Chapter 21: Audition to the Musical

The next day...

Our friends have arrived and had just entered the school building. Along the way, Dewey caught sight of a list pinned on the wall. Pulling Webby to him, "What's going on Dewey?"

"Look at this!" He showed it to her and she could not believe her own eyes. "A school musical? On the movie, Mulan!?" Webby was excited. "I love that movie when I was young! Let's give it a shot!"

"Oh yeah! Perfectly in sync we are!" Dewey agreed as he took out a pen and wrote his and Webby's name down. "It says auditions are today at 4:30pm! Good thing we got in just in time." said Webby. "And our breakdance session is only an hour! 3 to 4! We still have 30 minutes to prepare for the auditions at least." said Dewey. "Yay! I can't wait!" Webby cheered as the bell rang and they hurried to their class. Good thing they signed up for it in time because one, their names are the last ones and a teacher out of nowhere took the list off the wall and checked it while heading to class to teach.

Classes begin...

"Cultivation is known as the action of cultivating a land for plants and livestock. Mostly used for growing crops and food, it is under the agriculture and there are 4 types of cultivation. Shifting cultivation, Dry cultivation, Plantation cultivation and Intensive cultivation." The geography teacher taught the class as Huey and Violet took down the notes and

In another class, "Here are your comprehension homework. I'll pass them to you now so that we can discuss your mistakes." The English teacher spoke to the class as she started handing them out. "I got a C? Really..." Gosalyn sighed but she doesn't care. "Ooh. An A!" Webby exclaimed. "And I got a B! Which stands for blue because I wear this colour everyday." said Dewey as Webby giggled over him.

And then, "Too many Xs...too many Ys...and how will I know what X stands for? The number!" Louie thought to himself while Lena just guessed a bit and worked on the equation as the math test goes on. Then, "Alright that's it! I'm gonna take a shortcut!" Louie quietly and carefully took out his phone and scrolled through pictured math notes and equations. Lena peeked a bit but most of her work is done by herself.

Lunch hour...

"You guys have any plans later on?" Gosalyn asked while poking her Swedish meatballs with cream gravy. "I got a tryout to do after breakdance." Dewey replied. "Same. Both of us are gonna be on stage perfectly in sync performance style!" said Webby as she ate a portion of her carbonara. "Wait, you 2 signed up for the musical, Mulan is it?" Louie asked. "How did you know?" Dewey asked taking a bite of his second chili cheese dog. "A few of our classmates talked about it. I guess they're from the drama club since Lena and I eavesdropped a bit."

"And that's where the drama kids clique all belong to. Thinking they're superstars or celebrities with no egos and experience in real acting." Lena sarcastically described. "I can agree with you since they think they're Mr and Mrs Big Shots!" Gosalyn mocked along as she and Lena fist bump. "So anyway, what roles you wanna do in the musical?" Huey asked. "I wanna try the role of Mulan while Dewey wants to try the role of Li Shang." Webby replied. "A high chance you'll get the role. You're pretty handy with swords and other melee weapons." said Louie. "Definitely. I think I often see you slice up Uncle Scrooge's bed a few times." said Huey. The girls gasped and laughed. "Okay...I might have gotten myself carried away a few times also. Ha, Ha." Webby replied sheepishly.

So after school...

Lena went to her rock band club as she met up with Lana and Luna. Huey and Violet went to the lounge to do their homework instead of the library due to a lot of nerd activity and Gosalyn and Louie hang out at the skate park since she promised to teach him how to skateboard around.

And as for Dewey and Webby, they first attended their breakdance session and after grooving with some sweet moves, they made their way to the auditorium.

When they arrived, they saw many people all seated on the auditorium seats as tryouts had already began. "They're doing the role of Li Shang first. Good, I got this once it's my turn." said Dewey as he and Webby took a seat and waited. There are 3 judges doing the judging and they are all music teachers.

Now onstage, a student is seen showing off his martial arts but was practically pathetic. After he's done, another showed up and used nunchuks but wasn't experienced enough and hit his own balls. "AHHHHHHH! OH RIGHT ON THE HOTROD!" That comment made everyone LOL. Then, a preppy used his boxing moves and after him, a rocker went berserk using his electric guitar as a weapon swinging it around at the air wildly. "Man, is everyone taking this seriously?" Dewey thought. He then wondered. "How can I make it to the role? He did a bit of thinking and then, an idea struck him.

30 minutes later...

"Okay...too many boys don't take it seriously." A male grizzly bear student spoke to himself quietly. "Last but not least, Dewey Duck." All gasped and watched as Dewey got on stage. "Do you have what it takes to play the role of Li Shang?" A female sparrow asked for she's the teacher. Dewey smiled confidentially as he nodded at Webby to her right. "Alright. Let's begin." A male goat student declared as he turned on the radio. The song, "I'll make a man out of you." is being played and the next thing it happened, Dewey nodded at Webby and she threw him a staff! Using it, Dewey swung it around showing his moves in front of the judges. To make things more interesting, Webby grabbed another staff, ran on stage and attacked Dewey! They fought each other all the way until the song ends.

Once it's over, "How long have you've been doing this?" The female sparrow asked. "We've been doing this for some time like a few years ago and until now, we practice occasionally." Dewey replied and he really owe Webby this. As far as they know, Webby started teaching Dewey her moves at the age of 12. Dewey learnt fast and they once in while practice their moves to each other.

"I am most impressed." The female sparrow teacher exclaimed. After that, "Okay 10 minutes for us and we'll begin the final auditions for the role of Mulan." So break time begins as some slept in the auditorium and others went for their bathroom break. "It's almost 5 and as far as I know, auditions will end by the latest 6pm." said Dewey as he and Webby sat down and waited. Then, "Oh my. You are the one that has the moves I see." A female brown duck with red hair showed up and made an attempt to flirt with Dewey. "Call me Melissa."

"Hi! I'm Webby!"

"Ugh! I did not ask for your name bitch! Now scram! I wanna sit with this hunk." Melissa snapped at Webby shocking Dewey. "Nobody treats Webby like that! C'mon, let's find another place to sit." Dewey and Webby got up but Melissa grabbed Dewey. "You're not taking him away from me!"

"Hey! We're just finding another place to sit!" Webby replied and a tug of war began but, "Stop this at once!" They looked to see a male falcon staring at them. "Melissa what are you doing? The other drama kids are making the props and working on the backgrounds and you're doing nothing but sitting here!?"

"Joaquin! You do realize I wanna tryout for the role of Mulan! I bet I'm the perfect girl to dazzle and star like one!" Melissa boasted before him. "Yes, yes okay fine but next time tell me okay? I know some went to give it a shot and they all told me about it." Joaquin replied and, "Hey! I saw you and your friend out there! You 2 are badass!"

"Uh...thanks?" Dewey replied. "Anyway, the role of Li Shang is simple. You have the acting and the martial arts experience, chances are you get the role." Joaquin explained. "What about Mulan?" Webby asked. "I don't know yet? Only the judges know and I had foreseen on what they expect for the role of Li Shang. Anyway, I think the auditions are resuming. This should be the last one for today." said Joaquin. "Last one?" Dewey asked. "Auditions started this week and sign ins are still ongoing. You guys are lucky that you got in just in time they closed up the list this morning." Joaquin explained.

Okay, chit-chat's done and the auditions begin. A female fox went on stage and sang the song, "Reflection." But messed up one of the lyrics. Then, a female giraffe apparently had stage fright and ran off before she can even begin. After her, some poodle sang and danced at the same time. And then, Melissa went onstage and sang out the song and danced at the same time perfectly impressing the judges. It goes on until, "Last for not least, Webbigail 'Webby' Vanderquack." The teacher announced. Webby got onstage and swallowed hard. She never thought she'll perform in front of a crowd but seeing Dewey smile at her sure encouraged her. When the music plays, she sang.

"No way..." The male grizzly bear exclaimed.

"Her voice is...is...is..." The male goat spoke and stuttered.

"Majestic. Like an angel." The teacher finished his sentence.

Those in the auditorium could not believe their ears. Except for one as Melissa pouted a bit while seated. Dewey was mesmerized by her voice and had an idea. He went to the backstage, found a sword prop, took it and threw it to Webby! She must have noticed it at least so catching it, she displayed her swordsmanship while singing. All marvelled at this even the members of the Drama Kids clique.

After Webby's auditions. "Alright. By tomorrow, the results of the roles will be out. Dismissed." All packed up and left the auditorium as outside, "You were incredible out there!" Dewey complimented. "Same goes for you." Webby replied as they left the school.

The next day...

School is on as the gang can be seen in their last lessons. But only one scene is focused on Dewey and Webby as English is in progress and, "After school, the results will be out." Webby whispered to Dewey. "Definitely. Can't wait to see whether I'm in or out!" Dewey whispered back when the bell rang. Both of them excitedly dashed out of their homeroom, past their friends and, "What the..." Huey stammered. "Did I just feel a burst of speed which as fast as the speed of light measured to be 3X10^8?" Violet exclaimed. "Never saw that one coming." said Lena. "Yeah. They came by and we never see them come by." said Gosalyn. "Heh, I dunno what's going on but Gosalyn, you got some time later on? You promised to teach me some skateboarding." Louie brought up. "Don't worry, you have my word and you'll be as wild as the wheels on my board!" Gosalyn assured.

Now back to Dewey and Webby and continuing from the interruption, they dashed down the escalators and reached the bulletin board where many students are gathered to see the results via a notice. "Everyone's excited for the main roles I bet!" said Dewey when, "Hi handsome!" They turned behind to see Melissa. "I for one have claimed the right to play as Mulan! And my strong and handsome general like you could fit in and star in the musical with me!"

"Hold on. We haven't checked the results yet and-"

"Shut up!" Melissa pushed Webby aside causing her to drop her books as she cuddled up to Dewey but instead, Dewey got her off and helped Webby up. "Sorry again." He looked up to see Joaquin. "You're the same dude we met yesterday." Dewey exclaimed. "Yes and I have not introduced myself yet. Joaquin Nixduck. Leader of the Drama Kids and president of the drama club." Joaquin introduced himself. "And sorry about Melissa who's my second-in-command and girlfriend. She enjoys the acting and loves being the lead female role when it comes to musicals like this."

"Yeah...she even tried to hit on me." Dewey replied. "Wait, what?" Joaquin stared at Melissa who shook her head in denial. Then, "Dewey! We made it!"

"Really?" Dewey was excited to hear this as Webby grabbed his hand and took him to see the results. "No way! I got the role of Li Shang! And you got the role of Mulan!" Dewey and Webby cheered together and did their flying hi-5. "WHAT THE DUCK!?" Melissa was angry over 2 things. One is seeing the strong interaction between Dewey and Webby. And the second, it really let off lots of steam. "Why did I not make it!?" She looked at the results for a moment. Then, rage mode. "YOU STOLE MY SPOTLIGHT!" Melissa pounced on Webby trying to attack her but Dewey and Joaquin pulled her off before she could even lay her hand on Webby as a prefect showed up. "What the heck's going on?"

"Sorry. Need to deal with someone with anger issues." Joaquin apologized to the prefect as he took Melissa away but right after she gave Webby a hateful glare. "D-Did I do something wrong against her?" Webby asked. "No. You never did anything to her. She's just pissed." Dewey assured to her as he pulled her in for a hug.

"AH!"

Oh wow. The strange feeling in them made it's move as they backed away from each other feeling it in their hearts. "What just happened?" They thought in unison as they looked at the notice again. "There's a meeting at 4 in the auditorium." Webby noticed. "Those chosen for the roles have to be there." said Dewey. "But first, wanna grab some nuggets and do our homework in the cafeteria?"

"Yeah!" Webby agreed as they headed their way.

Around 4pm exactly...

"Hello there students. If you have seen me before in the auditions yes, I, Ms Farrell was the one organizing it. Now, you have been selected for the roles of the characters and I must say that some of you have experience and others don't in the acting and performance but no matter, we'll work this out until the day of the musical comes. In the meantime, here's what we're gonna do."

Ms Farrell read out the details. Everyday after school, they'll be 2 hours of practice and that consists of memorizing the scripts, costume and props, setting of the scenes, rehearsals and the singing. Oh yes, weekends are included and they'll be double the duration with extra breaks at least. Those in the auditorium took down the notes and that includes the days on when they have to come for practice.

Once it's over, "We have a week to do this? I'm not surprised since a musical takes either a few weeks or a month." Dewey exclaimed. "I know right? But maybe it's because of the manpower and their determination. Ingrid once told me that the Drama Kids are one step ahead in prepping for their plays and musicals to the point they're 50 percent complete to the point that they're half done during the auditions." Webby explained as they left the auditorium. "Something tells me the drama club multitask on their work huh?" Dewey can tell. "Yup! They how know to get everything on set!" said Webby as they left the school.

The next day after school...

"What's it gonna be like?" Webby asked. "I don't know but I know for sure, scripts is the first thing." Dewey replied as they entered the auditorium. There, they headed to the very large stage in which, "Whoa..." Wow indeed, everything is set in motion. Props are being made, backgrounds are rolled by via some large board rolling in sheets that show the background for the scenes and those acting are reading their scripts. "Let's get started." said Webby. "Right. The stage is set!" Dewey as they headed there.

It cuts to the backstage as costumes are being worked on and acting is taking place. "Where should we start?" Webby asked.

"You can start with the scripts!" They turned to see a male raccoon student approaching them. He wore a white shirt under his long sleeved cobalt blue sweater with a pink collar and shoulder pads, dark green pants and light brown shoes with white socks. Plus, his hair is short and light purple. "Joaquin assigned me to be your liaison for this musical. First time doing this?"

"Uh yeah! First time!" Dewey replied. "Good one chap! I heard some student not part of the drama club give acting and performing on stage a shot! Though few of them succeeded in becoming the main star in the performances. Oh and pardon me, my name is Damien Nightshade. Freshmen and member of the drama club in which I manage the roles and aspects in the club."

"Not to mention the British accent." Webby added as Damien chuckled. "True. Born in England. Moved here at a young age and here I am now living the high school life." Damien stated. "But back to business, what are your roles in the musical?"

"Webby is gonna be Mulan and I'm gonna be Li Shang." Dewey stated surprising Damien for a moment. "Marvellous. You're the ones that got the main roles because of your perfected auditions! Especially you Webby. I heard Ms Farrell talk about you stating that you're perfect for it! You can not only sing and dance gracefully but wield a sword like a pro! She was looking for this type of girl for the main role!" Damien revealed.

"Awesome!" Dewey exclaimed. "I can't wait to perform onstage! Give us the scripts!" Damien got the message as he handed them the bounded scripts. "That's a lot for my case." Webby exclaimed. "You get the main role that's why. Now, spend some time trying to memorise the scripts. Ms Farrell will begin rehearsals soon but you can use the scripts for guidance during that." While Damien's explaining the stuff, someone is watching them and hiding behind the curtains. "That bitch took my spotlight! I will never accept this! Never! She's going down!"

30 minutes later, rehearsal time. "Okay students, let's go through the acts one by one, have your scripts ready and remember your roles and sequence in which when you must speak out." Ms Farrell announced. All got the message as those who are part of the first scene went onstage with their scripts. "You can do this Webby." Dewey encouraged her as she went onstage and the rehearsal begins.

The scene shows Webby talking to 2 students who will cast as the parents and they're talking about the father going to war despite his frail health. As it goes on, no one noticed a dangling stage light. And it's really, really loose.

Hiding at the sides behinds the curtains of the stage, Dewey watched in excitement as Webby read her scripts clearly and in order when he looked up and, "WATCH OUT!" Running on stage, he pushed Webby away and, "PRACK!"

Everyone gasped at the sight of a stage light that fell on the spot Webby was standing. "What the..." Joaquin was seated with Ms Farrell shocked as he quickly got onstage to check on Dewey and Webby. There, he found Dewey lying on Webby and both of them are red in embarrassment earning some snickers from the drama kids. Pushing Dewey off, Webby got up as, "Anyone hurt?" Joaquin asked. "I'm good. Thanks to Dewey." Webby replied as he smiled when, "ACK!"

"Yo Joaquin, I'm gonna use the bathroom!" Dewey darted off clutching his heart while feeling the heat in his body as, "Whatever happened, it was an act of sabotage." Joaquin thought as 2 drama kids took the damaged stage light away.

After that, a short break and during that, "A lot to remember. I'm not so sure about it. I hope I don't mess up." Webby told Dewey. "Don't worry. We have a week to do this. How about we work on our scripts at home? We can even do the acting with each other." Dewey suggested. "Yeah! That way, we can improve on our acting performance!" Webby agreed.

Later at home...

"Do you know why the phoenix sits on the right-hand of the emperor?" Dewey recited to Webby as he's acting as the father. "She, is his guardian. His protector. And she is both beautiful and strong(Just like Webby). Your job, is to bring honour to the family. Do you think you can do that?"

Webby giggled from his acting as Dewey helped her in her speeches. A few minutes later, they moved to another scene. "I am blessed with 2 daughters. I will fight." Dewey recited and then, pretended to stumble on his knees. Webby gasped as Dewey pretended to feel weak since in the movie, the father's health is frail and he's getting ready old. Too old to fight even though he's a war veteran for years.

While this was going on, outside Webby's room, Huey and Louie are pressed onto the door trying to uncover their secret. "You hear anything?" Huey asked. "I don't know. Too quiet or they're keeping their voices down to not let us know of their plans regarding the musical they're in. I mean, they came home late, ate dinner and immediately went to Webby's room and it's been nearly 2 hours." Louie stated. "Gee, what's next in store for them?" Huey wondered. "And I wonder whether they made it or not?"

The next day...

"Bye mom! Bye Uncle Donald! Bye Uncle Scrooge! We'll be home before dinner!" Dewey greeted as he and Webby left the manor leaving them surprised. "Wot's got into dem lately?" Scrooge asked. Della and Donald shrugged their shoulders. Even they don't know of their agenda.

At school, "Today we gotta do some fitting." Damien briefed them as, "Parvati! Vanna! Is the wardrobe ready?" 2 meerkats appeared wheeling in costumes hung on hangers. "These girls are second year students with a taste of fashion especially in the costume making." Damien explained. "Wow. Parvati's name sounds Indian." said Webby. "It is because she's from India." Vanna stated. "And let me guess, the middle east outfit you wear reminds you of being from Saudi Arabia?" Dewey asked. "Ooh. That hot boy guessed right." Parvati exclaimed as she and Vanna giggled about Dewey and, "But origins aside, Webby. We got a few costumes for you to fit. See how it goes and if there's any adjustments you wanted, we'll get to it." Vanna stated.

The fittings begin as Webby wore various Chinese costumes marvelling Dewey as Parvati and Vanna analysed and discussed on the costume preference and design. "I sure look cute in those Chinese dresses." Webby thought admiring herself in the mirror and then, "Now the next costume will be the armour. Lightweight so that you won't have to worry about the weight bearing on you." Parvati explained. "Traditional Chinese battle armour worn in the past dynasties!" Vanna added as they helped Webby fit the armour platings. "When will I get my armour?" Dewey asked. "One at a time and don't worry, we got many girls who know how to work on the costumes right." Damien replied when, "Incoming!" Dewey grabbed a shield and threw himself in front of Webby. All gasped. "Is that a knife?" Vanna noticed. "Where did it come from?" Parvati asked. Damien looked around. "I don't like this. We should move to another area to do the fittings." He suggested. All agreed and moved out.

At another area in the backstage, Dewey's wearing his armour as Parvati and Vanna suited him up. Damien helped out too. "Alright. Take a few steps and see whether you can endure the weight without a problem." Vanna told Dewey. He took a few steps carefully. He stopped for a moment. Then, he took more steps walking around for a minute. "A little heavy but I can manage." Dewey replied. "Still, is there another piece of armour that's a bit lighter than this?"

Soon enough. "Same design and a little bit lighter than the previous one even though it's still heavy armour." Parvati explained as Dewey walked around and, "That feels much better! I'll take it!"

Pleased, "Alright! Costumes are settled then! Now you guys can go back to the scripts and acting." Damien told them. "How do we change costumes during the musical?" Webby asked. "Easy. When you have to change for the next scene, about 4 of the drama kids will do the change, you just let them do the costume changing. It's fast and you'll be in time for the next scene in your new costume for that." Damien replied. Webby got the message as the trio went back to the scripts while Parvati and Vanna kept their costumes.

Later...

During lunch, "So far so good." said Dewey as he slurped his ramen. "I know right? We're getting used to this theatre stuff." said Webby as ate one of her 3 clubhouse sandwiches. "I've always waited for the day theatre calls, the opportunity came, we got in and finally, we're getting the hang of it." said Dewey. "I wonder Dewey, would you rather be in theatre than basketball and breakdance?" Webby asked as she ate French fry. "Just for once Webby, I'm still gonna do slamdewnks and dance with you with style." Dewey assured as she giggled over him. Now both of them are having lunch in the school cafeteria which not so crowded. Students from the Tennis club, swim team, dodgeball team, orchestra and many more are in the middle of their lunch break too. Dewey and Webby are seen seated on the first level close to the second level. But that's where things got dramatic because a pair of hands appeared holding a bucket full of trash. It was right above Webby and both seemed to not noticed it yet. Then, Damien who just got his lunch saw it. "Above you!" He called out as the pair of hands dropped it.

Damien's warning was loud and clear and Webby did a backflip avoiding the splat. Seeing this, the pair of hands disappeared. "It's right above us!" Dewey then started a pursuit as he caught sight of a hooded figure using another staircase to escape. Putting his lunch aside, Damien cut the figure off but it ran off to another exit. Nodding at each other, Damien and Dewey split up.

Around the hallways, the hooded figure made an attempt to hide. It ran around trying to find a place to hide. As she ran around, "There it is!" Dewey saw it and it tried to flee only to, "KSH!"

"You're in my way you know." It was Joaquin as Damien arrived. "What's going on?" He asked. "What's gonna happen now is that we unhood this stranger!" Dewey replied removing the hood.

"MELISSA!?"

All were shocked as, "You idiot!" She whined at Damien. "I was so frickin close."

"Close to what?" Joaquin was confused for a few seconds and then, "So it was you! You're the one that sabotaged the stage light and threw the knife!"

"I was always given the female role in some of the musicals and plays until now! I refuse and won't accept this!" Melissa whined on. Joaquin was most disappointed. "You're banned until the musical's over! I don't wanna see you in the auditorium until then! And also, you're forbidden to watch the musical on the day itself! Now leave!"

Angry, bitter and not wanting to change, Melissa stormed off as, "Damien, relay this message to all the members of the drama club about my instructions regarding Melissa." Joaquin ordered. "Gotcha. Pretty shameful if you ask me." Damien replied. "I know. She was one of the best actresses in our club until this happened." Joaquin exclaimed sadly. Dewey watched this and, "At least Webby won't have to worry about her anymore. As do I." He thought as he looked at the readers. "Let's just say for the next few days, Webby and I will get it together, practice the rehearsals and scripts together and be ready for the musical on the day itself. Yeah, you'll see the musical in the next chapter!"

Dewey's right people! This chapter is a warm up due to the practicing they've been doing and I feel like writing the auditions and musical in one chapter ain't gonna work. The performance is the real deal and thus, it's moved to the next chapter. All explanations will be revealed there and what can I say? I'm gonna go work on the entire musical writing out the story in musical style! I hope I know what I'm doing too.

Oh yeah, I'm also back for another 2 weeks to have fun in the writing board also. Woo-hoo!