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BLUE MOON · written by Robert Kaplow · 2025
Scene 7 of 26 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one
On the opening night of Oklahoma!, lyricist Lorenz Hart drinks through Sardi's while chasing one last renewal with Richard Rodgers and the young woman he adores, but both are already moving beyond him.
Hart leaves the show that displaced him for his Sardi's habitat, where wit and remembered greatness keep fear at bay.
At Sardi's, Hart trades Casablanca riffs with Eddie, asks for whiskey despite his pledge, and describes his adoration of Elizabeth and his wish to stop being afraid.
A flower delivery lets Hart recruit 'Sven' to his imaginary party, test whether his songs remain famous, and turn his sexuality and failing renown into jokes.
Hart toasts the past, savages Oklahoma! while praising Rodgers' genius, and displays the shabby, ardent gifts he bought for Elizabeth.
This scene
Sven re-enters.
SVEN
More flowers.
HART
Eddie, get Sven another drink!
Eddie pours another drink. This time Sven is carrying an enormous vase of red carnations bursting with blooms.
SVEN
For Richard Rodgers.
HART
Jesus, how much did those cost?
SVEN
Sixteen dollars. Plus delivery.
HART
(grabs the gift card and reads)
"Dick: I've got a beautiful feeling, everything's going your way. Love, Dorothy." She's quoting Oscar?
As Eddie signs for the flowers, Hart sneaks a shot of whiskey.
HART (CONT'D)
I write with her husband for 24 years and she's quoting Oscar? Ninety-first, on the Park. The Ardsley. We'll be going late.
SVEN
All right. Well, thanks again fellas.
Sven exits. Renee enters.
RENEE
Good evening.
HART
Indulge me for one second. Let me recreate for you Elizabeth.
EDDIE
Enough! Did you screw her or not?
HART
Show some class, Eddie. Knuckles, may I speak with you?
MORTY RIFKIN
Sure, yeah. So, did you screw her or not?