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If you love something, set it free...PRINTED NAME is a modern-rock musical tragedy
that teaches us the harsh lesson of what happens when we hold on too tightly
to those we love.
BACKGROUND: The Vietnam War claimed his father before Stevie
was born. His mother died when he was twelve and he lost himself in a
whirlwind of foster homes until he found Brian's family -- the loss of a son
to Desert Storm had left a hole in their home as well as their hearts.
ACT I: July 4, 2004
– 30 years since Stevie's father's death.
A realization for Brian during the afternoon cartoons -- there's no way out
of his life! But it won't stop
him from partying tonight. Brian convinces Stevie to let go of the past
and come out with him. While Brian cruises for a date, Stevie meets a
sharp-tongued politician's daughter, Elena, and they open up to each
other. The next day, Brian goes to a job interview while Elena vents
her secrets to Stevie and then invites him to a political fund-raiser.
But Stevie is denied admittance and must admit to his dark past. He
takes Elena to a special place and they confess their attraction for each
other. Meanwhile, Brian has decided to join the army. for their
pasts and their futures, he convinces Stevie to join up with him. Brian
makes an impassioned speech at a recruitment rally and Elena shows up in
protest. Forced to choose sides, Steve goes to Elena.
ACT II: August 1, 2004 -- the
day they leave for boot camp.
Stevie gives Elena a ring and they promise to be married. Tensions
mount when Brian comes home unexpectedly. Before he ships out, Brian
finds Elena and tells her the darkest secret in Stevie's past. Shocked,
she returns the ring to Brian. Months later in Iraq, Stevie is furious
that there has been no word from Elena. Brian pretends to know nothing
about it. A car-bomb seriously injures Stevie and severe depression
sets in. News arrives that they are to be sent home, but Stevie finds
Elena's ring in Brian's effects and a fierce argument ensues. In pain
and sadness, Stevie commits suicide. Brian must then return to America
and tell Elena the truth. She erupts in anger and threatens to have
Brian charged with murder. Brian begs for something to remember Stevie
by and Elena gives him a crayon-rubbing from Stevie's headstone. It's
all that's left -- a printed name.
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