Content Warning: This story is Rated T for some intense scenes, discussions surrounding learning disabilities, and some minor innuendos. Enjoy!
Baxter Moon was a simple koala.
Although he'd made a good enough living maintaining his family's long-running car wash business, he had always had a deep appreciation for the arts. So when one grateful but short-of-change customer paid him with two tickets to the Prarie's summer production - Epiphany, starring the well-beloved Nana Noodleman - Baxter felt it was a perfect opportunity to introduce his six-year-old son to the wonderful world of music and theatre. Though he certainly couldn't have predicted just how impactful this experience would truly be for little Buster.
While he was mesmerised throughout the entire show, the young koala wouldn't stop gushing about everything within it - the lights, the way the scenery moved, even the smell - for the entire bus ride home, and was still rattling on by the time they entered the front door.
"Alright, not too loud, kiddo..." Baxter said with a chuckle, finally calming Buster down slightly. "You don't wanna wake your Mom. She's got an early start tomorrow. So do you, for that matter..."
"But I can't sleep now, I got so much to think about!" Buster was still overflowing with glee, giggling as his father playfully lifted him off the floor and carried him to his bedroom. "When I get big, I'm gonna do shows just like that! Even better than that one!"
"As a singer...?" Baxter raised an eyebrow when he sat Buster down, staying in the doorway while the little one changed into his pyjamas. "What happened to being the first koala bear to go to space, huh?"
"I don't wanna be a singer, Dad! I'm gonna run that theatre!" Buster struck a triumphant pose. "There's gonna all kinds of animals - all creatures great all small - and they're all gonna be seeing my shows one day!"
"Alright alright, but you're not gonna do any of that if you tire yourself out, kiddo..." Baxter placed his little one in the bed, gently pulling the covers over him. "Like your grandpa always used to say to me. You get a good night's sleep, you do a great day's work."
Buster yawned, getting himself comfortable. "But I could do it, though. Right, Dad?"
Baxter hesitated for a moment. "Well, it ain't gonna be easy... but y'know, following your dreams never is, son. If you really wanna run that theatre one day, Buster, you gotta go for it."
Buster nodded, though he seemed a little unsure now. "But if it's hard to get there, how do I know it'll be worth it when I do...?"
"That's part of the journey, kiddo. But as long as you don't give up, one way or another it'll be worth it in the end." Baxter said. "Always remember, son. A Moon's not a Moon unless he reaches for the stars."
"Well I'm goin' higher than the stars!" Buster exclaimed, having regained his giddiness as his father tucked him in. "Just you wait, Dad. Buster Moon's gonna be the greatest showman in the history of always!"
"Hmm... I don't doubt that..." Baxter gently caressed the top of his son's head, flashing a warm grin as the little koala finally drifted off to sleep. "Dream big dreams, Buster..."
"ALL CREATURES, GREAT AND SMALL... WELCOME BACK... TO OUTER SPACE!"
A small, chrome spaceship shot like a bullet through the vast blanket of stars and planets. There were already a few cheers at the familiar sight of a female pig in a glittery purple spacesuit, analysing a transparent hologram screen while she announced her Captain's Log.
"My name is Captain Rosita." She said, while a WANTED poster of a sinister looking porcupine appeared on her hologram. "My mission, to track down the elusive Toxic Tyrant before they shape the entire galaxy to their vision."
Rosita swivelled around in her chair as her trusty robot sidekick, Gunter, approached with his report. "Captain, the Tyrant and her army have settled on the Planet of Despair! That's, like, where she's at her most powerful."
"Hmm... then there's no way we can defeat them there alone. We're gonna need some help..." Rosita struck a heroic pose, before she picked up her signature helmet and popped it over her head as she and Gunter headed over to the launch platform. "Take us down!"
The platform gave way beneath the pair, lowering them gracefully down towards the Planet Of War set as an intergalactic piano tune accompanied them. The center of the stage lit up as they landed, revealing the young gorilla that was sat playing the piano in his armor and warpaint.
Sometimes you just can't take it
Sometimes you just can't take it and it isn't alright
You're not gonna make it
And you think your shoe's untied
Whoa-oh!
Johnny stood up from the piano and took centrestage with Nooshy - the lynx wearing makeup and armor nearly identical to his own - and the pair danced perfectly in-sync as Rosita stood in between them and continued.
So hold tight
Hold tight!
Come on
Come on!
Come on
Oh-oh-oh!
The orchestra built up as Rosita ran up the ramp and jumped up. The wire on her back hoisted the pig into the air as she swept around the entire theatre, flying inches above the audience in the highest balconies as she swung by them.
You've got
A higher power
Got me singing every second
Dancing every hour
Oh yeah, you've got
A higher power
And you're really someone
I wanna know
Whoa-oh!
Rosita swung down and landed on the vibrant-coloured Planet Of Joy, prompting it's resident green alien to jump out of her hiding spot. Porsha made a three-point pose as she landed center-stage, pulling a confident smirk with her hands on her hips while she strutted forward like a model.
This joy is electric
This joy is electric and we're sparkling lights
A universe connected
And we're buzzing
Night, after night, after night
This joy is electric
This joy is electric and you're circuiting through
I'm so happy that I'm alive
Happy I'm alive at the same time as you
Rosita and Porsha stood back-to-back as they sang the next chorus together, the wolf having the widest smile on her face as she followed the pig's dance moves.
Cause you've got
A higher power
Got me singing every second
Dancing every hour
Oh yeah, you've got
A higher power
And you're really someone
I wanna know
Whoa-oh!
Porsha slid back and stood between Nooshy and Johnny, the three dancing in-sync while Rosita and Gunter were hoisted up by their wires. The three jumped across to the Planet Of Love set as Rosita and Gunter landed, where Meena was knelt alone in a dark blue hood.
You've got
Yeah, you've got a higher
Yeah, you've got
Yeah, you've got a higher
A small group of backup singers built up the tune more and more as the elephant slowly rose to her feet. In a flash of light, Meena's blue robe suddenly melted away to reveal a sparkling white dress, and she belted out the chorus all on her own while the rest of her co-stars posed behind her.
I got my hands up shaking
Just to let you know now
You've got
A higher power
You've got me singing every second
Dancing every hour
Oh yeah, you've got
A higher power
You're once in any lifetime
I'm going a million miles an hour
With Meena's overpowering voice now leading them, the entire cast joined in for the final bridge, while the ground beneath them changed to an icy white, and a series of sharp mountains - the Planet Of Despair - formed behind them.
When for so long
I'd been down on my knees
Then your love song
Saved me over and over
For so long
I'd been down on my knees
Til your love song
Floats me oh-oh-oh-on
Whoa-oh!
The cast struck their poses centre stage as the song ended, prompting the massive audience of the Majestic Theatre to erupt into applause. The cheers quickly died down into awed silence as the set began to shake and glowing red cracks appeared on the white floor beneath the actors.
"Mission Report..." Rosita spoke into the communicator on her wrist while she and the others pretended to lose their balance. "We have made our way to the Tyrant's sleeping place on the Planet Of Despair, but the Tyrant has awakened. Repeat, the Tyrant has awakened!"
CRACK! The loud riff of an electric guitar caused the ground to burst open, sending the cast flying as the entire stage was engulfed in a hellish red light. The familiar silhouette of a porcupine emerged from the hole in the ground, prompting the others onstage to back away cautiously as their villain - the Toxic Tyrant - emerged into the light, and began her own solo.
Ash wore a vibrant red and black outfit, with contrasting light and dark face paint in the same colour scheme, and held a black guitar covered in silver spikes and glowing red lines. As she played, the echoes of her voice and guitar began to shake the entire theatre, and loud war drums accompanied her rock number.
Sending out the message to all of my friends
I'll be looking flashy in my Mercedes Benz
I got lots of style, check my gold diamond rings
I can go for miles, if you know what I mean
Get this party started on a Saturday night
Everybody's waiting for me to arrive
Hundreds of tarsiers emerged like zombies from the crevice behind Ash, all wearing neon red and green outfits to match their leader's colour scheme. These henchmen all danced in-sync while the porcupine continued her dramatic entrance, some providing subtle backing vocals to her chorus.
I'm... coming up
So you better get this party started
She's coming up!
She's coming!
I'm... coming up
So you better get this party started
She's coming up!
She's coming!
Get this party started!
A full orchestra joined Ash in her solo, the porcupine jumping up and down on the stage while she played. Rosita and the rest of the cast had to duck and cover - partially in character, but mostly to avoid the quills that were shooting out of their co-star's back - but they couldn't resist bopping their heads along while Ash got deep into her solo. She finally slid down on her knees to the very front of the stage, prompting the others to get back up and pose behind her.
Get this party started
Right now!
Out Of This World 2: Revenge Of The Toxic Tyrant had been running at the Majestic Palace for the entire summer, and had once again completely sold out for it's last night. While it's predecessor was an immediate hit, the New Moon Troupe had insisted on making sure they were absolutely confident with making a follow-up show and had plenty of time to make it even better than before. And after three years of development and hype, the wait and effort had more than paid off.
As usual, the first half had ended with rapturous applause, and the cast were currently meeting backstage to prepare for the even bigger second act. Nooshy had remained onstage with some of the other Planet Of War actors, leading them in a self-contained but no less elaborate dance sequence to entertain the audience that were still in their seats.
Stand up like a soldier, baby
Yeah, I know you're built like that
Gun it like a holster, baby
Show them say you're wicked like that
We live where the war is raging
Chasing our crazy dreams
Hoping that the bridge won't cave in
Tonight, we'll let it all go free
While the lynx's talent had become well-renowned since joining the New Moon Troupe, the audience was still amazed by the intricate combination of toprocks, downrocks, spins and backflips Nooshy was pulling off while she sang the chorus.
Gimme the ting and make me rock in a dance
Gimme the ting and make me rock in a dance
Mash it up, hot step in a dance
Gimme the ting and make me...
Light it up!
The catchy, thumping beats of drums and trumpets were still audible backstage while the rest of the cast prepared for the second half. The troupe's leader - the one and only Buster Moon himself - had already come down from his seat in the VIP box, and he and Ms. Crawly were busy complimenting the various crew members and backup dancers while they oversaw the rest of the sets and prop elements.
"Great job, everybody, great job!" The koala was still gushing with praise as he ran over to his main performers. "Fantastic as always, you guys! I mean, Meena, that last note on the opening... hoo, wowzah!"
"Thanks, Mr. Moon..." Meena blushed a bit.
"Seriously though, great job all around, guys." Buster continued. "Oh yeah, and I really liked those dance moves you did up there too, Porsha! Y'come up with those yourself, kiddo...?"
"Well not really, Uncle Buster. I actually got 'em from Rosita." Porsha shrugged, before noticing the mother pig's eyes widen. "Y'know, when ya did that Shake It Off dance a few years back. Ash showed it me."
Rosita rolled her eyes. "Of course she did..."
"Seriously though, it was awesome! Ya looked amazing in that black suit, by the way!"
"Aw... thanks, Porsha..." Rosita chuckled, surprised but still flattered as she held the wolf's hand. "Yeah, I really appreciate it, sunshine."
"Buster? Honey, are you down here?" The deadpan but still slightly concerned voice of Suki spoke up as she entered the room, sighing with relief when she spotted him with the others. "Oh, there you are. Yeah, the show's going great, everyone. Crowd's loving it."
"Aunt Suki!" Porsha quickly ran over into the saluki's arms, this time being on the receiving end of a crushing embrace rather than giving it herself. "I thought you were watching the show tonight...?"
"I am, sweetie." Suki gently kissed the top of the wolf's head, pulling out of the embrace and straightening down her stylish turquoise dress. "Your Uncle Buster just wanted to keep an eye out for somebody."
The rest of the troupe shot up as they heard this, Gunter being the first to speak up. "Ooh! Is it a scout, or is it like a for-real critic?"
"Well... not exactly either of those things, Gunter..." Suki led them all to the corner of the curtain, where Buster was already peeking out to observe the audience. "Any sign of him, honey?"
"Yeah, he's right about... ah-bup-bup-bup... there!"
Buster pointed to one of the lower balconies, where a slender caracal was watching the show. He looked to be in his forties, and wore a lime collared shirt with a dark green vest.
"He works for one of Nana's old friends back home." Buster explained as he looked to the others. "She told me they might wanna work with us when we go back."
"Oh... is it anybody we'd know, Mr. Moon?" Meena asked, prompting a small smirk from the koala.
"Well I definitely think so, Meena, but for the sake of not distracting you guys, I think I'll keep quiet on who it is."
"He looks a bit familiar, though..." Johnny squinted due to the distance. "Not sure where from, but I think I do recognise him from somewhere..."
"Well whoever he is, I think he's enjoying it, Buster." Rosita seemed reassured, before noticing the caracal looking at another unseen figure and laughing inaudibly. "Aw, did he bring his kids with him?"
"Oh, uh... Nana didn't mention if he had kids." Suki said, pursing her lips before holding her handbag closer to her chest. "Alright, I'm gonna head back up there, Buster. Y'staying here...?"
"Yeah, I think I'm just gonna keep watching, make sure he doesn't walk out halfway through..." Buster remained fixated on the caracal. "You go ahead and watch the rest of the show, Suki. We'll see you afterwards."
"Ahem..." Suki's slightly flirtatious voice made Buster turn back to face her. "Aren't you forgetting something, Mr. Moon?"
"Huh...?" Buster thought for a moment, before blushing a bit. "Ah, of course!"
The koala then clambered up on the mixing desk and stretched up higher on his tiptoes, planting a gentle but affectionate kiss on his girlfriend's lips as the others - most notably Porsha - let out a teasing "ooh!"
Suki chuckled lovingly, before looking back to the others as she headed for the doorway. "Right... I'll see you guys after the show!"
"See ya, Suki!" Ash waved as the saluki headed out the door, before stifling a chuckle as she noticed two older porcupines coming in. "Oh boy..."
"Ashley...? Ashley...?! Oh there you are, baby!" The female rushed over and pulled Ash into a tight hug, planting dozens of kisses on her face. "Ooh, you were so amazing up there, sweetie!"
"Ugh, Mom!" Ash whined playfully. "Not in front of the guys!"
"Same goes for the rest of you!" Her mother continued as she looked over to Buster. "You really know how to blow an audience away, Mr. Moon."
"Of course! Wouldn't settle for any less, Susan." Buster quickly rushed over to shake the hand of Ash's father. "And Larry, always a pleasure!"
"You too, Mr. Moon!" Larry laughed, before looking over to the others. "Y'know, every time I think you fellas have hit your peak, you always seem to go higher!"
The rest of the troupe laughed and smiled, flattered by the compliments, before Susan looked back to Ash. "It's not too hot up on that stage, is it? Y'know, you'll be amazed how much weight you can lose through sweating too much, Ashley."
"Mom, don't be ridiculous."
"Your Mom's got a point, Ashley, you're lookin' a little thin." Larry said. "Y'sure you've eaten enough today, honey...?"
"Daddy, I just had dinner with you two before the show, I'm fine!" Ash laughed as she took her parents' hands and started leading them back towards the door. "Come on. Second half's in ten minutes, you need your bathroom breaks..."
"Enjoy the show, you guys!" Porsha called as the older couple left the room.
"Thanks, Porsha!" Susan called back. "You're all doin' great! Take care, everyone!"
Porsha sighed, holding a hand over her heart. "Gosh, I really love your parents, Ash."
"Hmm... yeah..." Ash chuckled. "They're a handful sometimes, but I love 'em."
Buster remained silent as Ash said this, looking down at the floor for a moment or two, before the familiar raspy voice of a crazy old lizard snapped him back to reality. "We're all set for the second half, Mr. Moon!"
"Oh yeah, terrific! Thank you, Ms. Crawly!" Buster shot up, regaining his slightly more militant tone as he looked to the cast. "Right, we got nine minutes, people! Get ready for the second act!"
The actors all murmured in agreement as they went their separate ways, leaving the koala alone at the corner of the curtain. Buster looked out again at the massive, beautiful sets and props, and the even bigger audience in attendance.
Thousands of animals, all creatures great and small, coming to see his show, and loving every minute of it. The young koala watching Nana's performance all those years ago certainly had big ambitions when he was just six-years-old, but even that little guy never thought he'd truly come this far.
"Ah..." Buster sighed with a smile, feeling his eyes misting up a bit. "Dreams don't get much bigger than this, huh Dad?"