CAPONE: The Rat-A-Tat-Tat-Tat Musical script

CAPONE: The Rat-A-Tat-Tat-Tat Musical

Characters
CAPONE of the South Side
Scarface Al Capone – heavyset, swarthy features, commanding presence. Dominates other men by appealing to their inner man.
Frank 'The Enforcer” Nitti – dapper, pencil thin mustache, penetrating stare
Machine Gun Jack McGurn – a suave killer with a cold heart. Wears matching gloves to his suit, a flair for the ladies
Francis “Solid” Jackson – Physically big and intimidating. Low intelligence. Has maniacal giggle
MORAN of the North Side
George “Bugsy” Moran – well groomed, carnation in buttonhole. Irish accent
Greasy Thumb Jake Guzik – paranoid, nervous, continually dabbing sweat from forehead, nervous tic
Nasty McJive – a smooth operator. Well dressed, great dancer, but, then again...a killer
Paddy “Golf Bag” O'Hanlon – wears knickers with argyle socks, golfing hat with pom pom, never goes anywhere without golf bag
The Blonde Alibi nee Louise Rolfe – lovely, pixie hair style. Once the dance partner of Nasty McJive but now Jack McGurn's girl. Married too often to count
Miss McKenzie – waitress/dancer
Tallulah – barmaid/dancer
3 Molls/Waitresses/Dancers
6-8 member Jazz Band w/ lead singer
And Introducing
Walter Winchell – slim, white hair, staccato vocal delivery, baritone voice that could be cut with a knife. The narrator who does sing.
DATE: February 13 1929
SETTING: Unit set. Down At Momma Jones' - a speakeasy on the uneasy neutral border between Bugsy Moran's North Side and Al Capone's South Side. DSR is Moran's table; DSL is Capone's. Both tables elevated, leaving center for dancing.
Capone and his entourage hSpecial.
WINCHELL
February 13 1929, Chicago Illinois.
Outside... razor sharp snow fueled by fierce winds off Lake Michigan produce cries of stabbing pain on unprotected skin.
Inside... a sleazy speakeasy called Down At Momma Jones', situated in the ever shifting neutral zone between Chicago's North and South side.
The North Side rackets; bootlegging, protection and numbers are controlled by one George Patrick Moran, of Irish extraction. His moniker is Bugsy. (FX-immediate special on Bugs that follows him during Winchell bio. Moran is chatting with his gang.)
The South Side has as its leader one Alphonse Capone, also known as Scarface, Big Al and The Big Guy. The two are rivals and sworn enemies. (Moran rises and goes around table, being a goodfella)
WINCHELL
Moran - an indefatigable backslapper and handshaker- though never at the same time. At least one hand stayed free to reach for one of the three pistols tailored in his signature double breasted suits.
MORAN
(to audience)
By my thoughtful haberdasher.
WINCHELL
A fixed smile on his face is betrayed only by his unblinking pale blue eyes. Moran is an unpredictable and unstable man. (at this point something a gang member says annoys Bugs) He doesn't stew ...he explodes.
MORAN
(Guzik twitches and almost spills drink on Bugs. Bugs brings Guzik out of the chair and takes him by the lapels.) You almost ruined my new threads! Straight from Marshall Fields! Custom... for these babies! (He opens coat to divulge shoulder holster) (McJive rises and stands between Bugs and Guzik)
WINCHELL
In an instant Moran could dispense his brand of gangland retribution. (Fear freezes the underling's face)
NASTY McJIVE
Boss, Jake didn't mean it. Tell the boss you're sorry, Jake!
GREASY THUMB JAKE GUZIK
Sure, Bugsy. Sorry, so sorry. Sure, you're the boss. You're aces with me. It won't happen again. I promise ya. Ya know I just get nervous. ( Guzek exhibits his nervous tic. Moran releases and makes nice, patting down his lapels Moran glares at him and sits him down)
MORAN
Now that's a swell fellow.
PADDY O'HANLON
(under his breath to Guzik) Jake, dey don't call him Bugsy for nuttin'
MORAN
And don't call me Bugsy!!
WINCHELL
The gangster who almost met his maker was Greasy Thumb Jake Guzik, one of a long line of Moran henchmen. His nickname was handed him due to his perpetual nervous twitch and sweaty palms. The others around the table include (Special follows each intro) Paddy “Golfbag” O'Hanlon, extortionist, hit man and overseer of Moran's thousands of speakeasies. Ironically, O'Hanlon has never played a round of golf in his life.
O'HANLON
(to audience) It holds tools for work.
WINCHELL
Finally there is Jerome “Nasty” McJive, a former champion marathon dancer. McJive turned from dancing to extortion and robbing banks 'for ...
McJIVE
( to audience)
...dat''s where the money is'. (dance twirl) But I still draw the dolls with my dancing feet.
WINCHELL
McJive's dance partner and fiancée for the past 2 years had been Louise Rolfe, nicknamed The Blonde Alibi, a steamy bombshell of a broad whose pelvic thrusts (Special on Alibi. She thrusts pelvis at that instant and leaves Winchell transfixed ) stopped strong men in their tracks. (All men freeze with Alibi's thrusts)
Presently she is playing house with one of Capone's hit men, Jack McGurn. Word on the street was that The Alibi was cheating on McJive before the break up. Bad blood is brewing into hot lava. An eruption could be imminent.
MORAN
(to barmaid) Tallulah. Hey doll. Let's get some adult beverages over here. And not any of that watered-down rotgut that Capone sticks you with. Set 'em up for my distinguished friends .(motions to band). You nancy boys gonna sit around all night? Earn your keep.
BAND LEADER
(band snaps to attention)
Yes sir, Mr. Moran! Coming right atcha. Here's one we wrote 'specially for you.
JUMP BACK, BUGS!
Production Number
WINCHELL
Chicago in the '20's was a perfect place to build a criminal empire. Political corruption was as much a tradition in this vast prairie city as were the sprawling cattle yards that made it the nation's center of the meat packing industry. She was a rowdy, pugnacious, hard-drinking town open to anyone with enough money to buy it. She was vibrant and violent, stimulating and ruthless...and dispassionate with the timid of heart. The 'fix' was in all over town.
CAPONE ENTERS SR WITH ENTOURAGE ('Solid' Jackson and Frank Nitti. He moves to table USL – the bodyguards eying suspiciously the Moran gang. The opposing sides do a dancing, antagonistic foreplay. Solid Jackson give his trademark Cuban cigars to everyone, even the women at the bar. He stops and makes a big show of giving them to all the band members. Moran's cronies are surprised – for Jackson offers them the stogies as well.)
WINCHELL
On the lamb from a few 'minor' indiscretions (including two unsolved murders) from his birthplace in Brooklyn NY, Capone arrived in Chicago in 1922, at the age of 24. It has taken only a handful of years for “Scarface” Al Capone to make his imprint on the national consciousness; to become Public Enemy #1; the greatest gangster of all time!
CAPONE
(acknowledging Bugsy) Moran...
(as bar girl brings over drinks)
WINCHELL
There had never been an outlaw quite like Al Capone. His gregarious, flamboyant persona fascinated American newspaper readers. Unlike most hoodlums before or since, he sought attention and was always quotable for the reporters in his pay. He was elegant. He was high class. He played the part of a self-made millionaire ...
CAPONE
...And I could show those Wall Street big shots a thing or two about running a successful business.
McJIVE
(interrupting) And a good day to you, Big Mr. Alphonse Capone. There must be a reason you called my boss and this distinguished group of enpretrenuers here ...
MORAN
That's entrepreneurs...and your dexterity with the King's English is 'nasty', Nasty. (dirty look)
Let's get on with it. Mr Capone, before this swell fellow Mr. McJive so crassly interrupted...me and the boys...well, we were all set to attend the church social this evening. Mr. Paddy O'Hanlon here is a boy tenor at St. Mary's of Eternal Grace and we were going to light candles for his patron, Saint Valentine. (gang chuckles)
But when a personification such as Mr. Capone asks for a conversation, well, who are we not to RSVP this fine invitation?
NITTI
Hey Boss, did you know tomorrow is Valentine's Day?
CAPONE
Nah, really? Didn't put it on my caledar. (to Moran) Bugsy, you and your organization of upstanding citizens do most of your business ventures on the North side. I pretty much control the South side.

JACKSON
Ain't no doubt, Al's got the clout! Yowzaa. (self-satisfied with his little rhyme. Others look at him strangely)

NITTI
Solid, Jackson!

CAPONE
I rule the breweries, thousands of home distilleries,nightclubs, restaurants, dog racing, gambling, over 10,000 speakeasies and....the broads. You have a pretty good operation on the North Side. There's enough to go around. We gotta stop highjackin' one another. We need to set territories and live in them!

GUZIK
Yeah, well the Capone mob don't seem to have a good sense of direction. You keep drifting' North.

O'HANLON
Maybe we should give 'em compasses!

McJIVE
Maybe they're getting' indigestion from too much of that rotgut whiskey from all those home breweries they operate on the South Side. (Capone's men jump up in anger).

CAPONE
Boys. (to his gang motioning them to take a seat). McJive? What kind of name is that? One of those pretty boys in the band give it to ya? Just be thankful I'm here to talk tonight. Otherwise....(drops thought).
WINCHELL
The 18th Amendment to the Constitution, Prohibition, passed into law in 1920, had banned the manufacture, purchase and drinking of alcohol. Senator Volstead and his small band of holy roller legislators forgot one thing...Americans, honest or otherwise, liked to drink. And they were none too concerned about where the booze came from!
NITTI
(to audience)
The ink wasn't even dry in Congress and the cops already couldn't enforce it!
CAPONE
(to audience)
People are gonna drink. You know that. I know that, we all know that! Hey, we all got our little rackets goin'. Mine just happens to be bigger than yours. All this talk of bootlegging. What is bootlegging? In a speakeasy, it's bootlegging. In a dive in Cicero it's bootlegging. On Lake Shore drive – where all those rich swells live - it's hospitality. I'm in the hospitality business.
MORAN
We supply a demand. It's a business opportunity. That's what capitalism is all about, right boss? Prohibition has made every man, woman and child who takes a drink a crook!
O'HANLON
The biggest crooks are down at City Hall.
NITTI
The biggest hypocrites at the dead end of Pennsylvania Ave.
WINCHELL
Beer, broads and blackmail now lifted the gangster from penny-ante hood to a titan of industry. Booze, like the water supply or the telephone became a natural monopoly for the gangster. From Prohibition sprang the most powerful organized crime enterprise in the the history of mankind.
MORAN
(to Moran when drinks come around to all)
To Senator Volstead. Thanks for the legislation. (All rise)
ALL
To Volstead (toast)
WINCHELL
Temperance societies preached that alcohol consumption was ungodly and was leading America into moral decay. A small coterie of conservative legislators rammed this bill down the throats of a blind and naive Congress. However, It did not take long for the American public to question the wisdom of its leaders. Not since the issue of slavery 80 years before had the country been so divided with controversy. Over the next decade their constituents would pay dearly.
O'HANLON
We should erect a monument to dis guy. He don't even know us and he's lining our pockets with millions... (all laugh)
NITTI
He may not know the Irish, but he knows Al Capone. Everybody knows Al Capone.
CAPONE
You're right. Gentlemen, we're making some sizable dollars – millions, with no end in sight.
MORAN
We're capitalists, you and me, Al. All we're doin' is taking advantage of the American dream.
O'HANLON
The boss is a real Horatio Allergy story.
NITTI
I can tell ya...my snitches have told me the feds have been nosing around about....something about income tax. How bush league is that! They'll never bring the Big Guy down.
O'HANLON
Here's my theory on the feds! Feed 'um shit and keep 'um in the dark! (all laugh)
WINCHELL
The popular belief in the 1920s was that illegal gambling earnings were not taxable income. However, the 1927 Sullivan ruling, after mobster Danny Sullivan, from the US Supreme Court declared that illegal profits were in fact taxable. The ruling was directed at two large industries; gambling and bootlegging. Judge Oliver Wendell Holmes declared “income was income, whether legitimate or not. Bootleggers”, he said “who make fabulous profits must pay their their taxes the same as less favored mortals.” At first, the ruling did little to change the status quo.
MORAN
That law means nothin' to me. I ain't breakin' no sweat. Hey boys, what do you think they want me to do...run down to City Hall with my 1040? (all laugh)
GUZIK
Ah, Big Al and you have more gold stashed than that Greek guy, Crustacean.
MORAN
That's Croesus, you illiterate.
NITTI
It would cost too much for Al to file. (laughs) He don't make that much as a used furniture dealer. No way there's a paper trail to you. That Sullivan Law over there (points to Moran's table) is for those hoodlums (pointing to Moran) over there who don't understand the value of paying in cash and two sets of books.
JACKSON
Leave it to that Irish mick Danny Sullivan to get us more heat from the feds.
O'HANLON
Who you calling a mick, you dago greaseball!
NITTI
Harp
McJIVE
Goombah
NITTI
(going for his weapon, but pausing) McJive, you got a lot of brass...you're a real humdinger.
McJIVE
Yeah, Mr. Nitti, you got dat right (postures and then heads to band stand)
NASTY McJIVE
(Nasty sings. During break he dances with Miss Mckenzie. Gives smirk to Alibi. Moran gang sings 'nasty' at end)

WINCHELL
Now with the Sullivan Law, the government had an edge, a federal law, to go after Capone and his fellow hoodlums; not for booze or prostitution, but income tax fraud. Capone never filed an income tax return, owned nothing in his own name, and never made a declaration of assets or income. He did all his business through front men and he always paid cash.
MORAN
So that's why were here Capone, to donate to your tax relief?
CAPONE
(to Moran)
Bugs, I can handle the feds. I own Chicago government. We're here tonight to talk about a truce. Listen we need to stop killing each other. It's bad for business. It sends John Q. Public the wrong message.
JACKSON
Yeah. They're goin' start thinkin' we're hoodlums. (solemn agreement)
McJIVE
And it's bad for the health of youse guys on the South Side.! (he stands up and glares at Capone's men)
CAPONE
Solid, stay solid. Now, where was I? Yeah, right. I control the cops, the magistrates, the politicians. I control the wards and have every vote. Not a glass of beer is drunk at a speakeasy, not a bottle of scotch is uncorked at a private party, not a crate of rye at a reception hall, not a hip flask of gin was sold under the counter at a drug store without a percentage leaping back into my pockets.

NITTI
Yeah, Big Guy, in the same pocket right beside the enforcers. (pats suit where pistols are packed)
JACKSON
You're the Mayor of 'Crook' County, Capone. We all know that. Hell, you could run for Mayor and win in a landslide.
CAPONE (an aside)
I don't want to BE Mayor, I just want to own him. (smirks)

NITTI
And we do! Along with 80% of the rest of Chicago lawmakers.

MORAN
We're all lookin' for that honest politician, Al. Yunno – when he's bought – he stays bought! (laughter all around).

WINCHELL
Big Bill Thompson was the corrupt mayor during this decade of the '20's. Coined in 1919 as the 'most corrupt and degenerate municipal administration that ever cursed a city; Thompson formed a politico-criminal alliance formed between a civil administration and a gun-covered underworld for the exploitation of its citizenry. To retain his power, during elections, 'floaters' were taken to various polling places where they would vote multiple times. Ward bosses would house vagrants in their ward to vote. One creative gangster gave the address of a stable where...

O'HANLON
...every horse voted! (to audience)

JACKSON

(to audience, very matter of factly) Mr. Capone gave me a very important job last election. I drove a truck filled with volunteer voters. We went all over the city and must have voted a dozen times. I told them it was their God given right to vote, but vote the way Mr. Capone wants ya to vote or I'll bust your knees.

NITTI
When people are afraid of you, you can do anything.

MORAN
Let me chat with my boys, Capone (calls all of them closer for a conference)

(Band leader comes over to Capone's table)

BAND LEADER
(to Solid) Mr. Jackson, me and the band members, well, we're all appreciate that you take care of us every time you come to Momma Jones'. We know you like to dance and so, well, we wrote this little tune for you. Would you like to hear it?

SOLID
Yowzaa. Yowzaa. (very excited. Picks him up and gives him a bear hug that almost finishes him off)

BAND LEADER
(In a very small voice devoid of air) Thanks, buddy.

SOLID JACKSON
Production number


MORAN
Capone, listen...we was thinking...what about some of that political protection to the rest of us?

CAPONE
(considers for a moment) Hmm. If we can come to some arrangement tonight, I'll consider throwing some political juice your way. I have Mayor Thompson in my back pocket. How well do you know him?
O'HANLON
He should know him pretty well. He voted for him six times last March.
NITTI
And that ain't the record! (all laugh) Here. I got his home number in my pocket...in case I get busted.
GUZIK
Here was a politician we can understand.

MORAN
Here's a politician we could work with.

WINCHELL
It was estimated in 1927 that Capone paid in excess of $30 million for police protection. Mayor Thompson told the people what they wanted to hear. And what they wanted to hear most of all was that he would turn a blind eye to Prohibition. Thompson announced he was 'wet,' meaning Chicago was going to be deluged in rivers of booze. It was estimated in 1923 that 60% of the police were working in the liquor business. Not conniving or taking bribes...working!

CAPONE
I sell influence in this city like so many head of cattle. The police? They're on the take and line up every week at the precinct, go through the line while my boys pay them. I fix the judges. I fix the juries. The lawyers bribe the juries and they all bribe the politician.
NITTI
Who then bribe the citizens to vote for them. Chi-town is like no other city in this US of A. What a great tradition.
CAPONE
Life is good, but we're makin' a shooting gallery out of a great business. There's plenty of beer trade for everyone. Why kill each other over it?

MORAN
I don't get it. What's the motivation, Capone?
CAPONE
(drawing everyone back to the conversation)
I can't stand hearing my little 6 year old Sonny ask me why I can't stay home at nights. He's been sick for 3 years and I gotta take care of him and his mother. If it wasn't for him i would say, 'Hell, let's shoot it out' and be done with ya. But I couldn't say that, knowing it might mean they'd bring me home one night punctured with machine gun bullets. (wipes his eyes)
(All the gangsters are stunned by this personal tale)
JACKSON
Ah, Big Guy, you're makin me tear up. (goes over to hug Al, who will have nothing to do with it.)
CAPONE
There's a lot of people in Chicago that have got me pegged for one of those bloodthirsty mobsters you read about in storybooks; the kind that tortures his victims, cuts off their ears, put out their eyes with a red hot poker and grins while he's doing it. Now get me right. I'm not posing as a model for youth. I've had to do a lot of things i don't like to do But I'm not as black as painted. I'm human. I've got a heart in me. I'll go as deep in my pockets as any man to help any guy that needs help, like that guy Robin Hood. Yeah, and he even had the kahunas to call himself a hood!
I can't stand to see anybody hungry or cold or helpless. Many a poor family in Chicago thinks I'm Santa Claus. If I've given a cent to the poor in this man's town, I'll bet I've given a million dollars. Yeah, a million. I don't take any credit to myself for being charitable I'm not just saying this to show that I'm not the worst guy in the world.
(Al sings. We hope the audience hears the irony in this song)
OLD FRIENDS
MORAN
That touched me, Capone, really touched me. (moves toward C) (Al moves as well)
I think we can put somethin' together. (They shake and gangsters applaud)
CAPONE
Drinks on me. Ah, that's right. I don't make enough to pay taxes but I'll pay for a round with my new friends. Let's get in the swing of things.
SWING
GUZIK
(Guzik whispers in Moran's ear and then to Al). Capone, where's McGurn? We all know ya don't go anywhere without him?

JACKSON
Mr Jack McGurn just arrived back this very evening from a 'business' trip to New York. He was advising Mayor Jimmy Walker on the sudden outbreak of hoodlum disease in Manhattan. (all laugh). He met a 'friend' there and took him for a long ride in his Packard.
McJIVE
Did he come back alone? I mean after the drive? (sarcastically)

(McGurn enters)
JACKSON
Well, as I live and breath, if it ain't the main torpedo hisself. Hey Jack, how'd it go in the Big Apple?
(McGurn crosses to The Alibi. McJive watches his every move.)

McGURN
Hey, babe. (pours over her). You're lookin good tonight.

ALIBI
You're lookin' better

McGURN
Didja miss me?

ALIBI
(makes sure McJive is seeing all of this)
Sure baby. It was lonely under those silk covers all by my little self.

McGURN
Honey, your eyes remind me of the Paris subway.

ALIBI
You been to Paris without me? (starts to slap him) You dog!

McGURN
(grabs her hand and kisses it.) No baby, the NY subway. Same thing.

ALIBI
Ah, Jack. You're such a romantic swell. Did you just make that up?

McGURN
Nah, baby. I read it in a comic book.
(stares at Moran.) Well, well, what do we have here...Chicago's answer to the Blarney Stone, Bugsy Moran! (to Al ) Hello Boss!
ALIBI
Hey, handsome. (pulls him back. twirls his tie as she hangs on to him) I thought you wuz goin to call me last week and you would come over. Ain't a lonely girl worth a call.
McGURN
You're lookin' pretty dreamy tonight. Yeah, I know, sorry 'bout this week. I had some unfortunate business to take care of...at least it was unfortunate for the other guy. (wise cracks to colleagues) But I'm here now, doll, and all yours. (sees McJive looking at her) Hey, baby, why's that bum looking at you sideways?
ALIBI
Oh, him. He ain't nobody.

McGURN
Yeah? Is that so? Well, by way he's panting, he thinks he YOU'RE somebody!

JACKSON
Tell us what New York was like, Jack.
(McGurn goes to mic in front of band)

UPTOWN
production number

ALIBI
(confronting Jack after the number)
What's this Uptown with my baby? Were you cheating on me? You told me last week I was your baby! Who did you take to the Waldorf, the Plaza, Roseland, the Rainbow Room, Harlem? And then a champagne breakfast. All I got from you is a crummy grapefruit!
You handle the truth carelessly, don't you MACHINE GUN Jack McGurn! (she spins to leave and he swings her around.)

McGURN
That's what I like about you, Alibi...class. Never come out and call a man a liar. (he gives her a diamond bracelet and she walks to the bar. He walks off to chair)

McJIVE
(McJive rises and confronts McGurn, fuming)
Do me a favor and keep away from my girl. I advise you to mind your own business.

McGURN
Your girl? Doesn't look that way to me. Anyway, this is my business. Taking advantage of helpless women is part of what I do.
(Guzik pulls McJive away)

CAPONE
(to Jack)
Jack, how'd it go with our... New York contract?

McGURN
His head got away from his hat. Boss, I found out in New York I can do much better with a smile and a kind word and a tommy gun than I can with a smile and a kind word.
GUZIK
(at Moran's table) Hey, Nasty, isn't that your old girl friend...Louise...?

McJIVE
(looking at her longingly) Yeah, that's Louise. Alibi now, My Blonde Alibi.

GUZIK
So that's The Alibi!

O'HANLON
I heard about her. If the cops want to know where you been during a particular turn of disfortunate events, she marries the guy. A wife can't testify against her husband. She's got a connection at City Hall. The Alibi, hell, she's been married to a dozen guys. Probably never even met half of them. What a broad!
GUZIK
Man, she's as smooth as the slide on a slide trombone. And a body made for sin.

McJIVE
(sees McGurn talking to her and boils. Gets up and starts to move. He's seething)
That spaghetti bender! I'll break both his knees. It'll be a long time before that Sicilian dances again.
GUZIK
(holds him back) So ya want to kill him?

McJIVE
For starters.
GUZIK
Drop her, Nasty. She sees the angle..which is you...and she plays it. She's a grifter. She probably had grifter parents and grifter grandparents and someday will have little grifter kids.
McJIVE
If he touches her again, I'll turn him and his brother into a eunuch.
GUZIK
Nasty, ya gotta see the signs, man. 'Keep off the grass' is written all over her.

McJIVE
(to Moran)
Boss, let me fix McGurn with a permanent stare.

MORAN
(senses McJive's emotion) Sit down, McJive! He ain't Sicilian. He's just Eyetalian. He don't know any better. We're here to talk nice with Mr. Big Shot Capone. Get a drink, listen to the music. Enjoy yourself. We'll see how things go...maybe some of your extracurriculars a bit later. (Wink of the eye and McJive pushed back into seat). (Alibi struts past and flaunts herself.)

TALULLAH
(at bar w/ Alibi)
Goodness. What beautiful diamonds!

ALIBI
Goodness had nothing to do with it.

WINCHELL
Bugs Moran was wise to keep his emotions in check. Next to the General Pershing's Expeditionary forces of WWI, Capone had the most fire power ever assembled around one man. Extortionists, strong arms and killers had risen in the ranks in the organization through and by blood loyalty: ( Specials on each man) Machine Gun Jack McGurn was born Vincente DiBenedetto. He gained the moniker by wielding his Tommy gun with the sensitivity of a fine artist stroking his canvas; Frank “The Enforcer” Nitti began his life of crime as a neighborhood knee capper but grew to be Capone's chief accountant. And finally, Francis “Solid” Jackson, the most sadistic of Capone's gang of killers and cutthroats...and maybe the dumbest. His nickname came from his high school football days. Jackson was the lead runner at the bottom of the 'V' of the Flying Wedge kickoff formation. Any opposing player who attempted to tackle him was buried on the turf...'solidly' and usually carted off the field.

CAPONE
We're all paying our bills, right? Our profits are growin' right? We're in a growth industry, right? (grudging affirmations from group) Well, I'm suggestin' we stay in our own territories and play sweet and nice. Yeah, I could increase profits by expanding into the North Side, but after tonight, the bet's off.
WINCHELL
But hoodlums being hoodlums, more than enough was never enough. Wealth beyond their wildest dreams did not satiate nor straighten their inherent 'crookedness'. There was constant hijacking of other's booze trucks or invading another's territory to skim protection money. Capone called this meeting, with his biggest competitor in the rackets, to establish guidelines for peaceful coexistence.
MORAN
Johnny Torrio tried that before. And after two months of truce, he got edited out of the picture by the Chicago typewriter (air machine gun) rat-a-tat-tat-tat. Tell us about that, Capone.
CAPONE
I plead the Fifth.
(Moran and Capone stand and continue gesticulating but they are mute. During this time, McJive has been eying the Alibi. He is tormented over her. He crosses to her as she is delivering drinks. She gives him a come hither look but moves on. He steps in front of the mic and sings. Gangsters do not 'hear' this number.)
(Alibi is serving the gangsters and flirting)
STAR ON THE RIGHT
(conversation now continues between Moran and Capone)as not arrived. Bugs' gang is situated at the table drinking and talking. Neon sign w/ chaser lights above band “Down At Momma Jones'”
Bar at USR w/ 3 stools
Band is in place warming up on raised stage at C, demarcating the No. and So. Sides. Band set is tiered with piano to right. Bar is USR. Molls are dancing with one another to background music and flirting with band. Moran's table is SR; Capone's SL, both two steps elevated from floor.
Band members sit behind individual 'band stands' with monogrammed MJ on front. Some of the tunes will be choreographed for band members as they play.
Winchell's mic is on elevated podium USL
SYNOPSIS: Big Al has called a meeting with his fiercest and most hated rival, George “Bugsy” Moran to attempt a truce between the recognized leaders of Chicago's North and South Side. Capone could, if he wished, extinguish Moran's gang due to his overwhelming power in both guns and political clout. But this would be bad press and further inflame the city and the nation against Public Enemy # 1, bringing more heat.
Capone also is aware that the feds have begun investigating the fact that he has never filed taxes. His front is that of a used furniture dealer. The fact is in 1928 he grossed over $80 million.
If Moran does not comply...tonight...Capone has a little valentine ready for him.
SUBPLOT: One of Moran's henchman, Nasty McJive, is in love with The Blonde Alibi. Alibi was recently McJive's dance partner but terminated the relationship. To add further insult, she has taken up with Capone's top killer, Machine Gun Jack McGurn, a Lothario in pinstripes. McJive has quick feet and a faster fuse. Both can use their fists and McGurn is an artist with the Tommy gun.
COSTUMES: Period late '20's. Women – sexy., showing an abundance of gamme. Men – exaggerated length of suit jackets, big lapels. Various shades of pastel. Some men w/ spats. Band members -They wear exact jacket / pants outfits with monogrammed MJ logo on pocket.
ACT 1
(No curtain. Individual band members walk in and begin warming up. Waitresses start tending bar)
BAND LEADER
(Neon sign above band stand lights up) Ok, boys, let's get the party started...
DOWN AT MOMMA JONES'
Walter Winchell enters USL. wearing period suit and hat with card in brim. He is the narrator. Stands behind period mic in
WINCHELL
Profits would be huge enough if everyone stayed in their own district and played by the rules. There were very few rules in gangland. Chicago in the '20's had a frontier mentality. In NY or Boston, if three gangsters are killed at one time, it is front page news, a disaster, a massacre. In Chicago it would be buried in the second page. And, even if there were some type of underworld bylaws , each racketeer made it his life's work to cheat. It was inbred and part of their very nature.
MORAN
Why is any truce between you and me gonna work this time and why should I trust you?
CAPONE
It's gonna work, because it's gotta work. We need to turn off the heat. You gotta trust me 'cause I'm your best friend and you don't know it.
MORAN
Yeah, best friend?. Why, may I be so bold to ask, are you being such a swell fellow?
McJIVE
Boss, I saw Nitti in our territory last week with a couple of his gumbas.
NITTI
I was just visiting Mr. O'Banions Flower Shop after scouting out a new location in Cicero. It's virgin territory for whore houses.
MORAN
(becomes livid). You already know my position on women. Only you Eyetalians would think of that! Prostitution is against Our Mother the Church and I'll have nothing to do with the stinking business!
(very tense. Everyone stops and eyes one another. The Big Guy has just been offended. O'Hanlon delves into his golf bag.)
McGURN
So, O'Banion's... it's in your territory...big deal! We all buy posies from O'Banion....for all our funerals. I'll be first in line to buy yours! (this gets a rise out of the Moran gang). I was buying some carnations for your good friend O'Shaugnasey's funeral. Poor poor Johnny. He met a most unpleasant ending.
O'HANLON
Greasball! O'Shaugnasey was my pal. You had something to do with that. Tell me you didn't!

NITTI

What diction!
JACKSON
Very electrocutionary.
NITTI
And he don't spit when he talks.
CAPONE
Frank, zip it. Zip it good. We're hear to keep the swell Irish gentlemen alive. Listen, Moran, I'm gonna give you a pass on your last crack. I'm trying to you alive and outta jail, and me along with you. You're right, we got Chicago wrapped up like a Christmas package from Marshall Fields. We both know that a one-legged prohibition agent on a bicycle could stop the beer in the Loop in a day...if he were honest. There just aren't any honest ones in this town. (angered) I've seen to that.
(action / specials on McGurn and Miss McKenzie at bar)
McJIVE
(to Moran)
I think he's lying, boss. I still think it's a trap. He wiped out Frankie Yale in New York.
GUZIK
Yeah, and Frankie was driving his bullet proof car when he got it!
McJIVE
But Frankie forgot to use bullet proof glass. Too bad for 'ol Frankie.
CAPONE
And, I'm tired of the rats of the game, who run around and tell the cops if you don't pay them off. I'm tired of the gang murders. I never go anyplace without 3 torpedos on all sides. I haven't had peace of mind in years. I'm thinkin of turning myself..
NITTI
Al !!!
CAPONE
(thinks better of it)
MORAN
Big Al, you still got a deal. (his gang members are still not convinced, however)You keep to your territory and I'll keep to mine. What's past is past. The less me and the boys run into one another, the better.
MISS McKENZIE
(she and other waitresses are serving. Sidles up to McGurn)
You're looking good.

McGURN
You're looking better. Got a light?
McKENZIE
The way you were lookin' at me, I thought you were going to ask for something more interesting.
McGURN
Like what?
McKENZIE
Use your imagination
MCGURN
I am.
McKENZIE
Let me know when you're finished. (McGurn returns to gang, McKenzie to bar)
McKENZIE
(remarking on McGurn)
Talullah, do you believe in love at first sight?
TALULLAH
I don't know, but it saves an awful lot of time.
ALIBI
McKenzie, do you know who that guy is?
McKENZIE
Nah, just one of the Capone mob.
ALIBI
Oh, he's that alright, sister. But more important to you at this very minute, he's MY member of the Capone mob!
McKENZIE
Oh. I'm so sorry. I did not get that distinct impression from how me was communicating to me ..and, may I add, putting his hands on me. You sure you have the right hoodlum?
(Ensuing verbal battle between Miss McKenzie and The Alibi. They play off the band members who move down stage and play next to the women. More dialog to be written. The gangsters are enjoy watching the females altercation.)
THE GIRL CAN'T QUIT
(The next song, SAXMAN, flows directly after SWING. This is a dream sequence dance. The gangsters are at their tables. They are talking but cannot be heard and they are not part of the action. Think of the dream ballet sequence in OKLAHOMA set to the the tension of WEST SIDE STORY's “I Want To Be in America”. The focus through lighting is on The Blonde Alibi and McJive and McGurn. She goes back and forth between the men.) The Alibi acts out the lyrics of the songs. Both men have mano a mano dance.
The sax player becomes part of the dance and works the women. The sax player says to the audience his words “Loneliness can do that to a fella”. Both women say “You don't have to be lonely tonight”.
SAXMAN
CAPONE
The truce is for is a general amnesty. Here's the deal. We stop the beatings and murders. All past murders are considered closed cases, like a debt wiped off the books. No snitching to the press from my side about Moran or your side about Capone. We stay with our present territories; you keep the 42nd and 43rd wards; I take all south of the Madison Street boundary, as well as the territory to the west and south down to Chicago Heights.
MORAN
And, if we one of my guys breaks the truce?
CAPONE
There's Plan B.
MORAN
And...
CAPONE
We all have our personal hells, Bugsy. I can make his hotter than mine. Ya better swing with it. And, I'll throw in some percentage of the brothels I run in the South.

NITTI
Ok, ok boys. Momma Jones' is neutral territory. The two bosses have made their decision. No need getting our tempers up. See how calm the Big Guy is. In any other situation you'd be seeing the business end of a baseball bat.
HOT LICKS
Production number
CAPONE
Moran, now that we're best of friends, I'll tell you one of my passions. Do you listen to opera?
MORAN
What?
CAPONE
Opera! Opera! Giuseppe Verdi. The greatest composer ever.

MORAN
Too many Eyetalians in opera.
CAPONE
Growin' up on the streets of Belfast deprived you of the greatest music known to man, not from the Irish, but from Italy. Aida', ah... the pageantry, the torment, the passion. My favorite is I Verspri Sciliani, ya gotta love it...the Sicilian Vespers, the rise of the Mafia. That was me, Moran! That was me...the story of my life! The one that holy rollers and hypocrites spit on but citizens love 'cause I give 'em what they want. I'm the one the one that kids look up to. Alphonse Capone is a champion of the freedom and dignity of Italians in America.
CAPONE
(to Nitti) How can I trust a thug who disrespects my mother country. And worse yet, how can I respect a man who don't appreciate opera?
NITTI
A fancy dressed cave man with flowers, boss. He's Irish. No way you can ever trust him. He's not like us. He's not respectable.
CAPONE
He don't like opera, huh? Maybe you don't got a soul. Maybe he never had one. (to Nitti) Frank.
NITTI
Yeah, boss?
CAPONE
The slug don't even like opera. He'll always be a third class racketeer. Send him to his personal hell. Tomorrow, send Bugsy a valentine! (Capone exits SR)
NITTI
Yeah, boss. (to the Moran table). Gentlemen. Sorry it didn't turn out. Al says there are no grudges. The Big Guy wishes you a Happy Valentines Day!
The show will close with
Closing number to be written









TOMMY GUN
the greatest aid to bigger and better business the criminal has discovered in a generation..a diabolical machine of death...the highest powered instrument of destruction that has yet been placed at the convenience of the criminal with which to murder his neighbor. - tommy gun, chopper, Chicago piano, typewriter.