Fairy Tale Musical
A/N: If you have any questions after you read, please check out the (nicer) bottom section of author's notes. Enjoy the story!
Prologue
Once upon a time, in a far, far away land…Albuquerque, New Mexico, to be exact…there was a beautiful girl named Gabriella. Her mom had just transferred, and she was forced to attend a new school – East High. She was very nervous, terrified that she would once again be labeled "freaky genius girl," as she was quite smart, especially gifted in science.
But once she got there, science was not her focus. After a chance meeting a month before, she reunited with the school basketball star, Troy. But the school was heavily divided into cliques, so for her to even talk to him would be questioned. However, they came together over a common bond of singing, a talent they both never realized they had. They tried out for the school play and received call backs. This much angered Sharpay, the head of the school drama club. She and her brother, Ryan, tried everything to prevent Gabriella and Troy from getting "their" lead roles. But with help from some friends, Gabriella and Troy managed to audition, and win the roles for the musical.
Then, summer came. Sharpay was still angry about what transpired during the year, so when the students got jobs at her country club, she vowed to break up the couple of Gabriella and Troy. The young socialite did her best to win over the basketball star, doing such things as offering him a better job than his classmates and a college scholarship. This greatly angered poor, neglected Gabriella. In fact, this made her so angry that she quit the club…and broke up with Troy. Sharpay thought she had finally won…until it came time for the country club talent show. The couple's friends had convinced Gabriella to forgive Troy and sing a duet, without Sharpay ever knowing! While Sharpay secretly cried over her ruined plans, Gabriella and Troy lived happily ever after.
For a while, anyway.
Now, school is starting again – along with drama club practices. It's the beginning of October, and lead roles for the Fall play have already been chosen. Once again, Troy and Gabriella got the leads as Prince Thomas and Princess Giovanna. Sharpay was stuck being the evil duchess, Sarpali, and still wasn't happy about it.
We begin in the auditorium of East High. The after-school drama club gathers, ready to start practice for the Fall play, another of Kelsi's creations. Gabriella, Sharpay, and Taylor – who's passing through on her way to a science club meeting — listen intently while Kelsi tells her fairy tale that is the base for the script the two actresses are performing.
Gabriella sat in a front row seat, bringing her attention to focus while her friend Kelsi sat on the stage. Sitting next to her on the aisle seat's arm, a bored Sharpay filed her nails and fussed with her hair. On the brunette's other side, Taylor wore a disproving frown – she'd made her feelings known about fairy tales, which she felt were unrealistic and degrading towards women.
Still, all three remained in their seats while Kelsi began. Even Sharpay had to admit that the composer was a fantastic story teller. Besides, what else was there to do while they waited for Ms. Darbus?
Clearing her throat, Kelsi gave the others a nervous smile. Speaking in front of a group, no matter how small, was always frightening. But they were her friends…mostly…and she was rather proud of this story she'd come up with. When it seemed that she had all three of the girls' attention, she began:
"Once upon a time, in a distant land, there lived a princess named Giovanna. Like most others of her status, she wasn't born royal. Her life was full of hardship as an orphan, who grew up working for a kind shopkeeper who took her in. Though she was not treated cruelly, the laborious work made her long for a better life.
Then, one day, the prince of the kingdom walked into the shop. He instantly fell in love with her, and soon she started to feel the same way. Rumors began to spread throughout the population that the kingdom would finally have a princess.
However, there was one person who was not happy about the news. A member of the royal court, Sarpali, was an evil woman who sought to marry the prince and obtain the throne for herself. With the help of her brother, Ronald, she hired thieve to kidnap Giovanna and take her far away from the kingdom, where the prince and his knights would never find her. But the thieves were told to make the incident look like it took place during a robbery, so no one would ever connect it back to their employer.
The very next day, Giovanna was captured and forced into a carriage. She was terrified, but sure that her prince Thomas would come rescue her. To calm herself down, she began singing – a hobby she always loved. Instead of telling her to quiet, the thieves were charmed by her melodic voice and encouraged her.
Luckily, the prince and his knights had been combing the nearby woods for days. The party was resting, when through the silence of the forest, they heard Giovanna's singing. They were able to follow the voice and save the eternally grateful princess-to-be.
The thieves were thrown in the castle dungeon. While they tried to implicate Sarpali, her and Ronald were too respected (not liked, but respected) for their testimonies to have any merit.
"…still, the kingdom rejoiced, the prince married Giovanna, and they all lived happily ever after," Kelsi finished, leaning back on the stage. "And that's what this play is based on. I haven't thought of a name yet, but the working title is 'Princess Giovanna.'"
Clapping, Gabriella assured her, "That's a great story, Kelsi. How'd you come up with that?"
"I don't know, it just came to me while I was playing the piano in here last semester," Kelsi answered with a modest shrug. "I mean, I'm not claiming it to be original. It's probably a side effect of living on Disney movies when I was a kid. Between that and its…somewhat similarity to past experiences, it was bound to come out of me sooner or later."
"What past experiences?" Gabriella asked, clueless.
Sharpay shared a rare, common exasperated look with Taylor before remarking, "Sarpali was evil, okay? Nothing like me."
"And your definition of 'evil' would be…" Taylor scoffed, the brief bond officially broken.
Glaring at her, Sharpay explained, "I'm not 'evil.' I'm 'ambitious' – I see what I want and find a way to make it happen. There's a difference."
Taylor chuckled. "Sure there is. And Kels – what was with the ending? The real baddie wasn't killed or anything. Although, kudos on being more realistic than your average fairy tale."
"Um…thanks…I think…" Kelsi replied. "I don't know why I made her get away with it in the end…"
"I'm glad you did. Maybe Sarpali will see the error of her ways, and she and Giovanna can be friends!" Gabriella suggested, brightened by the prospect.
Sharpay let out a derisive laugh. "Sure, and they all had tea parties and gave each other manicures!"
"I don't think they had nail polish back then…" Gabriella said as she thought about the argument.
"Grow up, Gabriella. Sworn enemies don't ever become friends," Sharpay said, pointedly ignoring the glares Kelsi and Taylor were giving her. "The, as you say, 'evil' person may act nice, but really she's just cooling things down before she can strike again."
By then, even Gabriella was looking at the blonde with worry along with her friends, the three clearly getting the message. Before they could say anything, however, Sharpay hopped off the seat ledge and ran a hand through her hair. "Well, I'm off to fix my make-up before practice. Oh, Kelsi, I meant to tell you to do something."
"Yeah, Sharpay?" Kelsi asked, not really sure if she wanted to know.
"See what you can do about that ridiculous name," Sharpay said, rolling her eyes. "Really, 'Sarpali'? I refuse to play a character who shares a name with a breed of dog."
With that, she began walking towards the backstage area.
Gabriella shook her head and said, "I'm so glad auditions are over – I was so nervous I wouldn't get Giovanna's part. She is the lead, and you know Sharpay always wants the lead."
"Gabby, I practically wrote Giovanna with you in mind. You couldn't have not gotten it," Kelsi replied.
Nodding in agreement, Taylor added, "Besides, Sharpay seems happy with this role. The only thing is, it might not provide much of a challenge."
"Very true," Kelsi said, chuckling. Glancing at the clock on the wall, she said to Taylor, "You better get moving. Didn't you say your meeting starts at three-thirty? It's five minutes to."
Taylor glanced at the clock on the wall and grimaced. "Thanks Kels, I better get moving. Have a good practice, you two."
As Taylor rushed out of the room, Gabriella asked, "So, you wanted to go over a song that's in the show?"
"Yeah, thanks for reminding me. It's not perfect yet, and your character sings it. It's the first song of the show," Kelsi explained, running over to the piano, where her music score was waiting.
Gabriella went up the stairs and began to sing the song at Kelsi's cue. The tune seemed oddly familiar to her – a lot like the one she remembered singing with Troy at the ski trip last year. Smiling at the memory, she continued:
When I was just a girl
How could I understand?
This is how my life would happen,
By fate or circumstance
I never thought I would win
I never could have believed
That my life would only start
When I followed my dreams
But now, my feeling is strange
Something even more is coming my way
It's now in my sight
It's strong in my heart
The day will come soon
What may be other nights
Tonight might not be true
So now, with hope in my eyes
I wait for the start
Because the day will come soon…
"Hey, everyone. Hope I'm not late."
The girls stopped rehearsal as Troy came in and put his book bag and jacket on a chair, climbing the steps. Gabriella's smile widened. "No, Kelsi and I were just going over the first song."
"You sounded great," Troy replied, kissing her on the cheek in greeting.
Blushing, Kelsi decided to give them some time alone and gathered her papers. "I'm going to check some stuff with Mrs. Darbus. See you two in a few minutes."
Acknowledging Kelsi, Troy refocused his attention on his girlfriend. "So how was your day?"
"Interesting…" Gabriella said, then took a few minutes to explain the conversation between her, Taylor, Sharpay and Kelsi. "So…do you think Sharpay is up to her old tricks again?"
Troy frowned as he gave the idea some thought. "I hope not. She seemed like our friend after the Star Dazzle award show this summer. Besides, you've already got the part. What can she do about it now?"
Placated for the moment, Gabriella smiled. Then the two joined the rest of the club when Mrs. Darbus called everyone to her attention.
Finally. Glad that's over. That "fairy tale tone" gets on my nerves. But you know, it's a fairy tale – you gotta respect the tone.
Hi! I'm your semi-friendly Narrator, 'cause…well…every good fairy tale has to have a narrator. I'll be your guide through this parody, because you'll probably need someone to explain what the heck is going on every now and then.
Oh, and, expect me to interject every once in a while for these types of explanations. I will try to keep it at a minimum, but well…I tend to be opinionated at times.
On with the story!
Now, several days have passed since Kelsi told the girls the fairy tale. In the school hallways, Sharpay cleans her locker during free period.
Honestly, the Sharpay no intention of "striking again." While she was still miffed that Gabriella had stolen her role in the Winter musical…and Spring musical…the blonde was content with what she had for this Fall production. Even though she was the villain, this was a fairy tale. And everyone knew that fairy tale villains always stole the show in plays.
Despite the fact that Gabriella was being slated as the female star.
Taking a few deep breaths, Sharpay quietly repeated the mantra she'd been using to help her cope with the loss. "I am the star. I am the star. I am the star." Overcome by momentary anger, she slammed her locker door closed, producing a loud metallic bang. Through clenched teeth, she muttered, "I am the star. No matter what Ms. Darbus or the stupid playbill might say."
"Hey, Sharpay."
Startled, Sharpay nearly jumped when she realized her brother was standing in front of her. "Hello, Ryan. I thought you had class this period."
"I do," Ryan replied, holding up a bathroom pass. "I was on my way back and had to tell you what Ms. Darbus told me. She said to pass it on to you anyway."
"What is it?" Sharpay asked, curious. It wasn't often that her brother knew drama club information before she did. But she supposed it was part of the new "assertive" attitude he'd adapted after making friends with Troy and his group that summer. Frankly, it was getting on her nerves, and she was waiting for him to come to his senses.
She still hadn't forgiven him for what he did to her at the Star Dazzle show.
A tentative smile on his face, Ryan began, "You know how Ms. Darbus said that she might be getting her cousin to come?"
"Spill. Now," Sharpay demanded, her curiosity rising ten-fold. Ms. Darbus' cousin was an off-Broadway producer in New York. But the drama teacher had mentioned it so long ago that the whole drama club had given up hope of his attendance.
"He's coming. To opening night."
And Sharpay's world was turned upside-down.
Her thoughts came a mile a minute as she could do nothing but stare at her brother. He's coming. An off-Broadway producer is coming. To East High. To see our show. I will be discovered, finally.
"But I'm not the stupid star!" Sharpay exclaimed, then let out a shriek that only dogs could hear...
(I think I should take over for a moment and spare you. Let's just say that the janitor's going to have to replace at least one broken glass window…)
Whirling around to face her brother, Sharpay fought to keep her breath even. "Please tell me this is a cruel joke."
"No, that would be cool though. We'd get to meet Ashton Kutcher," Ryan lamented.
(Anyway, Sharpay went through the rest of her day quite frustrated, banging her books on her desks and slamming any locker door that happened to be open. Most students avoided her like the plague. Indeed, at East High, an angry Sharpay was possibly the scariest phenomenon known to students.
Besides an angry Ms. Darbus, but even that was pushing it.
By the time afternoon drama practice rolled around, the club members braced themselves for the worst.)
However, Sharpay strolled into the auditorium with her usual dignity and grace, swinging her hips and toting her designer book bag. She'd had all day to cool down and had come up with the only workable solution.
Give such a great performance at practice that Ms. Darbus would have to give her the part.
In her mind, it made sense. Surely Gabriella would understand if Sharpay explained to her that an amateur had no business being the star of the performance when a producer was visiting. Didn't the brunette want to do what was best for the show? And they weren't too far into practice that a sudden switch would hurt the overall production. It was all a matter of convincing Gabriella and Ms. Darbus to see reason.
And Sharpay could be very convincing.
Since she was early, the front stage area was virtually deserted as everyone prepared themselves backstage. Sharpay didn't need to, since she'd already fixed her make-up at her locker, so she got on stage and read over her lines.
"Hi, Sharpay!"
For the second time that day, the blonde was surprised by someone she didn't want to be surprised by. Sure enough, Gabriella walked out from backstage, her usual perfect, perky self, a script in hand. A friendly, but hesitant, smile on her face, she asked, "You want to run lines? Everyone else should be here in a few minutes…"
"Sure," Sharpay grumbled. The rest of the drama club would be there soon, like Gabriella said – it wasn't like she'd have to deal with the annoying science club geek for long. Going over to stand next to the other actress, Sharpay paused as her gaze fell to the stage floor.
Gabriella was standing only a few feet away from the new stage trap door.
It'd be a lot easier than what Sharpay had had in mind…
No, Sharpay thought, resisting the mounting urge. Falling through a stage trap door, without being prepared for it, could result in injury. You don't want to be sued…
But if Gabriella didn't know it was her. Say, if she was pushed from behind…or something…and it wouldn't kill her or anything.
Her mind made up, Sharpay ran to the side control panel. At Gabriella's quizzical stare, the blonde explained, "Oh, uh, the light is so dull in here. Give me a second and I'll switch on some of the spotlights…"
"Well, if you think we need to," Gabriella replied, shrugging as she flipped through her script.
While Gabriella conveniently distracted herself, Sharpay decided what way would be best to carry out her new plan. The trap door worked one of two ways. The first way, a hidden platform slowly carried the actor down. Another way, for fast exits, the door swung down, causing the actor to free fall. Either way, the floor below was covered with huge landing pads that guaranteed the actor's safety.
But it wasn't enough to just flip the switch while an actor stood on the door. There had to be some kind of pressure applied – it was a little sticky since it was so new. And of course there was the problem that Gabriella wasn't standing on the door.
Then Sharpay spotted the lever that turned on the center spot light.
Sharpay grinned. That could work.
Checking once again that Gabriella wasn't looking, Sharpay turned on the light. The stage was instantly filled with a blinding glow, most of it directed at Gabriella.
"Sharpay!" the brunette squealed, throwing her hands up in front of her face, the script clattering to the stage floor. "I think that's too bright!"
Pretending to look for the right switch, Sharpay called back, "U-uh, one second…it's not like I'm a stage hand or anything…"
Sure enough, Gabriella stumbled backwards. A few steps more...finally, Gabriella moved so that she was on the center of the door. Her grin widening, Sharpay turned the light off…then turned it on again. She couldn't have planned it better when Gabriella jumped, effectively loosening the door.
By now, Gabriella was growing worried, her voice high-pitched as she squeaked, "Sharpay, w-what's going…"
The word "on" never got out of her mouth. Sharpay pulled the lever.
Gabriella was gone in an instant.
Smiling at her handiwork, Sharpay turned off the light and let out a deep breath. It wasn't easy – even if Gabriella hadn't gotten hurt in the fall, the blonde had finally managed to get some sweet, petty revenge.
But if she was going to run to Ms. Darbus for help, she needed to look distressed. And after all, Sharpay thought. If Troy sees me so upset for my dear friend Gabriella, he might start to like me.
This kept getting better and better.
Fake tears pouring down her face, Sharpay ran off toward backstage.
What she didn't notice was that Gabriella wouldn't be able to hear help once it came. Instead of safely landing on the cushion, the terrified brunette was falling…falling…falling…
A/N: Seriously, I have got to stop writing author's notes after I drink coffee. It just doesn't work, and I end up scaring people, lol.
So, posting this story, take two. Since I deleted the other one without copying the author's notes, I'll do my best to remember it.
Number One: I'd still like to point out to people that this is not an Enchanted crossover. While this has the same basic plot in reverse, the magic land that Gabriella and Troy will eventually end up in is not Andalasia. It's basically the same thing, but my own version. So, yeah, no Enchanted characters.
Number Two: I stand by my previous conviction, but I'll keep my rant a little shorter. PLEASE, for the love of all that is good and holy, PLEASE DO NOT leave me a review asking something to the effect of, "Is this (insert favorite fan couple here)? Because I only read (again, insert said couple)." It is INCREDIBLY annoying, not to mention RUDE and disrespectful to the author, of any fanfiction story. I'm only saying this because I've written an HSM story before, and there were quite a few reviews that did not comment on the piece, but only remarked how they so wanted it to honor their favorite couple.
Because, frankly my dear reader, I don't give a dang (hey, this is a Disney fic). Maybe there will be Troyella, maybe there won't. Maybe there'll be Chaylor, maybe there won't. Maybe there'll be Ryelsi, maybe...oh, you get the idea (Man, it scared me that I even know those terms). Honestly, I don't even know what pairings are going to show up, so there's no way I could even answer questions about it. But whatever direction I go, I'm warning you now, there will be VERY light romance with whatever couple I choose to include.
Number Three: THIS IS A PARODY. I'll say it again. THIS IS A PARODY. As I write this, I'm realizing that it may be less humorous than I originally intended it to be, and read more like an actual story. HOWEVER, please know that I, as someone who has been writing fanfiction for too many years to admit, would never write an actual story this cliche. But since we talked about movie cliches and watched Enchanted in class, and I'm writing a paper on HSM for said class (it's a strange course. And, yes, I'm a college sophomore. Laugh if you must), it was only a matter of time before the two concepts clicked together in my head. And I felt the only way to do the idea justice was to write it as a parody, while pointing out all the cliches. It won't insult HSM, per se, just objectively note - through the characters themselves - overdone plot elements and character aspects.
Number Four: Last one, then you can go ahead and click that review button (hehe, kidding. I'm really not the type to beg for reviews...but it would be nice). Since this IS a parodic mix of Disney classics and HSM, there have to be songs. I'll say it right now that I'm no composer or genius songwriter. So, to deal with that, all songs in here are parodies of HSM 1 songs. They'll also be in order - hopefully you could tell that the lyrics in this chapter was my poor excuse for a parody of "Start of Something New." Just remember, they're all parodies - the lyrics are supposed to be bad.
Right.
Well, that's it for now. The next chapter should be up soon, hope you liked this one!