“NOT A PROBLEM”

BACK TO INTRODUCTION OF RIO

RIO

SCENE TEN

“NOT A PROBLEM”

John Hawthorne arrives with flowers at Helena’s apartment to get her mother Luisa’s permission to date.   He examines the paper, which the flowers are wrapped, and is slightly embarrassed that there are roots on the flowers)

In Bb

Helena                         Let me introduce you two, Mama please meet John

Luisa                           You’ve come from quite a way’s away, when must you be gone?

John                             It’s very nice to meet you ma’am, I brought these flowers for you.

Helena                         I told you Mama he’s so nice

Luisa                           Now what’s a mom to do?

Chorus (Luisa–looking to the audience.  She also notices there are dirty roots on the flowers)

Woh—-Woh.  Uh-huh. What a problem!

Woh—-Woh.  Uh-huh. What a problem.

Luisa                           Senior Hawthorne tell me please, why’d you come at all?

John                             I came down here on business and to see the Carnivale.

Luisa quips                  ah to play

John                             Yes, but then I met your daughter and my plans have changed a bit

I’d rather spend my time with her, as long as you’ll permit.

Chorus (Luisa)            Woh—Woh. Uh-huh. What a problem!

Woh—Woh. Uh-huh. What a problem.

(silence)

Luisa (spoken)             Mr. Hawthorne, you are quite convincing.

Eh, but I have maybe one or two more questions……

Luisa                           Then, will you bring her home not to late?

John                             Not a problem.

Luisa                           Will you keep your hands off your date?

John/Helena                Not a problem!

Luisa                           I’ll need my Rosary Beads to pray!

Helena (hands them over)

Not a problem.

Luisa                           Just bring my Helena home to me, she’s all I have.

Chorus (Helena, John)

Woh—-Woh. Uh-huh. Not a problem.

Woh—-Woh. Uh-huh. Not a problem.

Helena                         We’re going to the Pinnacle, the top of all Rio.

Luisa                           I’ve heard it’s where the upper class likes to spend their dough.

John                             The money’s not important now, I’m going for the view.

Luisa                           Yes, but our kind isn’t welcome there, fore we’re not well to do.

Chorus (S,J)                Woh—-Woh. Uh-huh. Not a problem.

Woh—-Woh. Uh-huh. Not a problem.

Helena                         Mama please, we’ll be all right, the reservation’s made.

Luisa                           OK, OK enjoy the meal, don’t get sick when you’ve paid.

I’m sorry if I worry some, that’s just what mothers do.

Helena                         Mama, I can understand.

John                             I’ve got a mother too!

Chorus (all 3)              Woh—-Woh. Uh-huh. Not a problem.

Woh—-Woh. Uh-huh. Not a problem

Silence

Luisa (spoken)             Mr. Hawthorne, you are indeed quite convincing.

However, I have maybe one or two more questions….

John and Helena sigh.

Luisa                           Now, can you Really afford this date?

John and Helena         Not a problem!

Luisa                           And you are not gonna make me wait?

John and Helena         Not a problem.

Luisa                           Well then it’s time that you celebrate.

John and Helena         Not a problem!

Luisa                           Just bring Helena back home to me, she’s all I have.     (ritard)

Just bring Helena back home to me, she’s all I have.

                                    Just bring by baby home safe to me–she’s all I have.

Hold “Bb” and keep music rhythm.  Segue into next song.