Packy Run

sung to the tune of "Sleigh Ride"

Just hear those bottles clinking
The empties are tinkling, too
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a packy run together with you

Outside our friends are calling
And you'll be falling real soon
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a packy run together with you

Hurry up, hurry up
Hurry up, let's rush
We want to be a lush
We want to turn our minds into mush

Hurry up, hurry up
Hurry up, it's grand
Vodka in your hand
We're chugging along with a song in a liquor wonderland

Let's drink a rum and coke
And take a smoke or two
We'll snuggle up together
And chug a couple of brews

I'll mix a gin and tonic
That'll feel like a sonic boom
We'll stash the stuff away
When the R.A. knocks on our room!

There's a big keg party
At the house of 94
When they run out of suds
You know they'll go and get some more

We'll be singing those drinking songs we sing
'Til we're all sh*t-faced
And in the corner they're having a chugging race
Chug! Chug! Chug!

Thank God we have some friends
Who are old enough to buy
Otherwise this campus
Would go very dry

As the party goes on, we'll get so drunk
We will want to scoop
Oh, what the hell; it's better in a group!
Scoop! Scoop! Scoop!

Drink up, drink up
Drink up, that wine
Tasted so fine
But now I cannot walk a straight line

Drink up, drink up
Drink up, no way
Tomorrow's a school day
Oh, what the hell; we know damn well we'll skip classes anyway!

Just hear those bottles clinking
The empties are tinkling too
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a packy run together with you

Outside our friends are calling
And you'll be falling real soon
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a packy run together with you!


Original Lyrics by Mitchell Parish
Original Music by Leroy Anderson
New Lyrics by J.Dionne, S.Forrest, S.Pikora
Copyright 1948, 1950, 1987 Mitchell Parish, Leroy Anderson,
Dionne/Forrest/Pikora

Please Don't Cry

Please don't cry
Your tears are not meant to be here
But you are
No matter what they tell you

You were born
You are meant to live a lifetime
Live and don't exist
You are not a mistake

We all love you
And we're always here for you
I can't promise you much
But I can promise you this

Please don't cry
You are meant to live a lifetime
I can't promise you much
But I promise that we love you.


Copyright 1988 Scott C. Forrest

The Way They Were Planned

He sits by the window
A drink in his hand
Things did not turn out
The way they were planned

He looks out the pane
A tear in his eye
He just can’t wait
To break down and cry

It’s out of control
It happened so fast
Smiles and laughter
Are things of the past

Solutions and reasons
Sink into the sand
Things just don’t turn out
The way they were planned.


Copyright 1990 Scott C. Forrest

Empty Playgrounds

Empty playgrounds filled with empty laughter
Slides that should know smiles
Swings that should know grins

Nobody merry on the turntable of sadness
Grass that knows no gladness
Dirt that knows no dances

Clouds of gray envelope the area
Rain that supplies the tears
Wind that supplies the sobs

Protective tape keeping us away
See-saws that understand sadness
Children that understand loneliness.


Copyright 2009 Scott C. Forrest-Allen

Does Your Brain Still Play Tricks On Your Body?

Music & Lyrics - Jessie Brownstein, Michael Bullister, Scott C. Forrest-Allen
Additional Lyrics - Aviv Rubinstien


My eyes won't smell the roses anymore
My elbows bend the other way
My toes won't taste the grass they're clutching to
My spine's been shrinking everyday

Does your brain still play tricks on your body?
Like the day that you told me you still loved me
Is your life as downside-up as mine?
We tread the poles, but our planets aren't aligned

I feel like a stranger when I walk through my front door
I sleep with all the damn lights on
I smoke my coffee, and I chug down cigarettes
Because this ring on my finger is wrong

Does your brain still play tricks on your body?
Like the day that you told me you still loved me
Is your life as downside-up as mine?
We tread the poles, but our planets aren't aligned.


Copyright 2015 Jessie Brownstein, Michael Bullister,
Scott C. Forrest-Allen, Aviv Rubinstien

Lead Vocals - Jessie Brownstein
Acoustic Guitar - Michael Bullister
Vocals - Michael Bullister, Scott C. Forrest-Allen

Raccoons

Raccoons
I love raccoons
They’re so adorable

Raccoons
I love raccoons
They’re so wonderful

Raccoons seem sweet
Raccoons look cute
But they’re not very nice
Because they can tear the shingles right off your house

Raccoons
I love raccoons
They’re so mischievous

Raccoons
I love raccoons
They’re so devious

Raccoons are smart
Raccoons are clean
And they play through the night
As they tip over garbage cans in front of your house

Raccoons
I love raccoons

Raccoons
I love raccoons

Raccoons
Raccoons
Raccoons


Copyright 1973 Scott C. Forrest-Allen

I Will Be Here

The sun rises over the horizon
It has set there so many times before
But never the same place twice
And never the same colour
The horizon stretches so far
The miles are too overwhelming
I will share them with you.

I will never quite understand you
There is so much to know
We do not know why
And we will not care why
If you ever want to be
If you ever wish to fly free
I will be here

If you wish to talk, I will be here
I will be right here waiting
I would like you to tell me
I want to know what you are thinking
I want to know how you are feeling

Tell me everything, please
Tell me everything that is going on in your life
Your life is very interesting and complicated
I would like to know that is going on right now
I want to know what is is your mind

Will you talk to me?
Will you tell me so I will know?
I am interested and fascinated
I do not understand the reasons or have the answers
All I know is that I care

The time has taken so long
What has taken you so long?
Now you are here
And I am beside you
And I want to know

You think I do not identify
But honestly I do
I would like you to realize
I would like you to remember
That if ever you need a talk
That if ever you need a hug
I will be here

I know you have been through too much
But I have been there too
Believe me
I wish for you to believe me
If ever you want to cry
If ever you want to laugh
I will be here.


Copyright 1987 Scott C. Forrest

This Is The Life

See the man and woman sitting at the breakfast table
Yes, but this is the life
Her afternoon activity is living through the T.V.
His only friend is his wife

They’re talking about the kitchen sink
For the past two days it continues to clog
They’re complaining about the neighbors
And their loud, over-sized dog

Yes, but this is the life
For some this is how it will be
Yes, but this is the life
But not the life for me

See the eccentric millionaire being driven to his secluded mansion
He thinks he has all a man could own
He doesn't have neighbors with whom he can talk
And is too scared to pick up the phone

Overlook the yard that overlooks the mountains
Yes, but this is the life
Where is the mail person? Where is the paperboy?
Where is the loving husband or wife?

Yes, but this is the life
For some this is how it will be
Yes, but this is the life
But not the life for me

See the loving couple living in their apartment
Talking about buying a used car
Tonight they’re going out again in a great big group of ten
Yes, but how lucky they are.


Copyright 1983 Scott C. Forrest

I Welcome The Rain

I welcome the rain
The icy, miserable drizzle is comforting
I relish the smoky, somber, ominous overcast
The eerie atmosphere is enlightening

The ground is instantly drenched
The evil wind bites along its path
The dark envelops the area
The leaves rustle violently

But I welcome the rain
It seems to understand at times
The emotions are equal and relaxing
And all is dark

But now the sun comes out
And, yes, it is behind the clouds again
The clouds that conceal another emotion
That I wall welcome at another time.


Copyright 1987 Scott C. Forrest

Ready Or Not

This is it
Ready or not
She says, “It’s now or never”
He says, “Whenever”
She looks at his eyes and asks why
He looks at her and knows how to try
But when it happens
It happens so fast
Will it last?
Will it pass?
What was she saying?
What was she doing?
What does he know?
What does he care?

She has done it
Ready or not
“I did the right thing,” she says
We say…we have no say
She has no regrets
We have all made our bets
It happened
It happened so fast
Will it last?
Will it pass?
We don’t know what she was thinking
We don’t know what she is saying
Does she know our thoughts?
Does she know our words?

“Ready or not”
It’s all we hear
It’s not clear
It’s not dear
But when it happens, you know it
But when it has been, do you remember?
She is clear
She is dear
It’s not what she chose
And what we say means nothing
What she says is when no one listens
Even though all eyes glisten
Do we remember?
Do we want to?
Do you read?
Or just look?
Do you hear?
Or just listen?
Ready or not
It’s time
When will you…will you start?
When will we…will we follow?
Just remember what she did
Remember
Everything we do is for a reason
What about what I think?
I think about it all
Do you?

“Ready or not”
It’s all we hear
It’s not clear
It’s not dear
But when it happens, you know it
But when it has been, do you remember?
Not clear
Not dear
It’s not what I chose
And what you say means nothing
What you say is when no one listens
Even though all eyes glisten
Do you remember it?
Do you want it?

Ready or not
Are you?
Ready or not
Do you want to?
Everything is for a reason
Everything is
Listening
Hearing
Reading
Looking
The time is
The time is now
It is always now
Ready or not.


Copyright 1986 Scott C. Forrest

Someday

Someday, it will make sense
Someday, you will understand why
Someday, it will be because
Someday

Until then, do not worry
Until then, do not think
Until then, wait
Until then

You know me
Please forgive me
Please understand me
You always have.


Copyright 1986 Scott C. Forrest

The Fighter

You make me feel so comfortable
I have found an answer
When all else is crumbling
I know where to be secure

All is confused and crazy
But so much brighter
You’ve shown me the way
You’ve made me the fighter

To be on the edge
But never fall
To be ready to drop
But stand so tall
I know you will help me
To make it through the night
I know You will help me
To learn how to fight

I’m so glad I’ve found You
It’s taken so long
I’ve had my doubts
My decision can’t be wrong

Life’s so much clearer now
As the bond grows tighter
You’ve taught me to love and trust again
You’ve taught me to be the fighter

To be on the edge
But never fall
To be ready to drop
But stand so tall
I know You will help me
To make it through the night
I know not to worry
I’ll live to fight.


Copyright 1987 Scott C. Forrest

The Journey

I have ridden many horses
Straddled to my faith
And ambled through the winding
Fields before my grace

With verbal reinforcements
Pacing near them all
Traveling to their sources
Miraculously I didn’t fall

I can’t believe what is happening to be
And I won’t settle for probability

I wander to the corners
And anonymously write
Pensive contributions
Bless me every night

I’ve journeyed through the mountains
Searching for me there
All I have discovered
Is where I‘m going near

The salt has gone to the bottom of the sea
The waves will return us to reality.


Copyright 1988 Scott C. Forrest

The Record

And the record spins around on the table
The needle releases the sound of each fable
Every scratch and pop are meaningful to me
As I dance in the arms of society

The waltz, the fox trot, the tango, the jitterbug
I dream and I dance away all my bitter luck
The men and the women are as beautiful as able
As long as the record spins around on the table

He is tall
He is strong
He is handsome
He is mine

I am short
I am fair
I am graceful
I am shy

And we twirl, and we spin, and we go around the ball
With diamonds, with gold, and with crystal-mirrored walls
We dance, and we leap, and we laugh to the crescendo
Eventually it all comes to an end so

To the Victrolla I slowly return
And I shed a tear with each crank I turn
To be so happy I am unable
Unless the record spins around on the table.


Copyright 1998 Scott C. Forrest

The Candle

The candle is burning

The sweet aroma

I see his troubled eyes

Searching and seeking

Oh, there is so much mystery

I wish I understood

Strong, yet fragile

Peaceful, but threatening

The glimmering glow on the wall

Reflects shadows of troubled life

Dancing, yet teasing

Mystifying, but frightening

Oh, to be you

So many of us want

Without appreciating ourselves

If they knew, they would not

I see more

I sense more

Loved, but feared

Kind, yet dark

The gold in your hair resembles fire

Fire powerful and dangerous

All-knowing

He seems calm

Yes, pacific

But behind the face is the truth

The reality is scary

Shadows in the light

Right now, so tranquil

A time that should always be

But I know is not

So dark, but so bright

Dreaming of the tranquility that should be there

To love him

To envy him

Trying all the time too hard

And not succeeding

But now

Are we sure?

He needs us

Though he will not tell

Though we cannot tell

Oh, to understand him

Is a gift

Like his is to us, usually

Only the candle burns low

And nothing else

The aroma is now hidden

Like everything else

All the thoughts racing

To be collected

And stored

And sorted

Oh, to enjoy like before

Is a thrill

Like everything else

Sometimes

Confused

To feel this way

The pain

The swing goes back and forth

Reaching its zenith

It will return

Someday

Yes, the questions

But, the answers

To want is a sin

But, why not?

The illusion is what it is

Maybe it is all misunderstood

But, the envy

Yes, the envy, but wanting what we already have

There is no reason behind it

He is a stranger

It began

It then became

It is now

What it will be

Will and shall be controlled

To be worked out

For the better

To have no faults

Why are his decisions?

Two different people with two different lives

But with so much in common

He is himself, but…

To return to recent times

As the clock continues

And the sun rises

The promises come

The chances

The room is dark

It has been darker

When he retrieves it, he will know

Shades conceal the reality

Shades on the window

Shades on the face

Shades on the clock

The glass

The thoughts

The time

The answer

The time is

The time is now

It will

It will be

It will be better

It will be better soon

I hope

He hopes

Oh, yes

To be you

Oh, yes

To understand

Nothing is hidden

Nothing is not there

It has always been

It will always be

It has always been

It will always be

It will.


Copyright 1987 Scott C. Forrest

Let's Party!

We've been working and suffering
All through the week
Our insanity
Has just reached its peak

Hold out your glass
I’ll pour the beer
Everybody party
‘Cause the weekend is here!

Let’s party!
Everybody party!
I want to party!
Everybody party ‘til you just can’t party no more!

We’re gonna get to the action
We’ll get to it fast
We’re gonna tell everyone
To raise a glass!

By the strike of midnight
You’ll be craving for more
We’re just gonna party
‘Til we can’t find the door!

Let’s party!
Everybody party!
We want to party!
Everybody party ‘til you just can’t party no more!


Copyright 1983 Scott C. Forrest

Top Ten Productions of 2018!!

10. FUN HOME (SpeakEasy Stage Company) Director Paul Daigneault gives Fun Home the intimate treatment, and the results are as devastating as they are rewarding! Whether it is the symbolism of the books on the shelves or the metaphor of the rugs on the floor, every aspect of this outstanding production is top notch. The cast is stellar and the musicians are spot on. The topic is relevant, and the shifts are changing. The message is clear -- if something needs to be said, SAY IT! Don't wait for the light.

9. ALLEGIANCE (SpeakEasy Stage Company) Director Paul Daigneault is famous for finding the moments within the moments, and only he could take a difficult and unspoken moment in history and both deliver the story, and make it entertaining as well. The cast is faithful to the source material, the message is "never again," we hope.

8. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Arts After Hours) The fun part of visiting this acclaimed theatre group is the creativity that they offer their productions. Nick Raponi's turn as The Plant is truly spectacular. Director Samantha Gambaccini keeps the untraditional approach fresh and alive throughout. The rest of the cast is polished and professional, and we are open for business!

7. JEKYLL AND HYDE THE MUSICAL (North Shore Music Theatre) This production has raised the the bar yet again at one of our favorite theaters. Constantine Maroulis is nothing shy of astounding in the title role. From costumes to musical direction; from ensemble to the lighting, audiences are wowed by the high-level visual effects and performances. Great production all around!

6. NUTS (The Burlington Park Playhouse) Anchored by a stellar performance by KerryLynne Romoe, this magnificent production discusses everything we wish we could -- the judicial system, family relations (or lack thereof), a certain profession, and mental illness. All handled with sensitivity and realism, director Robert Hallisey takes us to the dark corners of the courtroom.

5. MOULIN ROUGE THE MUSICAL (Pre-Broadway run @ the
Emerson Colonial Theatre) The movie is brought to beautiful life and is everything we want it to be - big, bold, brave, and bombastic! Complete with the coolest costumes and choreography, it stars Tony Winner Karen Olivo, Tony Nominee Danny Burstein, and Broadway star Aaron Tveit, and your faith in Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love is restored!

4. MAMMA MIA! (North Shore Music Theatre) Director/Choreographer Kevin P. Hill brings this vibrant musical to exuberant life! The beaches of Greece have never been so much fun. The cast is lively and sexy with dancing of this caliber. rarely seen. The music of ABBA reminds us that, yes, you CAN have the time of your life!

3. THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONg (Broadway Across Boston) It takes an enormous amount of talent to sustain this level of physical humor and word play for over two hours, and this cast and crew deliver! Rather than relying on become a one-joke wonder, the murder mystery is still played out and the actors as actors triumphantly prove that the show must go on in spite of the goings-on. The well-deserved Tony-award winning set is also worth the price of admission. We laugh and smile for over two hours, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that!

2. AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (Providence Performing Arts Center) The classic movie receives the royal treatment of being revisited and reimagined, complete with breathtaking Tony-award winning Choreography from Christopher Wheeldon. The projections are utilized properly and with such creativity. We have the gorgeous score provided by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin set against the backdrop of Paris 1945. The ensemble's joy of living transfers into the audience. It really does not get more wonderful or marvelous than this.

1. HAMILTON (Broadway Across Boston) The talent of Lin-Manuel Miranda is one part inspiring and one part ridiculous. He has been able to simultaneously revisit and create history. It takes some talent to approach an epic tome about an historical figure and tell his story with such a contemporary and (yes) sexy approach! The choreography, singing, timing, and storytelling are all impeccable and on a brand new level. This show is a necessary reminder for us to look around, look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now! Wherever you are, you are in the greatest city in the world!

Top Ten Productions of 2019!!

10. THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME (Marblehead Little Theatre)
Anchored by the stellar performance of Miles Tardy, this tight-knit ensemble delivers the messages of awareness and acceptance. With sensitive and fluid direction by Steve Black, it is complete with the complex choreography and lighting design this is Act Two.

9. ONCE (SpeakEasy Stage Company)
While visiiting Dublin, audiences are treated to some of the most gorgeous music and harmonies while learning what it means to follow your Dreams. Guy discovers his passion within when he meets his Muse, but she provides him the confidence to pursue this passion on his own when the time is right.

8. THE LITTLE FOXES (Lyric Stage Company)
Scott Edmiston directs Lillian Hellman's acerbic examination of family dynamics with such perfection. His emphasis on letting the action flow forces the characters' disdain to bubble under until it eventually erupts and overflows.
Janie E. Howland raises the bar for Lyric when it comes to Scenic Design. That remarkable staircase becomes another significant character on the already star-studded stage.

7. SUNSET BOULEVARD (North Shore Music Theatre)
And speaking of sets! Kyle Dixon's elaborate staircase is the perfect complement to the top-notch talent it holds. We even get a car!
Nicholas Rodriguez is the perfect Joe to Tony-Winner Alice Ripley's Norma. She plays the troubled actress with such dignity and passion that we instantly fall in love with her with just one look.

6. THE WOLVES (Lyric Stage Company)
Sarah DeLappe's Pulitzer Prize Finalist gets it right. Rather than hearing dialogue that sounds contrived or the way kids might be talking, these characters are real! This is the way children of this age communicate, and their words are authentic.
Just as impressive as the text is the ensemble. Not only do they deliver the script with unapologetic reality, but they do this while performing some intricate soccer moves while never missing a word or step, thanks to A. Nora Long's impressive attention to detail. And Laura Latrelle's haunting entrance as Soccer Mom is one that will stay in our heads and hearts for a long, long time.

5. DEAR EVAN HANSON (Broadway In Boston)
Everything you have heard about this landmark Tony-Winning Best Musical is true. Instead of the projections taking over the story -- the projections are the story. They represent the claustrophobic climate in which we live -- sometimes feeling connected via social media reminds us of how lonely some of us are.
Everyone wishes to connect and reconnect, and nobody explains that better than Ben Levi Ross's heartbreaking portrayal of the main character. Sometimes it does not matter what side of the window we are on.

4. JERSEY BOYS (North Shore Music Theatre)
Director/Choreographer Kevin Hill's magnificent re-interpretation of this Tony-Winner might sound too good to be true on paper, but that doesn't stop the production & design teams at NSMT. The manipulation and coordination of the elaborate, intricate set establishes limitless opportunities in an otherwise intimate space while still remaining faithful to the original material.
None of this would matter, however, if it weren't for the indefatigable talents of the men portraying said Jersey Boys. Oh, what a night of wonderful theatre!

3. COME FROM AWAY (Broadway In Boston)
One of the many reasons why this show resonates with audiences and will continue to do so, is Christopher Ashely's Tony-winning Direction. Physically, the show is breathlessly non-stop. Metaphorically, it represents the fact that despite what is going on in life, we can't stop. We have to keep moving. When something needs to be done, do it. If someone needs help, help them. Think later.
The story of frightened, angry passengers stranded in unknown territory reminds us that there is still good in the world and that there is so much more to be done. Coupled with Book/Lyrics/Music by Irene Sankoff & David Hein, it is uplifting rather than morbid. It is more inspirational and less hopeless. This is Theatre at its finest of how stories and messages can be told and still be entertaining. Hopefully, this Rock will be here for a long, long time.

2. CHOIR BOY (SpeakEasy Stage Company)
This Tony Nominated script by Tarell Alvin McCraney receives the royal treatment! Director Maurice Emmanual Parent knows how to combine suburb acting & incredible writing with gorgeous harmonies & some awe-inspiring choreography by Yewande Odetoyinbo & Ruka White.
Isaiah Reynolds handles the lead role with incredible determination and wit. This is what storytelling is all about, and Speakeasy does it right again!

1. THE BAND'S VISIT (Providence Performing Arts Center)
When a band of musicians arrives in the wrong town at the right time, what follows is one of the most profound Musicals ever to hit the Broadway stage. David Yasbek's Tony and Grammy Winning Score is as haunting as it is beautiful. This show tells us how strangers can become friends because we have more in common with each other than we realize -- love, loss, loneliness, and longing. Sometimes it is easier to tell a distant stranger our most intimate fears. Since we are all traveling around in a circle, it is important to connect and stay connected. We don't want "I remember you when" to be replaced with "I haven't seen you since."
We are here for only a visit, so let's enjoy it


Thank you for another wonderful year of Theatre!
Sincerely, Scott/Broadway From The Balcony

Unbreakable Bond

You’re asking me
If it’s all worth it
Do the days we spend here
Really deserve it?

The times we hope
The times we pray
The times we go
The times we stay

The times we give
The times we take
The times we love
The times we hate

We remember yesterdays
And await tomorrows
We recall clouds
And see rainbows

The days we cried
The days we smiled
The days we were an adult
The days we were a child

The days we understood
The days we inquired
The days we disagreed
The days we admired

Only we understand us
We communicate in one special way
Nothing will change our emotions
We think of each other every day

The hours we save
The hours we spend
The hours we receive
The hours we lend

The hours we fight
The hours we love
The hours we are too much
The hours we are not enough

One unbreakable bond is all we see
The future is in the stars
Wishes and plans and dreams and goals
Are what we really are

The time we’ll talk
The time we’ll hear
The time we’ll be away
The time we’ll be near

The time that is
The time that will pass
The time that files
The time that will last.


Copyright 1985/2005 Scott C. Forrest

Wizard Strength & Tales Unborn

Innocence & fairy tales

Awesome Lords & thoughts prevail

Castle walls & Dragon’s gold

Wizard strength & tales untold

Dark nights with full moons

Lying o’er the lands

Different thoughts unconnected

Flowing from my hands

Knights on horses; Princesses fair

Kings & Queens & golden hair

Pegasus & Unicorn

Wizard strength & tales unborn

Strong winds; warm night

All across the sea

Shared by everyone

Is Peace & Serenity.

Copyright 1987 Scott C. Forrest