1st Mystery Ball CLOSED Jan/03

Prince Hamlet stands, resplendent in his golden costume, after being greeted at the door by Queen Fuzzy, the gracious hostess. He surveys the gathered guests. Just as he glances at his wrist at the non-existent wristwatch, it seems the court jester pays him a visit. Glancing up and giving the droll little woman his full attention, he listens to her rhyme. His face flattens into the patient porcelain of an inanimate doll as he listens to the timeworn joke. Yes, his name is Hamlet, whatever was his parents thinking? But, he is NOT the stage Hamlet, he is but himself, a modern man not prone to indecision. Just as he was about to engage the Jester in her little game, she skips off and he stares after her, his mouth slightly open in an unheard refute. His face returns to polite scrutiny and he returns to watching the antics of the other guests.

There is the typical flirtations; what could have Samatha been thinking of when she sent him to this ball without her? With effort, he keeps his arm by his side and does not repeat the effort of checking his watch that is not there. He breaks out of his little “corner” of the room to greet everyone. It is barely a “Hello, there,” “Nice evening, sir,” and “It is sure to be a wonderful ball, ma’am.” This go round, he doesn’t take the time to actually engage in conversation, or to exchange names. There is always time to do that. He stops for a moment to observe the Minstrel with his silly song. It was then that he was interrupted by the arrival of one of the servants with a note.

Reading the note, Prince Hamlet’s mask cracks as anger floods his face. The note is crumbled into a tight wad and given back to the servant to dispose of. His hand remains in a tight fist even as he reaches for his sword – for a sword that is also not there. Though his costumer insisted upon authenticity, his dear wife didn’t think he should be wearing real steel to a peaceful ball. As his muscles tease under his elaborate costume, he returns to an even sharper scrutiny of his fellow guests and surroundings. Is he hearing that others may also have received a note of their own? His questions end as one of the ladies sinks to the floor. Ever the gentleman, he rushes over to see if he can help.

What kind of fellow guests does he have? Prince Hamlet gives the Minstrel a double take as that silly fellow plays taps. Another gentleman merely covers the Lady up with his cloak. Hasn’t anyone ever heard of a doctor? Prince Hamlet kneels for the moment beside the poor woman and uncovers her face long enough to check for a pulse. Feeling none, he says to no one in particular, “Someone, get a doctor.” When FM - 1 Writer to rule them all approaches and picks up the woman, he reluctantly moves aside. Standing, he follows this animated suit of armor with the not so animated woman in its arms.