1. Opening Sequence Lights rise on TWO GHOSTS: a man and a woman, dressed in dapper, yet faded, 1920s-style evening wear. The Male Ghost strums a guitar. It’s gentle, haunting music. He looks out at the audience and he sings. SONG: Better to Be Dead MALE GHOST WE PRESENT TO YOU A STORY SET UPON A NORTHERN SHORE ABOUT LONELY LITTLE PEOPLE DURING TIMES OF WAR THE FOOLISH THINGS THEY DID THE FOOLISH THINGS THEY SAID I THINK THAT YOU’LL AGREE THEY’D ALL BE BETTER OFF DEAD As he continues to strum, the lights rise on a small boy, CHRISTOPHER, sitting alone in a chair in the middle of the stage. He holds a TOY PLANE in his hands. Presently, a DOCTOR enters. He looks at the boy for a long moment, then goes to him. Christopher?
DOCTOR The boy looks up at him but says nothing.
DOCTOR (CONT’D) Thank you for waiting so patiently. Is she better?
CHRISTOPHER Beat. The Doctor clears his throat. This won’t be easy to say.