PROGRAM 4 “ Two for the Road”

INTRODUCTIN TO ACT I
Today on TUNING IN THE U.S.A., we’re outside the Stewarts’ house. Grandpa Stewart is helping Richard to prepare his car for a long trip. It will be a working trip, a chance for Richard to take photographs for his book FAMILY ALBUM, U.S.A. It’s a book about the United States. Grandpa repairs the radio in Richard’s old car. At the some time, Richard is packing the trunk of his car. Alexandra, the Stewarts’ young friend from Greece, soon arrives. And she brings some interesting news.

ACT I
Grandpa: How’s it going, Richard? Can you fit it all in the trunk?
Richard: Uh, I think so, Grandpa. How’s the radio?
Grandpa: I think I can fix it. [ He tries.] Oh! That did it. A wire was loose.
Richard: Hey, good job.[ He puts on loud music.] Hear that, Grandpa? The old radio works beautifully.
Grandpa: Beautifully?
Richard: Well, let’s say it works perfectly. Sorry about that. You can change it.
Grandpa: [ He selects a classical music station. ] Oh, I know this music! Your grandmother loved this piano piece.
Richard: Uh, the packing is done! That’s--- Oh, no! Here’s my tent.
Grandpa: You forgot to pack it?
Richard

INTRODUCTION TO ACT II

This time on TUNING IN THE U.S.A., Richard and Grandpa Stewart and Alexandra Pappas are hurrying to the train station. Alexandra’s cousin Andreas is there, waiting for a train to take him to Nashville, Tennessee. By chance, Richard is also planning a trip to Nashville. And instead of traveling by himself, Richard wants to offer Andreas a ride in his car. Richard, Grandpa, and Alexandra hurry to the train station. But there is a lot of traffic. The train is coming very soon. Will Andreas still be at the station?

ACT II
Alexandra: I think we’re going to miss the train. Must we go this slowly?
Richard: Yes, we must. As they say,” It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Alexandra: What does that mean?
Richard: It means we don’t want to have an accident.
Grandpa: Richard, I think you missed the turn.
Richard: No, Grandpa. There are still four or five blocks to go. Then we have to turn right.
Grandpa: doesn’t Ellen always turn next to the school?
Richard: Sometimes, Grandpa. But that’s a slow way to go. We’re in a hurry.
Alexandra