Stephen Sondheim
Final Instructions to the Audience
[DIONYSOS]
No, please don't nod
Agreeing with me just 'cause I'm a god
Have some respect for Aristophanes
And please don't nod
Don't just shrug
Content to be a conscientious slug
It's fine to feel contented, safe and snug
But soon enough contented turns to smug
Don't shovel what's uncomfortable underneath the rug
Speak up! Get sore!
Do something more than just deplore
[COMPANY]
Now to conclude, please
If we've been crude, please
[WOMEN]
We can be booed, please
[MEN]
It shows you were awake
[COMPANY]
Don't sit and brood, please
Learn to be rude, please
[DIONYSOS]
There's just too much at stake
And now is simply not the time to take
A break
[COMPANY]
So shake
Your ass!
[DIONYSOS]
I know, I know, that sounds a little crass
But, citizens of Athens
If you're smart
Don't sit around while Athens
Falls apart
[COMPANY]
Good citizens of Athens
Let us not lose heart!
And now --
And now --
And now --
And now --
And now --
[Music stops; freeze; beat]
[DIONYSOS]
And now
[ALL]
We start