CHAPTER 6: AUDITIONS, AUDITIONS
"This was an absolutely awful idea." Mr. Moncharmin was certain of this. From the moment he started setting up to go on stage, he knew that there was no way that he would find a girl good enough for the lead. Never, not in a million years. But that stupid, fellow Erik had told him to do it, and, at the time it had seemed like a good idea.
This, of course, was before he had talked to the other director. Not only did he have no idea who "Erik" was, but he nearly laughed Mr. Moncharmin off the stage. The other director had told him what a stupid idea it was to find a new lead. The only way one would even know the lines is if she'd been in the chorus. But the singers, although talented, didn't have nearly the vocal capability to play the lead.
Which is why this was an absolutely, awful idea. But it was too late to take it back, not only had each of the chorus girls been promised an audition, but Carlotta, when she found out, had taken a "vacation" to Los Angels. He would have to find a girl that would at least make do, after all one of these girls had to have some hidden talent. Besides, it was only temporary; when Carlotta was back in a week or so he'd beg her to come back full time. Even if that meant giving her a raise with money he didn't have.
Mr. Moncharmin sat at his normal seat in the front row. A single piano player sat in the front, ready to play the audition song each of the girl's had been given earlier that day. 'Lean on Me', though not in the show, seemed like an easy vocal song with not much room for total embarrassment at least. Even a chorus girl or background singer should be able to sing.
"Ready to begin." And before the first girl came on stage he knew that this was an absolutely terrible idea once more.
Twenty-six auditions and two hours later, Mr. Moncharmin was ready to pull out what was left of his hair. Each of the girls, even on the easy vocals, were all missing something. Pretty Peggy was always sharp, Loud Lucy had no stage presence, and Crazy Catherine had the most awful smile he'd ever seen. And those were just the girls worth mentioning!
"Is there any more?" The piano player, Jack, asked.
"One more, I believe," Mr. Moncharmin said at last, glancing at the one remaining name on his sheet. With a hint of surprise, he reread the name. Christine, the one whom Carlotta couldn't stand. The one whom at the start of the chorus could barley sing. "Great way to end this nightmare."
She walked out on stage. Her outfit, at least, wasn't awful. A deep read skirt and blouse, she looked nearly pretty, and he could tell that although she was nervous, it was nothing like before. Still, even if she improved there was no way she would ever be good enough to be cast as the lead.
"Quickly, Christine; skip to the chorus."
Her wide doe-eyes looked up nervously. "I actually...um..." She paused and looked up hesitantly at the ceiling. When she looked down, her confidence seemed to go up. "I'd like to sing Somewhere Over The Rainbow, form the show."
Mr. Moncharmin looked at her in surprise once more; each girl was strictly told they were to sing the song given, no exceptions. "You see sir, I don't think Lean on Me shows my new vocal capabilities." She added at last.
Honestly, he knew he shouldn't let her sing the song; it was an unfair advantage. But, since he was ready to leave and knew she'd never be able to sing the song well, he let her test it out. "Go ahead, Christine. Begin any time you like."
She nodded timidly then began, glancing quickly once more at the ceiling; maybe praying. Because Mr. Moncharmin was praying, except it was for these train-wrecks of auditions to be over.
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high,
There's a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby.
At first her voice shook and Mr. Moncharmin couldn't help but shake his head; it was exactly as he thought; no talent. Since she was so timid her voice reprimanded for it, making her seem worse than she was. He was about to tell her to stop all together when she looked up, like before. And suddenly her whole voice changed and the word's died in his lips.
Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue,
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true.
Her voice was so different and improving by the second. It was unbelievable!
Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far
Behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me.
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly.
Birds fly over the rainbow.
Why then, oh why can't I?
Her voice was perfect. Pure and innocent, yet so talented; exactly what Carlotta had been lacking all along. Her stage presence was there, but it wasn't as if she was owning the stage, it was as if she was simply feeling blessed to be there.
It was an unexpected, incredible miracle. Her voice was as if she'd died and had been visited by an angel. An angel of music.
If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?
She finished, did a little half curtsy. And looked away from me where her gaze had been directed at the whole time. As did I. The room was filled with the rest of the show, there for rehearsals. Now, they were all clapping. Even some of the other girls whom looked outraged, looked beyond motivated and amazed.
"Wonderful," Jack whispered up from his piano, standing up and beginning to clap.
"Amazing, my dear! The part is yours!" At first Christine looked shocked then she ran off the stage to a group of girls. Just then, Mrs. Giry came out to see me. "You have a visitor, sir." I nodded as she lead me out of the room.
There stood a young man. His hair was slightly long, though still styled and quite possibly dyed blonde. Though he looked amused with a cigar in his hand, as if he'd had a drink or two even though it was only noon. He probably had. "Director, how good to see you again!'"
"As to you, Mr. Chagny."
A/N: Okay, I didn't forget about this story! I honestly still love it, it's just I haven't been into writing as much as I was lately! So maybe you guys can help with that by adding some reviews, because even though this is kind of a filler chapter one of the really big important ones is coming up! So... DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW! :)
