Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce

Author:Kristy Boyce [Boyce, Kristy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Published: 2024-01-09T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

“All right, everyone, settle down!” I call to the students milling around onstage. “We need to get started—we don’t have a lot of time.”

I stand back and put my hands on my hips, hoping that I don’t have to yell again. In front of me are twenty-five students who’ve all agreed to be a part of this musical preview. After Lucas gave me the idea Friday, I spent the weekend messaging everyone and getting organized. Luckily, Miss Sahni was excited about the plan and agreed to reserve the auditorium for us for the next two weeks, although she doesn’t have time to help with rehearsals. We only have it two days a week for forty-five minutes, which isn’t much, but I’m staying positive.

After lots of internal debate, I ultimately chose “Big Bright Beautiful World” and “Story of My Life” from Shrek the Musical as our songs for the musical preview. They can showcase many different people in singing roles; there’s minimal dancing, which will make it easier to rehearse given our limited time; and there are small roles for townspeople so we can include everyone. I want the administration to see all the talent and excitement we have. Unfortunately, not everyone is excited about my choice.

“Shrek, though?” Kelly says again. “I mean, I wouldn’t mind playing Fiona, but you didn’t choose one of her songs. Can’t we do ‘Defying Gravity’ instead?”

I vehemently shake my head. “No, that song is a duet and it’ll be better if we can show off as much talent as possible. As I already explained.”

“What if we did something from Dear Evan Hansen?” Jeremy asks from the back.

“Guys, listen. Do you want to have a musical this year?”

They all nod.

“Then we need to work together. This isn’t about one of us; it’s about all of us. And just because we’re doing Shrek for this performance doesn’t mean we’re doing it for the actual show. But if we can’t pull this off, then maybe we don’t deserve to have a musical this year.” I narrow my eyes and survey them. A few people look sulky, but no one fights back. I’ve been in a lot of musicals, and I’ve helped run bits of rehearsals in the past, but I’ve never been in charge before. I roll my shoulders and give off an air of confidence.

“Okay, for the sake of simplicity, I’ve gone ahead and cast the major parts.” I start calling out names. Hoshiko will be Mama Ogre for the showcase, which means she kicks off our performance, along with Terrance playing Papa Ogre. The majority of students will be playing fairy-tale creatures for the second song, and everyone else will be in the chorus as townspeople who are scared of Shrek.

I catch Paul’s gaze as I call out the last of the names for chorus. His eyes are wide and he’s standing extra tall. He doesn’t need to say anything for me to know exactly what’s on his mind. He wants to know if I’ve cast him as the lead.

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