A Shakespeare Co. AfterParty
After a performance in a local park, a group of cast members and producers for the Local Shakespeare Co. meet at a house nearby for the afterparty.
Everyone is jovial, in the mix. Especially Allen.
"My god, Paolo, your portrayal of Alan Dershowitz was outstanding in tonight's performance."
"Why thank you, Allen. That's awfully kind. Second only to your Bret Kavanaugh... impression."
There was an awkward silence. K paused the motion of the shrimp in her hand, waiting for the reaction.
"What's that supposed to mean, Paolo?"
"Oh nothing, Allen. I'm just saying, you did a phenomenal job."
"Now that sounded sarcastic."
"On the contrary. Nothing could be more sincere."
K said, "Paolo, quit it, you're really setting him off."
Said Paolo, as he poured himself an espresso, "We wouldn't want to see that, would we."
At that point, Allen exploded. Charlie had to hold him back.
Charlie was the screenwriter, a portly gentleman with a quiet disposition. He could see what was happening, and felt the need to intervene.
At that moment, Gerald spoke up from the corner, "Sounds like you have some issues."
"And what would you know about that, Gerald?" demanded Allen.
"As a leading psychoanalyst in today's science, one would think I might know a lot," said Gerald, as he got up from his chair and walked over to the bar. "Though not from personal experience!" He says, as he takes a sip from a drink and laughs.
K intervenes. "Now would you guys just quit it? Paolo, you sound like you're either the most sarcastic or oblivious person in the universe. Please, pick one. Gerald, cool it. Face it, you were terrible. You base every politician you ever play on the way Paul Giamatti played John Adams. Do your research, honey. Maybe google a YouTube video or something," her voice trailing off into the hor devours.
Paolo said, "I know what the issue is here. You're all drunk, that's what the problem is. That's why none of you are making any sense! I wasn't even the one to start with the sarcasm, either," he said, directing his attention at Allen.
At the peak of the conflict, as all are evidently about to escalate to physical altercation, they all laugh out loud and congratulate one another for such a good encore performance.