Hey everyone here is chapter 2. I own nothing except Oc character and some parts of the plot !


Chapter 2

The Auditions

The next day after their meeting with Headmistress Bloodgood Zelius got everyone involved in the production of the play to watch the 2009 Disney version of A Christmas Carol as well as the 1999 movie version of it. So that they would get the general idea of the story and it's hidden moral. There also was a screening of the movie during break time and after school for anyone who was interested in potentially auditioning or were just curious about the story itself.

Today is Wednesday and Zelius has two more days to find someone to play the role of Scrooge or he will have to do it himself and his directing dream will shred into pieces. So after a quick meeting it was decided that the auditions will take place the next day. But now Zelius has to find two other people that will help him judge the capabilities of the precipitants. So that's exactly what he decided to take care of that day.

Lunch Time. Cafeteria

"Hi Operetta. What's up Johnny." Zelius greeted them as he walked up to their table. "Hello Director guy. How are you feeling today ?" Johnny joked. "Good but can I talk with Operetta for a moment ?" Zelius asked. Operetta and Johnny looked at each other but then looked back to Zelius and nod their heads at got up and they walked out of the cafeteria and stood just outside the door where it was a bit more quiet.

"So what is that you want to talk about ?" Operetta asked. "I was wondering would you be willing to help me with the judging of the precipitants during the auditions for our play tomorrow after school ?" He asked with hope. "But why me ?" She asked confused. "Well from what I know when it comes to auditions. There should be three different types of judges. The first one should be an expert or have a great knowledge about the topic of the auditions. And that would be me. As no one in this school knows more about the Christmas Carlo then me." Zelius smiled. " The second judge should be an expert to have a great knowledge about the action of the auditions. Or in other words if the audition is for a movie the second judge should be an actor and if the audition is for a musical part the second judge should be a singer or know a lot about it. And so on and so on." Zelius explained. "And in my opinion there is no one who know more than you when it comes to theater and opera performances. As you are the daughter of the one and only Phantom of the Opera. The genius of Opera and Theater." Zelius smiled at her. "Well if you put it like that I can't so no." She returned the smiled. "But what type of judge is the third one ?" She asked. "The third tape of judge is the one I like to call the viewer. As you see they are normally just ordinary monsters that have some kind of knowledge about our professions if you will allow me so call them so." Zelius explained. "But despite the fact they have that knowledge they still only think like someone who is sitting in the audience." He smiled at her once again. "And do you have anyone in mind to take that place ?" Operetta asked. "I was thinking about Draculaura since she likes acting but I'm afraid that she will start commenting about every little thing and we don't want that. "Well in that case I advise you to considered Frankie. She was on one our school plays after all and since we all had to watch those movies you can say that we all know the exact same thing about the topic of the play. Which should be plenty for us at least for now." Operetta suggested. "That is a really good idea thank you Operetta." He half fived her. "No problem." She giggled. "You are free to go now I'll find Frankie and ask her about it." He returned the smiled. "Ok then see you after school." She waved at him on her way back to her table.

At Operettas Table

"What did Zelius want with you ?" Johnny asked Operetta when she got back. "Oh he wants me to help him with the auditions tomorrow after school." She explained. "Aha that's cool. So will you help him out ?" He asked. "Yes why not it might be fun." She admitted. "And he was the one who fixed your violin for you a while back. So we kind of own him a favour." She reminded her boyfriend about that.

After School

"Frankie ! Frankie !" Zelius called. Both Frankie and Jackson turned around to see Zelius and Robecca approaching them. "Oh hey there. Do you need my help with anything ?" Frankie asked them. "As a matter of fact Zelius dose." Robecca answered. "Oh and what is it ?" Frankie looked at him with enthusiasm in her eyes. "I was wondering would you mind helping me and Operetta to judge the auditions tomorrow after school ?" Zelius asked. "Oh I would be glad to." She smiled at the both of them. "Thank you so much Frankie you are a life savier." Zelius returned the smiled and then him and Robecca left them and he gave a lift back home like he does all the time now.

The Next Day After School The Drama Room

All of the monsters that wished to take part in the auditions were standing on the stage of fron of Zelius, Operetta and Frankie who were all sitting behind a desk. "Thank you all for coming." Zelius stood up to greet them. "In a minute all of you will go back stage and we will be calling you one by one simply by reading your names of the list we have here." He lifted up a sheet of paper."In whatever order it is written in. "If you have a certain character you want to audition for tell us so and pick up the copy of the scrip that is at the base of the stage. Open it on the page marked with the sticky note that has the name of your character written for it and off you go. If your character will be in a conversation with another character one of us will read it out their part too you. And if it happen that you have no preference about who would you like to audition for just pick a character that is appealing to you from among the names on the sticky notes and off you go." Zelius explained. "Is there any questions ?" He asked. "One hand went up." "Yes." All three of them looked at Jinafire. "Is that the original script that we will have to learn if we get a part ?" He asked. "No that is just one that we will be using for today. The one that we shall be using will be done by next week and handed to anyone that will get a part." Zelius answered her and looked out for more questions but there was non. He smiled at that. "Off you go." He said. "And the best of luck to you all !" Frankie shouted. "Or as we say in the theater break your legs !" Operetta add. All three of them laughed and the auditions began.

(A.N - I just want you all to know that the script bits that I will be using here and there threw out the story will be ones I will write myself on the go. They will be based on the copy of the book that I own. As well as the 2009 Disney movie. And the copy of the professional play I found online.)

"First up is Heat Burns." Operetta called out. And then sighted wondering what part could that guy be auditioning for. Since he will end up setting something on fire no matter what role he would get.

"Hey there." Heat greeted them entering the stage. "Hi Heat." They all said in a monotone voice. "I would like to audition for Fred." Heat stated. When Operetta heard that he had to hold a laugh back. "Go on then." She said as she could see that Zelius was in a state worse than her. Heat picked up the script and opened the page with Fred's name on it. Which was one of the very first ones.

Fred's Script Page

Scrooge's Office. Scrooge is working in his ledger. Bob Cratchit is working at his desk trying to warm himself up by the candle that provides him light. He is glancing at the bucket of coal under Scrooge's desk. After a moment he crosses to the meager of hire in hope to warm himself up. But Scrooge glares at him and Cratchit quickly returned to work. Moments later Fred enters full of the holiday cheer.

Fred: Merry Christmas uncle ! God save you ! Merry Christmas Bob !

Cratchit: Merry Christmas Fred.

Scrooge: Christmas ? Bha Humbug !

Fred: Christmas a Humbug Uncle ? You surely don't mean that do you ?

Scrooge: I must certainly do. "Merry Christmas." What right have you to be merry. You're poor enough.

Fred: And what right have you to be so dismal. You are rich enough ?

Scrooge: What else can I bee in a world full of fools. Humbug on Christmas I say ! If it was up to me everyone fool who would mouth a "Merry Christmas." Should be boiled alive in eggnog and stabbed with a branch of holly through his heart !

Fred: Uncle Scrooge ! What a horrible thing to say that is. Where is your Christmas spirit ?

Scrooge: You celebrate Christmas your own way Nephew. So let me celebrate it in mine.

Fred: But Christmas is a time of joy dear Uncle. It's the only time I know of when man and woman open their shut-up hearts and think of the less fortunate as if they were their fellow man. And therefore Uncle I tell you. Even though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket. I believe that Christmas had done me good. So God bells it !

Scrooge: A very compelling speech my Nephew. The room had wormed itself greatly by the amount of hot air you had to waste on it.

Heat's acting was very odd. He kept doing weird faces and he seem to have no understanding of what he read. "That was." Zelius started. "That was some of the worst acting I had ever seen in my life. Please go now." Operetta didn't allow Zelius to finish. Heat looked at her sadly and left the stage. "That wasn't very nice." Frankie gave out to her. "Well sweetheart that is just the harish life of the theater. Once you are on top the other on the bottom." Operetta explained. "By the way Zelius how come you were able to say all the Scrooge parts without reading the script ?" She asked him. Zelius just smiled at that." "I told you before I know them all of by heart. I played that role before in first year of High School when I was still living in Boo York." He reminded her. "And that just also happens to be the very same script that was used back then." He admitted. Operetta smiled at him and called out the next person on the list. It was Twyla.

"Hello Twyla." They greeted her. "Hey how are you three." Twyla asked. "We are good." Frankie responded. "So do you have a role chosen or are you picking one on the so ?" Zelius asked. "I want to audition for the part of Fan Scrooge's younger sister." She announced. Zelius and Operetta smiled. "Go on then and break those legs." Operetta said. Twyla smiled at her awkwardly and took the script.

Fan's Script Page

Young Scrooge is walking around an empty classroom. Everyone had left home for Christmas. Only he had to stay in the school. The older him and the Ghost of Christmas Past are watching the scene.

Young Scrooge : Sights.

Fanny Scrooge's younger sisters runs into the room and hugs him.

Young Scrooge: Fan what are you doing here ?

Fan: Oh Ebenezer I'm here to take you home.

Young Scrooge: Home ? Fan what are you saying ? What about Father ?"

Fan: Yes home Ebenezer. Home for good and all. And Father is much kinder now. He misses you ! He send me here in a coach to bring you home ! A coach Ebenezer.

Young Scrooge: Are you sure it's all right Fan ? I mean… The last time I merely ask Father for a few pence to buy some Christmas presents and he got so crossed. And all I wanted was just this to be a Merry Christmas for you and Mother.

Fan: Father is better now Ebenezer. He hasn't had a drop of drink since it happened. He promised that he won't hurt you and that he will change. I belive him. Now come on let's go home !

Young Scrooge: Home. I cannot think of a finer gift. This is to be a Merry Christmas after all.

Fan: We'll have the merriest time on the world. Oh how I've missed you brother.

Twylas performance was so good that Zelius had tears in his eyes. And Operetta stood up to clap. "Thank you." Twyla said shyly. "Don't go on thanking us. You have a talent." Operetta said to her. "I never thought so but if you think so maybe it's the truth to some extend." Twyla blushed a little. "Oh I know it. I was raised in an Opera I know good acting and a raw talent when I see it." Operetta stated. Twyla just nod at them all and left the stage. "No that is what I call a real performance." Zelius said when he calmed down. "I must certainly agree." Operetta smiled at him and Frankie was still enchanted by Twylas performance.

The next one on the list to perform was Bram Devein. "Hello to the honourable jury." He smiled at them as he entered the stage. "Flattery will get you nowhere." Operetta glared at him. "Whatever you say. I want to audition for the main role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Of course." Bram stated. "Then shut go one." Zelius said as quick as he could as he could see that Operetta was about to give out the the vampire even more. Bram just smiled and lifted the script of the floor.

( A.N : To make life easier and not add too many script pages to this chapter Scrooge's page will be Fred's page. So if you need a recap just go back and read Fred's page. Sorry.)

When Bram was done with his performance the reluctance that Operetta felt towards him at the beginning was more or less gone. "I have to admit that you are not half bad." She admitted. "Thank you. Such words coming from an expert really mean alot to me." Bram smiled at her sarcastically and Operetta remembered exactly why doesn't she like him. Bram could she that she was annoyed with him again and left. "He annoys me but I really do meant it when I say that he is not half bad." Operetta turned to Zelius. "I have to agree. Bram might still hold a grudge against up but he is a good actor." Frankie added. "Both might be true but I can still see his pride and exalts in his acting. And Scrooge might be a grumpy and cold hearted man. But his sense of proud was never as high as Brams and he never acted like a royal. He never acted high and mighty. To be honest it was the other way around. He was saving every penny and lived on the more or less same level as the common people." Zelius explained. "I know that because i read the book so many times and played his role those three years ago." He looked at the both of them. "If you say so. But I think that anyone will even notice that. They have never heard of The Christmas Carol before." Frankie said. "Well let's wait and see the others as I'm sure there will be more people who will audition for this role. And if I'm wrong or the others won't be as good as Bram we will give him the role." Zelius proposed. Frankie and Operetta just nod their heads.

The auditions lasted for another three hours since so many monster came to try out their luck and show the school experts what they are capable of on the stage. Some performances were better some were worse. The people that Zelius, Operetta and Frankie were considering for certain roles were. Twyla for the role of Fan, Invisi Billy for the role of Fred, Romulus for the role of Scrooge and many more for other roles. They were all about to leave for home when Jackson ran onto the stage. "Sorry I know that and didn't sign up for the auditions but can please still give it a go ?" He asked panting. "Zelius and Operetta looked at him and then at Frankie who was smiling. "I had a feeling that I will see you here." Zelius admitted and smiled at him. "Yeah I was considering what you said a few days ago about me playing the role of Bob Cratchit and was deciding should I give it a go or not." Jackson rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. "Well I am a bit hungry and I really want to get home but I will make an exception for one of my best friends." Zelius smiled at him. "Really ? Thank you so much." Jackson was delighted. "And would you two mind if a join him and audition for the role of Mrs. Cratchit ?" Frankie asked Zelius and Operetta. "I was expecting that question. So go on." Zelius smiled at her. "I'll find you a page where there is some lines for both of your characters." Operetta picked up their copy of the scrip and searched threw it. "I found one but you two will have to share one script as Zelius and I will have to read the parts of the kids." Operetta looked at them and they nod in agreement.

Bob's and Mrs. Cratchit's Script Page

Bob Cratchit enters the house with Tiny Tim on his shoulder. They were attending the mass.

Bob Cratchit: Merry Christmas my dears !

Tiny Tim: Merry Christmas Mother !

Mrs. Cratchit: Merry Christmas Tim !

Peter: Was it cold on your way home Father ?

Bob Cratchit: Very. My words made little ghosts that flew up into the heavens. (Looking around) Where is Martha ?

Belinda: I'm afraid she's not coming Father.

Bob Cratchit: Not coming ? Not coming for Christmas ?

Mrs. Cratchit: She had so much work at the milliner's. They had send someone round to tell the families that all the girls will be staying throughout the night and into tomorrow or even longer.

Bob Cratchit: It hardly seems fair ! Working on Christmas day !

Mrs. Cratchit: There will be other Christmas Bob.

Bob Cratchit: But non like this one. Well if Martha feels she must stay, we'll abide by her good judgment. But I did so wanted for our family to be together and did so want to see her.

Martha: (Revealing herself) I'm here Father. I cannot see you disappointed even for a joke.

Bob Cratchit: Then we are together after all. Then it is to be a very merry Christmas.

Mrs. Cratchit: Peter take Tim to wash-up. The goose will be ready in a minute.

Peter: Yes Mother.

Peter leaves with Tiny Tim and Belinda takes Martha to show her a secret she doesn't want her parents to see.

Mrs. Cratchit: Did Tim behave himself at the church ?

Bob Cratchit: He was as good as an angel if not better. Somehow he gets so thoughtful and he thinks the strangest things. He told me coming home that he hoped people in the church noticed him because he is crippled and it might be pleasant for them to remember upon Christmas Day that our Lord made lame beggars walk and the blind see. Can you believe that such thing came from the heart of one so small Alice ?

Mrs. Cratchit: Tim's a special lad indeed.

Bob Cratchit: I forget sometimes that he's still just a boy. On the way home I trotted around the shop windows, where he gazed for the longest time at the toys. It didn't occur to me the sight would make him sad instead of merry. So we trotted home as fast as we could.

Mrs. Cratchit: Bob you must be more careful in the future. We mustn't remind him of he dosen't have.

Bob Cratchit: You are right of course my dear But how I wish I could have bought him every present in sight. Especially since this one might be his….. last.

(His eyes are slowly filling up with tears.)

Mrs. Cratchit: Bob you mustn't ! Please don't. The children !

Bob Cratchit: I know. It's just.

Mrs. Cratchit: We mustn't think of the future Bob only the present. And for now, Tim needs us to be strong.

When Jackson and Frankie were done they looked up and into each other's eyes. While Zelius and Operetta stood up and fast as a lightning and applaused them. "That was just magnificent." Operetta said. "Those parts are yours." Zelius said and noted something in his little notebook and then hid it back into the inner pocket of his vest. Frankie and Jackson looked at their friend with blushes on their faces. Operetta and Zelius just laugh at that.


Hey everyone I hoped that you liked this chapter. The next one will come soon. Hopefully by the end of this week. Please review.