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Strange Bedfellows
Copyright © 1993 by Edward J. Thomas, all rights reserved
Original Production
By Grosse Pointe Theatre Workshop Program
April 1995
Directed by George Valenta
Original Cast
MARTIN – Ed Thomas
SOLBERT – Greg Schuller
CLARA – Susan Kirk
Original Cast as a Full-Length (Oct-Nov 2003 by Broadway Onstage Live Theatre)
MARTIN – Christopher Oakley
SOLBERT – Demetris Taylor
CLARA – Sharyn Tadolini
SYNOPSIS
Comedy
2 men, 1 woman
Sure that their spouses are cheating on them, Martin and Clara hire a private detective to prove it. However, they may not have chosen the right detective.
SOLBERT
How did you know my name?
MARTIN
We spoke on the phone a couple of days ago. I’ve been expecting you for two hours. The lady at the front desk told me you were coming up.
SOLBERT
Yes, she was a very rude lady. It took a while to get her to tell me if you were here because she was too busy stuffing marshmallows in her mouth.
MARTIN
I’d guessed that.
SOLBERT
And you say she told you two hours ago that I was coming up?
MARTIN
No, you were supposed to be here two hours ago.
SOLBERT
Really? I could have sworn I was expected to be here at three.
MARTIN
The appointment was for one.
SOLBERT
But I thought it was for three and I showed up at three. Therefore, I was on time. You can’t hold it against me.
MARTIN
I can’t argue with that logic.
(He crosses to a chair)
SOLBERT
Where’d you get that limp?
MARTIN
Oh, I bumped into that table.
(He sits)
SOLBERT
Really?
(He examines the table edge for damage)
Were there any witnesses?
MARTIN
Er, no. I’ve been here alone.
SOLBERT
There could be a lawsuit in this.
MARTIN
It’s nothing, really.
SOLBERT
What were you doing when the alleged bump occurred?
MARTIN
I was looking at my watch.
(Shows him watch)
SOLBERT
Is this the watch in question?
(MARTIN nods)
May I hold onto it? It’s evidence.
MARTIN
Oh, no, I’m not going to press charges.
SOLBERT
You’re not?
MARTIN
Oh, no. My leg is feeling much better, really.
SOLBERT
You’re sure?
MARTIN
As sure as I’ve ever been.
SOLBERT
Alright. But if you change your mind, call me. I’ll get to the bottom of it.
(Hands him a business card)
MARTIN
I’ve already got one of your cards.
(Shows it to him)
SOLBERT
Where did you get that?
MARTIN
A friend gave it to me. That’s how I got your number.
SOLBERT
So you’re the one who called me?
MARTIN
Yes! Who else would it have been?
SOLBERT
It might have been someone impersonating you, sending me on a wild goose chase.
MARTIN
I don’t believe this.
SOLBERT
(Checking him out)
In fact, how do I know you’re not someone impersonating you? Could I have some I.D.?
MARTIN
Are you serious?
SOLBERT
Come on, come on. Quit stalling. Gimmie some I.D.
(MARTIN begrudgingly takes out his wallet and shows him his driver’s license. SOLBERT examines it carefully)
This is an awful picture. Are you sure that’s you?
MARTIN
(Taking it back)
Yes, it’s me! And, hey, how do I know who you really are?
SOLBERT
You’ll have to trust me.
MARTIN
You didn’t trust me.
SOLBERT
That’s my job. You don’t last long in this business if you trust everyone.
