Act I, Scene VIII

Question 1

TOPHER. What happened to the nice girl?
SEBASTIAN. Ignore her, we’re playing Ridicule, you get to be
judge. Two circles spin and when the music stops two
players out-ridicule one another. Let’s find you a bride.

Answer 1

GUESTS.
BUM DITTY BUM BUM
BUM DITTY BUM BUM

Question 2

TOPHER. I’m not quite sure I want to play this game.
SEBASTIAN. And here we have another round at the ready!

Answer 2

GUESTS.
BUM DITTY BUM BUM
BUM DITTY BUM BUM

Question 3

LORD PINKLETON.
ONE AND TWO AND THREE
(Music stops. MADAME and ELLA must face
off.)

Answer 3

MADAME. Age before beauty. You first, dear.
(“Ooohs”from the CROWD.)

Question 4

ELLA. You have such a beautiful speaking voice. Have you
ever considered reciting poetry?

Answer 4

(Silence and muttering from the CROWD.)
MADAME. (Cracking.) Say it - what - do it - what?! The
anticipation is killing me! Do the Ridicule! Why do you
say that?

Question 5

ELLA. No reason. I just really like your speaking voice
and I just think you sound really wonderful reciting
a poem. And I also like the feather in your hair. It’s a
lovely color for you.

Answer 5

MADAME. Why. Are. You. Doing this. To. Meeee?!

Question 6

ELLA. Yes. You know. Compassion.
SEBASTIAN. Who are you, you strange woman?

Answer 6

MADAME. I don’t know who she is but she is very, very
wealthy indeed. And did you see her feet? Shoes made
of Venetian glass! My resentment is all-consuming.

Question 7

TOPHER. Wait! Young lady! Where are you going?! Wait!
Stop!
SEBASTIAN. Your Highness! Your Highness!

Answer 7

MADAME. Charlotte! Gabrielle!