The Curtain Went Up, My Pants Fell Down by Henry Winkler

Author:Henry Winkler
Language: eng, eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Group US
Published: 2007-03-04T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 13

AFTER EVERYONE HAD AUDITIONED, Devore huddled with Mrs. Crock, going over lots of notes he had made on the yellow pad on his clipboard. While we were waiting, McKelty looked over at me and whispered, “I got it.”

I just stared at him. Could he be right? I mean, how could Godzilla play the king? Well, maybe he could. After all, McKelty is tall. And maybe kings are supposed to be tall. What if there’s a height requirement for the king? I never thought of that.

“I am so much better at this than you are,” McKelty continued, moving over to the empty chair next to me.

“Let’s just wait and see if Devore agrees with you,” I said halfheartedly.

“I’ve been thinking about it, Zipperbutt,” McKelty said. “And I have the perfect role for you. You can sweep the stage. I don’t want my bare feet to get dirty.”

“Why not? Then they’d match your face. Looks like you never wash that.”

Devore stood up and came to the front of the platform. We all got really quiet. This was it. I closed my eyes. I clenched my fists. I could feel every muscle tighten up. The only thing loose on my body was my ear drum, so I could hear what he was going to say.

“Let me begin by congratulating all of you,” Devore said. “Each and every one of you brought a delightful quality to your readings. And therefore, there will be a part for each of you in the play.”

“Yeah, Hankerchief here volunteered to sweep the floors,” McKelty shouted out, poking me in the ribs.

“Unfortunately, he won’t have the time to do that,” Devore said. “Because after much deliberation, I have chosen Hank Zipzer to play the role of the King of Siam.”

He said my name! There it was floating out in the air for everyone to hear. Hank Zipzer will play the role of the King of Siam!

Ashley and Frankie jumped up to high-five me, but I couldn’t move a muscle. I was frozen in my seat. The news stunned me. The only thing that moved was my lips, and they were smiling.

I hadn’t said one line the way it was written.

I hadn’t memorized one word.

And yes, I am short.

And yet, he called my name.

Like Papa Pete always says, if you have the will, there is a way. And man oh man, did I have the will! And did I ever find the way!

Suddenly, I noticed Nick McKelty staring at me, with all three of his eyes.

“Now I know for sure,” McKelty said. “Devore must be blind and deaf.”

“It’s okay, Nick,” I said. “You’ll have a part. And I promise, I’ll help you find that broom.”

The room was still buzzing, but Devore quieted everyone down.

“Settle, people,” he said. “I have another announcement to make. Let me introduce you to your new Anna.”

We all got instantly quiet, except for Katie Sperling, who giggled. I looked over at Heather. She looked like she was going to hurl her peanut butter and jelly. I knew the feeling.

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