Summary
Act 1
The curtain rises on Rocket to the Moon with a heated exchange between Ben Stark and his wife, Belle. Stark is eager to elevate his dental practice by relocating to a wealthier neighborhood and focusing on orthodontics. His father-in-law, an ex-businessman, has generously offered to bankroll this transition. Yet, Belle—bearing deep resentment towards her father—urges Stark to decline. While Belle masks her insistence as practicality, Stark feels shackled by her desire to stifle his ambitions. Reluctantly, Stark acquiesces to Belle's wishes, deciding against the move.
As the tension simmers, Dr. Cooper, Stark's associate, appears to quench his thirst at the water cooler, unwittingly reminding Belle of his overdue rent. Cooper has been lagging behind for four months, and Belle perceives Stark's leniency as a flaw, chastising him for his inaction. Her mood darkens further as she recalls the tragic anniversary of their son’s death during childbirth. Into this fraught atmosphere steps Cleo, Stark's secretary, who is immediately reprimanded by Stark for an extended lunch, in a bid to appease Belle. When Dr. Cooper reemerges, Belle confronts him about his arrears and accuses him of inebriation. Cooper, burdened with his son's medical expenses from a broken arm, faces Belle's softened gaze as she grants him another month's reprieve.
Upon Belle's exit, her father, Prince, strides in. His eyes fall upon Cleo, sparking a lively dialogue where Cleo unabashedly shares her dislike for Belle. Prince, with a twinkle in his eye, attempts to charm Cleo, revealing himself as a man of vigor, wit, and intellect. Stark reenters silently, observing the interaction until Prince acknowledges him. Stark declares his refusal of Prince’s financial support, attributing his decision to Belle’s influence. A lengthy discourse ensues, centered on the trials of married life. Prince reflects nostalgically on his own, lamenting lost opportunities, and provocatively suggests Stark consider a dalliance with Cleo. Stark dismisses Prince’s suggestion with laughter, but the humor gives way to a somber mood as Prince departs.
Lost in thought over his father-in-law's advice, Stark is joined by Frenchy. Their conversation dovetails into Stark’s introspection about his slumbering marriage. Bachelor Frenchy, perplexed by Stark’s plight, finds relief in Dr. Cooper’s arrival. Cooper shares that Belle has already approached him regarding his debts. Stark reassures Cooper of his continued tenancy, defying Belle's desires. As the conversation ebbs, Cleo returns and Cooper exits, leaving Stark and Cleo alone. Stark, stirred by Prince’s words, begins to see Cleo anew.
Act 2, Scene 1
A month has passed since the curtain fell on Act 1. The scene opens with Stark, reflecting on his past through the pages of Shakespeare. Cleo tends to him with attentive care, offering water and matches for his pipe. Frenchy, present in the room, makes suggestive remarks about how the heat influences romantic inclinations. Offended, Cleo spars with Frenchy, with Stark an observant bystander. Once Frenchy departs, Cleo and Stark delve into a candid discussion about his marriage to Belle. Cleo, whose affluent background negates her need for employment, questions Belle's treatment of Stark. Their conversation shifts to Willy Wax, a choreographer and patient Cleo desires to meet. Their exchange is cut short by a call from Belle and the tardy arrival of Prince for his dental appointment. With a mischievous air, Prince inquires about an alleged affair between Stark and Cleo. Denying such a liaison, Cleo is then asked out by Prince. Stark, bristling with jealousy, accuses Cleo of deceit regarding her friends and family. Cleo confesses her fabrications, professing her love for Stark. No sooner does she reveal her feelings than Cooper interrupts, distraught and desperate, declaring his intention...
(This entire section contains 1069 words.)
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to sell his blood to repay Stark. The scene concludes with Cleo’s heartfelt admission of love, leading to a passionate embrace.
Act 2, Scene 2
Scene 2 bursts into life with a heated exchange between Cleo and Stark, ignited by Cleo’s choice to accept Willy Wax’s lunch invitation. As their voices rise, the phone rings—a call from Prince, who hopes to win Cleo over for a date, only to face her refusal. Enter Frenchy, cautioning Cleo against trifling with Stark’s feelings. Resolute, Cleo departs for her luncheon with Wax, leaving Stark simmering over the clandestine nature of their relationship. Cleo longs for a love that can be paraded openly, while Stark insists on secrecy.
Amidst Cleo’s absence, Belle storms in, demanding Stark dismiss Cleo and employ her instead. Stark’s refusal stirs Belle’s wrath, leading her to accuse him of entangling with Cleo. In a melodramatic twist, she barricades herself within his dental office. As Stark strives to coax her out, Cooper arrives, brandishing a thirty-dollar check earned through the sale of his own blood. Disillusioned, Belle departs, branding Stark as an actor. Cooper, too, makes his exit shortly after. Cleo returns, accompanied by Wax, who remarks on Cleo’s apparent affection for Stark. The scene concludes with Cleo and Stark enveloped in a fervent embrace.
Act 3
The curtain rises on Act 3 to find Belle and Stark locked in a bitter clash over their marriage. Belle lays bare her suspicions of Stark’s affair with Cleo, prompting Stark to confess his unfaithfulness. Belle seeks reassurance that Cleo was merely a convenience, challenging Stark to reaffirm his commitment to their marriage, promising to mend her ways in return. Stark finds himself torn between his two worlds.
Faced with Belle’s ultimatum, she declares her intent to leave. As Belle exits, Frenchy enters the fray, offering Stark counsel on matters of the heart and matrimony. Their discourse is abruptly halted by Prince’s entrance, who boldly announces his intention to propose to Cleo. A tempestuous argument erupts between the two men, fueled by jealousy and rivalry.
Cleo’s return shifts the scene. She and Stark engage in a heartfelt dialogue, affirming their love amidst the tumult. Stark beseeches Cleo’s understanding and patience. Yet, at this moment, Prince proposes to Cleo, promising her stability and security. Stark, confronted with his inability to fulfill Cleo’s needs, ends their affair.
Cleo, with newfound wisdom, rejects Prince’s offer, proclaiming her maturity gained through her time with Stark. She is ready to face the world alone. After Cleo’s departure, Stark and Prince find common ground, with Stark acknowledging a fresh outlook on life. Prince departs, urging Stark to return to Belle. The act draws to a close with Stark’s poignant exit.
