MUSIC AND LYRICS BY JOSEPH ARAGON c 2024 All rights reserved
ABOUT THE COMPOSER
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Joseph Aragon. I am an American writer and composer.
THE PARIS AIRMAN is a World War Two musical I have just completed. It is an entirely original work primarily set in Paris. There are two acts with an approximate running time of two hours.
The war, like an epic Shakespearean play, evinced powerful notions of honor, sacrifice, good and evil, and in the process revealed the capacity of love to overcome forces of darkness and near-insurmountable odds.
In today's contentious times, THE PARIS AIRMAN shows the possibility of healing in a world consumed by anger, division and chaos. It is a story of love, loss, and triumph that I believe will resonate with audiences.
THE STORY
THE PARIS AIRMAN A MUSICAL IN TWO ACTS
It is 1939. DANIEL is a young American from a farming family in Kansas. MANON is the daughter of a wealthy and devout Jewish family in Paris. DANIEL and MANON fall in love in Paris as World War Two approaches. Soon, DANIEL and MANON are torn apart by family disapproval and the bloody conflict that descends on Europe and the world, enveloping DANIEL and MANON in great tragedy.
Little do DANIEL and MANON know when they first meet, how profoundly their innocent lives will be transformed and ravaged by the terror of the German Occupation, MANON'S chilling life in the French Resistance, DANIEL'S daily dance with death flying bombing missions over France - betrayal, and the looming nightmare of a German concentration camp.
As a work of fiction, THE PARIS AIRMAN does not attempt to give a sweeping historical account of the war, but rather to reveal that dramatic period through DANIEL and MANON'S own story.
CLICK ON EACH SONG BELOW TO PLAY
LYRICS AND SCENE DESCRIPTIONS ARE BELOW
OVERTURE
ACT ONE Scene One "THE WORLD IS CHANGING VERY FAST"
A family farm in Kansas - 1939 Morning
DANIEL'S rustic bedroom. Since childhood he has been fascinated by stories about Paris. First in his family to go to college, he will soon travel to France for the summer, a dream come true. Alone in his room he walks in reflection, his beloved books and magazines spilling out of bookcases. He senses his life is about to change forever. A musical motif is heard as DANIEL slowly surveys his childhood room. He steps to the large wooden shutters and flings them open. Glorious sunlight streams in. He begins to sing.
DANIEL sings "THE WORLD IS CHANGING VERY FAST"
The world is changing very fast I can't stay on a farm There is a place for me out there I can feel it in my bones
They tell me that I don't know much I'm just a farmer's son Who only knows to plant a field And pray the rains will come But every night I sow a dream I'm walking in Paree I say bonjour Monsieur Madame To people that I see
I don't know what they'll think of me I have no savoir faire I've been to Kansas City But it's really different there
I'll climb the Eiffel Tower And see the Seine I 'll have a croissant And a tasty cafe creme
The Paris metro train Goes underground The bistros hum with writers waiting to be found
I read the food in France Is simply fantastique I've never had an escargot So I hope I don't get sick!
I can't wait to see the city Of Napoleon and Voltaire Oh I know I must sound crazy And my mind is spinning rare
But I just can't wait to see What I find there !
ACT ONE Scene Two - Paris "A PARIS MORNING"
A street in Paris near Jardin Luxembourg - Summer 1939
DANIEL has arrived on the Left Bank. He is spellbound by the beauty of Paris, and a bit lost. By chance he meets MANON, a charming young woman who (as we learn later) is from a wealthy and cultured Jewish family, and CLARISSE, MANON'S childhood friend. They guide him to Jardin Luxembourg where MANON and CLARISSE show him around.
DANIIEL and MANON instantly like each other.
ACT ONE Scene Three "IF I WERE"
Jardin Luxembourg
DANIEL, MANON, and CLARISSE have a picnic on their third secret meeting at Jardin Luxembourg. DANIEL and MANON are falling ln love.
DANIEL & MANON sing "IF I WERE"
DANIEL
If I were a painter I'd brush a tableau of you in a garden all dappled with snow I'd imagine a Renoir or perhaps a Corot If a painter I only could be
MANON
If I were an archer, and my aim were true I'd send my heart soaring to be there with you And my quiver would tremble with kisses for you If an archer I only could be
DANIEL
If I could write music I'd fashion a song With chords and arpeggios in words that belong I would add allegretto and a tender adagio If a writer I only could be
MANON
If I were a Captain commanding my crew I'd sail seven oceans bring treasure to you I would face any danger, any dark angry sea If a Captain I only could be
TOGETHER
I would face any danger any dark angry sea If I knew you would be there with me
ACT ONE Scene Four MUSÉE JACQUEMART-ANDRÉ
CLARISSE tells MANON that BENJAMIN, MANON'S suitor, is becoming suspicious of their visits to Jardin Luxembourg. It is good they did not go there today. CLARISSE knows that MANON cares for DANIEL but says that BENJAMIN may propose marriage. MANON likes BENJAMIN but is not sure she would be happy with him. DANIEL arrives. CLARISSE leaves. DANIEL and MANON are standing in the middle of a resplendent wood-paneled room. There is a magnificent gold-framed floor-to-ceiling mirror at the end of the room. DANIEL professes his love to MANON in "MOMENT BY MOMENT."
DANIEL
Moment by moment, the moment has come To summon the courage to say I knew I loved you that day you appeared Your laughter the wind in your hair You smiled and I knew there could never be A vision more perfect for me Look in the mirror do you see what is there A portrait of you and of me Standing beside you your hand on my cheek The beat of my heart when you're near I pray that this moment will turn into A lifetime of moments with you A lifetime of moments with you
They kiss, but MANON pulls away. She is conflicted knowing her parents would be furious if they knew about the secret rendezvous with DANIEL.
ACT ONE Scene Four (continued) "LOOK AT ME"
DANIEL says he does not feel worthy of MANON and sings "LOOK AT ME."
MANON joins in the duet, telling DANIEL that she loves him. She invites DANIEL to a garden party at her parents' home.
DANIEL Look at me I'm just an ordinary man Unremarkable I have no claim to greatness They say a wandering soul A dreamer with no plan A farmer's only son who's far from home
But if dreamer I must be to think that I Could be standing here with you one day then I Will gladly take the chance And hope you share the dance and pray this magic moment never ends
MANON
Do you think a farmer's son is all I see Just a wandering soul who'd never interest me Then you don't know who I am And don't see what I can The only one I'll ever want by me
Take my hand and hold on tight We'll find our way I love you and I don't care What others say
DANIEL & MANON TOGETHER
If we dare to take a chance Dare to share the dance A dreamer's dream Will always light the way
ACT ONE Scene Five
The DE CAMONDO home - The Garden Party
MANON'S suitor, BENJAMIN, sees the way MANON endearingly looks at DANIEL and becomes instantly jealous. He decides to humiliate DANIEL. He tries, but fails spectacularly, as DANIEL demonstrates a quick mind, sharp wit and great charm. However, DE CAMONDO and MADAME DE CAMONDO also see that DANIEL is much more than just a simple invitee. It is obvious that MANON and DANIEL are in love. The DE CAMONDOS are shocked and angered by the discovery.
ACT ONE Scene Six - De Camondo Home
The de Camondos have discovered that Manon and Daniel are in love. The de Camondos do not approve of this young American whom they do not really know. He could be an imposter who would bring disgrace to the family. Daniel is banished from the home and Manon is forbidden from ever seeing him again. She is heart broken but must see Daniel one last time.
ACT ONE Scene Seven
Jardin Luxembourg, nighttime -Medici Fountain
MANON and DANIEL meet late at night in Jardin Luxembourg, the place where they first fell in love. They know they can never see each other again. MANON softly sings a few bars of “MOMENT BY MOMENT” as she caresses DANIEL'S cheek. The moonlight fades into darkness as they fall into each other’s arms. Time passes. We see MANON running away at daybreak. Broken-hearted, DANIEL will return to America.
DANIEL sings "I ONCE WAS LOVED"
DANIEL
I know that I Must leave her now And take a path I cannot see
And if I fail To find my way To be the man She saw in me
I'll always hold This treasured memory I once was loved I once was there
And snow will fall And winter come And tears appear Like gentle rain
But I believe Someone did hear my prayer I once was loved I once was there
And even as I make my way I hear her voice Her breath is near
I feel her kiss The softness of her hair I once was loved I once was thereNew Title
ACT ONE Scene Eight "AS LONG AS BREATH IS MINE"
The DE CAMONDO home – Interior. It is 1939
Leaving a hat shop, MANON witnesses a Jew in a skull cap being beaten by a mob and is terrified. She runs home, weeping uncontrollably.
Her father tries to console her as he sings “As Long as Breath is Mine” As he finishes and embraces MANON, a huge rock smashes a tall window of the home. SELIM picks up the rock and we see the word “JUDEN” written in red paint.
DE CAMONDO sings "AS LONG AS BREATH IS MINE"
You are young and frightened By a hatred hard to understand It's a sad sad story that I know So well
There are those who want to harm us Just because of who we are
When you feel the darkness closing round Just reach out take my hand I will never let them hurt you child As long as breath is mine
We are traveling a journey That began with Abraham And our faith will guide us As we make our way
Never doubt your courage They can't break you You are not alone I will be there to protect you As long as breath is mine
On the morning you were born And I held you the first time
Joy-ful joy-ful tears And prayers that
I would always be a father Worthy of that sacred moment Teaching you to reach for life To find the love and good in others
Calumny Cannot defeat the power Of a father's love I am here with you As long as breath As long as breath is mine
ACT ONE Scene Nine 2 months later
The DE CAMONDO home – January, 1940.
MANON'S room. MADAME DE CAMONDO reads a note left by MANON. MANON says she is going away. They must not worry about her. She will return one day. The DE CAMONDOS are shocked and terrified. SELIM DE CAMONDO will contact the Prefecture to help find MANON.
ACT ONE Scene Ten - De Camondo Home
The DE CAMONDO home July, 1940
Germany has invaded France. Manon has been missing for seven months. MADAME DE CAMONDO is beside herself with fear and depression. Suddenly, a voice in the entryway. The DE CAMONDOS believe it is MANON returning. But it is CLARISSE, who tells them that MANON is safe but will not return. War has come to France and she and MANON will not stand by.
ACT ONE Scene Eleven - 1941 farm house
The AUSTEN family farmhouse – December 7, 1941
DANIEL and his parents hear about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. DANIEL announces his decision to sign up the next day. He wants to become an airman, a pilot. His parents are emotional and fearful. They try to dissuade him.
ACT ONE Scene Twelve - 1942
The DE CAMONDO home – July 16, 1942
BENJAMIN pounds on the door of the DE CAMONDO home. He is terrified, out of breath. He tells DE CAMONDO that French gendarmes are arresting Jews. He saw a gendarme shoot and kill one of them as the man tried to run away. BENJAMIN is trembling with horror at what he has witnessed. MADAME DE CAMONDO brings him a glass of water that slips from his hand and shatters. Suddenly an SS OFFICER named KURTZ, accompanied by a contingent of heavily armed soldiers, arrives to inform SELIM DE CAMONDO that the home is to be immediately seized under the Aryanisation laws. SELIM protests that he had been assured that his property would be respected. KURTZ shows him a document signed by a French official SELIM once considered a friend. The family is given one hour to leave. MANON's’ suitor, BENJAMIN, rushes from the house to demand that KURTZ apologize and leave. KURTZ commends BENJAMIN on his gallantry then shoots him point blank as SELIM looks on in utter horror. The family must flee Paris.
ENTRACTE
ACT TWO Scene One "NOW I FIGHT FOR FRANCE AND FREEDOM"
OMINOUS MUSIC It is 1944. Dark stage and sound effects of a plane in an air battle.
We hear DANIEL'S voice telling his crew they won’t make the Channel. They must jump. Then an explosion and complete darkness.
Lights come up. Basement of a farmhouse in northern France. 1944
"NOW I FIGHT FOR FRANCE AND FREEDOM"
DANIEL has been saved by members of the French Resistance. He is badly wounded. One of his crew is dead, the others are being hidden by the Resistance. Two of the Resistance members, PAUL and MARIE sing and tell their stories of joining the Resistance. Others present all join in for a powerful choral ensemble.
PAUL & MARIE sing "NOW I FIGHT FOR FRANCE AND FREEDOM"
PAUL
I was just a simple baker's son Up at three to make baguettes Waiting for the bread to rise Waiting for the morning sun
Looking forward to madame each day I can see it in her eyes Eager for the first delicious bite Of my buttery croissants
And later in the sunny afternoon I'd walk the Champs Élysées with friends Have a glass of wine smoke a cigarette Flirt with all the girls going by
Fall turned to winter Spring and summers came with ease We were all innocent It seemed those days would never end
Then the fire the steel and thunder Rained down on our heads Mothers, father, sisters, brothers Dying, oh mon Dieu what's happening
Now I fight for France and freedom Look around and you will see Not a soul will cower from the enemy Not a drop of blood will be spared
'Til we win the fight See the morning light Til the day that France is free
ACT TWO Scene One - continued "NOW I FIGHT FOR FRANCE AND FREEDOM"
MARIE
I became a teacher of the young Children were a joy for me Watching as they learned to read and count Wondering who they'd become
And then a sound on the horizon Our village all rushed out to see Men with hollow eyes and a face of hate Coming to bring misery
Soldiers shouting orders In a language that was strange Children taken from my schoolroom Put in trucks and disappearing
Now I fight for France and freedom Classrooms are a memory Now I plant a bomb For a passing train I defy death's call every day
I rejoice each time that a monster dies And I will avenge Every child who died Every soul who fell Every dream they took That day
...INSTRUMENTAL BRIDGE...
ENSEMBLE...ALL THE RESISTANCE FIGHTERS COME FORWARD AND SING. TWO OF THEM SUPPORT DANIEL AS HE TOO, JOINS IN...
Now we fight for France and freedom Look around and you will see Not a soul will cower from the enemy Not a drop of blood will be spared Till we win the fight See the morning light Of the day that France is free
ACT TWO Scene Two
1944 A Small Paris Apartment stage left with drawn curtains and a dim lightbulb.
The apartment takes up only a small part of stage left, with the rest of the stage in darkness. MANON, CLARISSE, and a man named JEAN are members of the French Resistance. They discuss how first JEAN, and then MANON will go that morning to collect two groups of Allied airmen arriving incognito at GARE DU NORD. Shot down over France they will be secretly smuggled by the Resistance to England. The mission is fraught with danger. GESTAPO are everywhere and MANON has already been there too often. CLARISSE volunteers to go in MANON'S place, but MANON resists the idea, reminding CLARISSE that she has gotten careless and nearly compromised their last operation. CLARISSE seems resentful.
ACT TWO Scene Two - continued
The small Paris apartment disappears and the main stage lights up to become the GARE DU NORD.
As MANON makes her way to track 13 in the busy station a voice shouts, “HALT!” A German soldier approaches at a fast pace behind her. His automatic weapon at the ready. MANON continues walking calmly. She must pretend the order is not intended for her. "HALT OR I SHOOT!" MANON Is suddenly hot and loosens her scarf. In a flash, a man rushes past her, a large yellow star on his coat lapel, eyes wide with fear. The German soldier raises his weapon and fires off an ear-splitting burst. The man who was running screams, and falls only a few feet in front of MANON. A GESTAPO officer approaches at a quick pace. MANON briefly looks at the fallen man and begins to walk on. “FRAULEIN! ...MADEMOISELLE!.. ATTENDEZ!” In an instant the GESTAPO officer is beside her. She is terrified but maintains her composure. "Oui?" she says...
ACT TWO Scene Three "ON MY OWN"
Parc des Buttes Chaumont - Paris 1944
MANON's beloved childhood friend, CLARISSE, has betrayed MANON and the network of French Resistance fighters. The GESTAPO will now arrest and torture MANON, her comrades, even the airmen. MANON is devastated by the betrayal. CLARISSE must be killed. JEAN offers to do the deed but MANON insists it must be she who does it. Though in great anguish, MANON must kill CLARISSE.
MANON sings "ON MY OWN" I must do this on my own I won't let someone take my place If this is what I'm called to do today
I know I'll have to close my heart Forget the past and look away And say today I did this on my own
There's a time for tenderness A time for trust and innocence A time when love is all that Someone sees
But there are greater things that call And hearts must steel to face them all And say today I did this on my own
And no one else will ever see The tears I'll shed What used to be The fairy tales We children played No thought of fear No place for hate
There will come a day I know When poisoned words no longer rule When hearts can soar and dreamers Show the way
And if that day I do not see I'll face the fate life brings to me And say today I did this on my own
On my own On my own Own on my own On my own
And say today I did this on my own
ACT TWO Scene Three - continued
Dark stage with silhouettes of MANONand CLARISSE
A very short scene, with MANON demanding “Why, CLARISSE?” CLARISSE confesses it was out of love for the German officer, KURTZ, she had been seeing secretly. Still in silhouette, MANON fires the gun, and CLARISSE falls dead. MANON stands, head bowed, the gun hanging from her hand.
ACT TWO Scene Four "MORNING"
LONDON, at a hospital. 1945.
The war is nearing an end. DANIEL has been successfully smuggled back to England by the Resistance. Recovering from his wounds, DANIEL desperately seeks information as to MANON'S fate. He speaks with several refugee groups. He is told that MANON'S parents were deported to concentration camps and murdered. They say MANON too, was deported and likely perished. DANIEL is distraught but refuses to believe MANON is gone forever. He sings “MORNING.” The song becomes a duet, with MANON, answering him, stage left from the shadows. One can dimly make out her clothing - the garb of a concentration camp.
DANIEL and MANON sing "MORNING"
DANIEL
Morning is coming And bird song is saying The night cannot Hold back the day
I hear your voice in the whisper of daybreak It tells me that you're Not afraid
MANON
No jailer no hatred No fear can defeat me The darkness will one day Give way
Wherever you are I'm there with you Forever Forever with you
DANIEL
I know that I must be Strong and not listen The voices of doubt Fill the air I won't accept that I never will see you
How little they know me If they think I would cower For ...
DANIEL and MANON together
I will not falter I will not abandon I will continue Until the day that I Can be
With you
ACT TWO Scene Five
DANIEL'S Bedroom – The AUSTEN family farmhouse 1945
DANIEL has returned to America and his home. The war has ended. One day he receives a letter from JEAN, the Resistance fighter who met him at GARE DU NORD and helped him escape back to England. JEAN survived the war. He writes that near the end of the war, MANON was arrested by the Gestapo, tortured and deported to a concentration camp where she was murdered. DANIEL is inconsolable. Until now he had refused to accept that MANON was dead. He falls into deep despair. We see him in his room, head buried in his hands. He tells his parents he must return to Paris. It is the only place that will give him solace and peace.
He begins to reprise "I Once Was Loved," but breaks down in sobs, unable to continue.
I know that I Must leave her now And take a path I cannot see
And if I fail To find my way To be the man She saw in me
I'll always hold This treasured memory I once was loved I once was there
And snow will fall And winter come And tears appear Like gentle rain...
ACT TWO Scene Six "LOOK AT ME"
PARIS - Fall 1946
DANIEL has been living in PARIS for almost a year. He often visits Jardin Luxembourg where he and MANON fell in love. DANIEL now dresses like a Frenchman, beret, scarf, heavy jacket, boots, a medal pinned on his lapel. He is known by the locals and greets them affably.
On this morning, while walking the gardens he hears a woman's voice. She is calling out to a child, "Daniel, viens. Daniel, come." It is eerily familiar.
It is MANON! MANON turns and sees our DANIEL. At first stunned, they rush to embrace, joyous. But then MANON pulls away from DANIEL. Here we learn that the child is DANIEL'S, the issue of their last night in Jardin Luxembourg. DANIEL is confused. He doesn't understand why she did not seek him out. MANON survived the horror of the camps but is emotionally, and physically damaged. She did not believe DANIEL could ever love her again.
MANON & DANIEL SING "LOOK AT ME."
MANON
Look at me I'm not the one I used to be Just a stranger you might pass Without a glance
They say a smile grown cold A woman losing hold A shadow of a life That used to be
DANIEL
If you think A smile grown cold Is all I see Just a stranger who would never Interest me
Then you don't know Who I am And don't see what I can The only one I'll ever want By me
TOGETHER
Take my hand and hold on tight We'll find our way I love you and I don't care What others say If we dare to take a chance Dare to share the dance The dream we dream will always Light the way
(See stage note)
STAGE NOTE
As the final scene ends and DANIEL and MANON finish singing "Look at Me," all the members of the cast appear, step forward hand in hand, and with a thundering orchestral finish, rousingly sing the following lines with DANIEL and MANON.
Take my hand and hold on tight We'll find our way I love you and I don't care What others say If we dare to take a chance Dare to share the dance The dream we dream will always Light the way