The Perfect Year

[NORMA, sung] Ring out the old, ring in the new A midnight wish to share with you Your lips are warm, my heart is light Were we alive before tonight? I don't need a crowded ballroom Everything I want is here If you're with me Next year will be The perfect year [JOE, sung] Before we play Some dangerous game Before we fan Some harmless flame We have to ask If this is wise And if the game Is worth the prize With this wine and this music How can anything be clear? Let's wait and see It may just be The perfect year (NORMA and JOE do silly dances together.) [NORMA, sung] It's New Year's Eve And hopes are high Dance one year in Kiss one goodbye Another chance, another start So many dreams to tease the heart We don't need a crowded ballroom Everything we want is here And face to face We will embrace The perfect year [JOE, spoken] What time are they supposed to get here? [NORMA, spoken] Who? [JOE, spoken] The other guests [NORMA, spoken] There... are no other guests. (giggles) Just you and me. I'm in love with you. (beat) Surely, you know that? [JOE, spoken] Norma... [NORMA, spoken] We'll have a wonderful time next year! I could have the pool filled for you... I could open up my house in Malibu, you could have the whole ocean I have enough money to get us anything we want— [JOE, spoken] —Cut out that 'us' business! [NORMA, spoken] What's the matter with you? [JOE, spoken] What right do you have to take me for granted? [NORMA, spoken] What right? Oh, you want me to tell you? [JOE, spoken] Norma. What I'm trying to say is... that I'm the wrong guy for you. You need a big shot. Someone with... polo ponies. A Valentino [NORMA, spoken] What you're trying to say is that you don't want me to love you. Say it. Say it! (NORMA knees JOE in the groin. JOE howls.) [JOE, sung] I had to get out I needed to be with people My own age To hear the sound of laughter And mix with hungry actors Under-employed composers Nicotine-poisoned writers Real people, real problems Having a really good time