh, crap- that was really bad timing on my
part! Why didn't you just not answer the text?
And why did you have to make up with her?
You've only been working together a few days-
you pissed her off already?

MARK

Actually it was because of a text. I got worked
up when she got distracted...forget it. I think
we're both over it.

RANDY

You still could have ignored mine.

MARK

I figured after all this time, you asking me to
meet must have been something pretty important.

RANDY

You are right. You know, we had an amazing IPO.
The early investors were ecstatic, and we
really made a mark for the green lifestyle.

MARK

Yes, I know.

RANDY

Well, those first few weeks were pretty
euphoric, but then the shorts started going
after us. The usual news- loosening
environmental regulations, Koch brothers, India
and China- all of this making green energy less
competitive.

MARK

OK. So you want me to use my amazing
salesmanship to get the Chinese to change their
policies?

RANDY

If anyone could do it, it would be you. No,
it's just that now the stock is down, below the
IPO price.

MARK

That happens- look at Facebook. I'm sure you'll
rebound like they did.

RANDY

Yes, but our board isn't as patient. They want
a big move, or something to get us back moving
in the right direction- to send am message to
the Street that we're resilient.

MARK

OK- I still don't see where I come in.

RANDY

Well, having Morgan Stanley take a big stake in
GreenCo would really send a message.
Even if it's a short-term position- like really
short term.

MARK

And who will get the money to take this big
stake?

RANDY

The greatest salesman I've ever met. Who soon
will be the greatest trader. Besides, this is a
winning proposition for everyone.

MARK

Let me ask you again- where will the money come
from?

RANDY

I'm sure you can make it happen. Besides, we
have a big announcement coming out soon- a big
contract in Europe.

MARK

So why not just wait for that?

RANDY

The board isn't convinced that it'll be enough.
And there's pressure- if the price doesn't go
up quickly, they'll try to push me out. I don't
want to lose control of my company- not after
all the hard work I put into it.

MARK

So, we don't see each other for years, we meet
by chance, and now you're asking me to risk my
career to help you out? Actually, you haven't
changed that much.

RANDY

Believe me, I have. Mark, come on, this will
work out well for everyone. You'll make a
splash, get some recognition- show them you're
not just another robot with an Ivy league
degree. I'll keep my company. Everybody wins.

MARK

You're forgetting one thing- the SEC is camped
out in our offices!

RANDY
I know, but they're not after you, and that's
why it's perfect. They're not looking to go
after some small-time, newly arrived trader
with no track record and no influence in the
company.

MARK

When you put it that way...

RANDY

You know what I mean. Seriously, if anyone can
pull this off- between your salesmanship and
your wits- it is you.

MARK

It would be an amazing way to start out. And it
would get the right kind of attention. And
you're right, the SEC isn't really looking at
our desk. And even if they were, how hard could
it be to outsmart them?

RANDY

You'd not only be outsmarting them, you'd be
outsmarting the market.

MARK

That would be awesome. Maybe even get me to the
Hurwitz chair...

RANDY

The what?

MARK

Oh, nothing.

RANDY

Don't pass this up Mark- you'll regret it.

MANIPULATION

IT TAKES A LOT OF CAPITAL
TO TRY AND CHANGE THE WORLD-
AND NO ONE SAID THAT GOING GREEN WAS CHEAP.
BUT I'VE GOT SO MUCH PASSION,
THAT MY BRAIN FEELS KIND OF SWIRLED
BECAUSE OUR NEGATIVE CASH FLOW LINE'S SO STEEP.
WE'RE DOWN TO OUR LAST ASSETS-
THE VC WELL'S RUN DRY.
THINK OF ALL THOSE KIDS WITH POLIO-
IT MAKES ME WANT TO CRY
(YOU KNOW CLIMATE CHANGE IS CAUSING A RESURGENCE)
OUR DREAM'S SO FULL OF FACETS,
LIKE A DIAMOND IN YOUR EYE.
SO TAKE OUR LITTLE STOCK HERE,
ITS VOLUME'S KIND OF THIN.
BUT IT'S POISED TO GET TO FIFTH GEAR,
AND HERE'S WHERE YOU COME IN--

A BIT OF MANIPULATION
COULD HELP IN OUR SITUATION
A NICE RUN UP WOULD PUT US IN THE BLACK.
JUST A BIT OF MANIPULATION -
NO NEED FOR A CONFLAGRATION
AND WHEN IT'S OVER,
YOU KNOW I'D PAY YOU BACK.

MARK

SO YOU'RE SERIOUS.
IT'S TAKEN TIME AND MONEY
TO GET ME WHERE I AM,
AND WORKING HERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY DREAM.
YOU'RE ASKING ME TO TAKE A RISK,
AND YOU DON'T GIVE A DAMN.
AS LONG AS I CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR SCHEME.
IT'S NOT THAT I CAN'T DO IT,
IT'S NOT EXACTLY TOUGH.
I WORK ON MOVING NUMBERS EVERY DAY.
IT'S JUST THAT I CANT RISK IT ALL
FOR YOUR DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
YOU CAN GET THE CASH- JUST FIND ANOTHER WAY.
I'M NOT INTO MANIPULATION,
NO MATTER THE SITUATION,
THOUGH IN THIS CASE IT'D REALLY BE A SNAP.

DON'T HAVE TO CALL IT MANIPULATION,
JUST A BIT OF PRICE INFLATION
AND AT THIS SCALE NO ONE WOULD GIVE A CRAP.

RANDY

I SEE THE WHEELS ARE TURNING,
I SEE YOU'VE CAUGHT THE BUG.
I KNEW I COULD CONVERT YOU TO THE CAUSE.
IN ME THE FIRE'S BURNING,
BUT WITH THIS HOLE WE'VE DUG,
OUR CREDITORS ARE READY TO HIT PAUSE.
YOU'LL END UP WITH A FAN CLUB,
A LEGEND ON THE STREET
A ROBIN HOOD - WHOSE STORY COULD COMPARE?
JUST MOVE A COUPLE NUMBERS-
I KNOW YOU'LL BE DISCREET
YOU'LL SAVE THE PLANET- THEY CAN HAVE THE HURWITZ CHAIR.
IT'S JUST A LITTLE MANIPULATION,
THEN SOME PERMANENT ADULATION.
THERE'S NO ONE ELSE WHO I WOULD-THINK TO ASK.
A LITTLE TOUCH OF MANIPULATION-
I'M NOT TALKING SOME ABERRATION.
IT'S CLEAR THAT YOU'RE THE RIGHT MAN FOR THIS TASK.

MARK

I'D REALLY LIKE TO HELP YOU-
I THINK IT CAN BE DONE,
AND GLOBAL WARMING KEEPS ME UP AT NIGHT.
I'VE ALWAYS LIKED A CHALLENGE-
THIS MIGHT ACTUALLY BE FUN
AS FOR GETTING CAUGHT,
THE ODDS ARE PRETTY SLIGHT.
FORGET IT, YOU'VE CONVINCED ME,
I'LL START THE PLAN NEXT WEEK
THE MEANS ARE VINDICATED BY THE ENDS.
IT'LL ALMOST BE INVISIBLE,
AT MOST A LITTLE TWEAK-BESIDES,

MARK AND RANDY

JUST A BIT OF MANIPULATION, THEN SOME PERMANENT ADULATION...
WHAT'S A BIT OF MANIPULATION-
WHAT'S A BIT OF MANIPULATION....
BETWEEN FRIENDS?

They shake hands and exit to
opposite ends of the stage.

SCENE 6

THE TRADING FLOOR, A FEW MINUTES LATER.

MARK is hurrying back to his desk
when he sees NICOLE.

MARK

(distracted)

Hi Nicole.

NICOLE

Hi Mark. Wow that must have been some meeting.
You look like you just ran a marathon.

MARK

Meeting- yeah it was pretty intense. But now
I'm back.

NICOLE

Indeed you are - right here.

MARK

I mean I'm back and ready to work.

NICOLE

I know what you meant. Listen, I've been
thinking about the whole phone incident.

MARK

(still distracted)

Uh huh-

NICOLE

I'm ready to put it behind me if you are.

MARK

(no longer distracted)
That - that would be great. I am totally ready
to do that.

NICOLE

So, the offer still stands?

MARK

The offer- yes, yes it does. Would you like to
go to dinner after work?

NICOLE

That would be lovely. And best of all, Brian is
on vacation so shouldn't be getting any texts
from him.

MARK

Maybe you can have one of your friends text
you, just so I can prove I'm really over it.

NICOLE

We don't need to go that far.

MARK

You're right. I'll message you when I'm
wrapping things up, OK?

NICOLE

Great, see you later.

NICOLE exits. MARK is ecstatic. He
heads back to his desk runs into
VIPUL, ANDREW, and LARRY.

VIPUL

Mark, where have you been? You weren't here to
buy us lunch.

LARRY

Yeah, we were looking all over for you. Next
time you run out in the middle of the day, let
someone know.

MARK

Sorry, it was an emergency- but you're right, I
should have told you.

LARRY

Or at least answered your phone.

MARK

Honestly, I didn't even hear it ring or buzz or
anything.

ANDREW

So what was the big emergency?

MARK

Oh, nothing- had to help out a friend.

ANDREW

Did you help him move or something? You look
like you just ran a marathon.

MARK

No, nothing like that-just had to help him plan
to get out of a tough situation. But you know
the best part of it? On the way back in I ran
into Nicole.

VIPUL

Now that explains why you're looking so
flustered.

MARK

Yeah, well the stars were aligned, and we are
going out tonight after work.

ANDREW

So that's not flustered but anticipation.

VIPUL

Actually it's good you weren't around. T.B. is
in full G-man mode.

LARRY

Yeah, he really ruined our lunch.

ANDREW

Spent the last hour talking about how he's got
all these new techniques, all these ways to
detect irregularities

LARRY

And all the pressure they're putting on him to
come up with something here.

VIPUL

I keep telling him, he's right here on site-
what the hell does he think is going to happen?
People here like risk, but not that kind.

LARRY

Mark, you're looking a little flustered again.
Or are you just thinking about tonight?

MARK

No, honestly, I feel great. I must be the
anticipation, not just for tonight. On the way
back from lunch I had some great ideas- just
like inspiration, out of the blue.

LARRY

Not bad for the first day- I just hope they're
legit. Don't you to be TB's next victim.

MARK
UPSIDE

I'M CHANNELING HUBIE BROWN
AND THE CASH FLOWS ARE TORRENTIAL.
IT'S A DEAL YOU CANT TURN DOWN-
IT'S GOT TREMENDOUS; UPSIDE; POTENTIAL
IT'S LIKE ANY OTHER PROSPECT,
IT NEEDS COACHING AND SOME CARE.
IT MIGHT SEEM A LITTLE SUSPECT,
BUT THE VALUATION'S FAIR.
YOU CAN LAUGH AT MY CONVICTION;
I WILL STICK WITH MY PREDICTION.
THERE'S NO WAY I'M LOOKING BACK-
I'M ON THE UPSIDE.

LARRY

LET ME TELL A LITTLE STORY
I HEARD AT MY DADDY'S KNEE.
LIFE'S A PICTURE OUT OF GOREY
IF YOU CROSS THE SEC.
SO WHEN TEMPTATION'S CALLING,
DON'T GET TAKEN FOR A RIDE.
STAY FOCUSED LIKE A LEICA ON THE UPSIDE.
ON YOUR FIRST DAY AS A TRADER,
THE BLOOMBERG'S GLOWING WITH THAT HUE.
IT'S LIKE LEADING YOUR FIRST SEDER
BE THE WISE SON WE LOOK TO.
SOON YOU'RE THINKING OF YOUR BONUS,
AND YOU'RE STANDING THERE WITH PRIDE.
DON'T LET ANYTHING DISTRACT YOU FROM THE UPSIDE.

VIPUL

SOME PEOPLE START TO BURN OUT,
AFTER SIX MONTHS OR A YEAR.
SOME PEOPLE AREN'T WIRED,
TO LIVE IN A CONSTANT STATE OF FEAR.
SOME PEOPLE GO TO RESEARCH,
WITH THEIR TAILS BETWEEN THEIR LEGS.
THOSE PEOPLE AREN'T TRADERS,
THEY'RE MORE OR LESS THE DREGS.

LARRY

LET ME SCHOOL YOU ON A TOPIC,
JUST IN CASE YOU'RE FEELING FRAIL.
LET YOUR GAINS BE MICROSCOPIC-
IT'S A BETTER CHOICE THAN JAIL.
SOME WILL TRY TO CUT THE CORNERS,
WE JUST TAKE IT ALL IN STRIDE.
THERE'S NO WAY I'M GOING DOWN, THERE'S ONLY UPSIDE.

ANDREW

UP TO NOW WAS JUST REHEARSAL-
THAT I'M SURE WAS TIME WELL SPENT-
FOR A DREAM THAT'S UNIVERSAL:
TIME TO JOIN THE 1 PERCENT.
IT'S A DREAM THAT BUILT THIS COUNTRY,
THERE'S NO REASON YOU SHOULD HIDE-
YOU'RE NOT ALONE-
EVERYBODY'S LOOKING FOR THE UPSIDE.
SOME PEOPLE ARE UNHAPPY,
WITH THE LEVEL OF OUR PAY.
SOME PEOPLE THINK IT'S AWFUL
THAT THE WORLD SHOULD BE THIS WAY.

LARRY

SOME PEOPLE WANT TO PROTEST-
NOW I DON'T MEAN TO BRAG, BUT
THOSE PEOPLE RIDE THE SUBWAY;
I'M CHAUFFEURED IN A JAG.

VIPUL, LARRY, AND ANDREW

EVERYBODY'S GOT AN ANGLE,
WHEN THEY'RE CRAWLING TO THE TOP.
THERE ARE SOME YOU WANT TO STRANGLE-
DON'T PUT YOURSELF DOWN IN THE SLOP.
KEEP YOUR MIND OFF THE DISTRACTION
OR PRETTY SOON YOUR BRAIN GETS FRIED
FOCUS ON THE MAIN ATTRACTION -
THAT'S THE UPSIDE.

MARK

I'VE BEEN DREAMING OF THIS MOMENT-
20 YEARS OR MAYBE MORE.
I'VE BEEN BUILDING EACH COMPONENT,
ALL TO MAKE THAT PERFECT SCORE.
I APPRECIATE THE WARNINGS,
AND I'LL TAKE THEM ALL IN STRIDE-
THERE'S NO WAY I'M GOING DOWN-
I'M ON THE UPSIDE.

ALL

TAKE A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE
WE'RE ALL STANDING THERE WITH PRIDE
NOTHING'S STANDING IN OUR WAY
THERE'S ONLY UPSIDE.

As VIPUL, LARRY and ANDREW repeat
the last verse, MARK walks over to
his desk, singing the last verse
to himself.

MARK

What a first week...Thank you GreenCo!

CURTAIN COMES DOWN.

END OF ACT 1
© Michael Cantor 2017