Now we're going to... 'What's Opera, Arnold?', which I'm going to disguise it a bit as... well, don't want to give TOO much away! Anyway, enjoy!
Is it me, or have we taken a lot more field trips in our school day? Well, either way, here we third graders were, on the school bus again... this time, going to an opera. On the bus, we heard a lot of people complaining about opera.
"Why do we need to go to an opera?" I heard Gerald complain. "It's a waste of a good field trip!"
"You said a mouthful, pal. Opera is for wimps!" Harold frowned. "And I can't stand the opera music going on!"
One of our teachers, who wasn't Ms. Slovak, but one of the fifth grade teachers who decided to take our third graders, along with a few fifth graders, to this field trip, Mr. Packenham. Why Ms. Slovak didn't come with us, I have no idea. Maybe she had paperwork to fill out that day, I don't know. The point was, Mr. Packenham was our leader and expert on opera, and right now he was listening to a piece of opera music which I will admit, didn't sound too bad.
As soon as the music finished and the bus stopped, Mr. Packenham smiled as he turned to our class. "And that was Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries. What do you think?"
Most of us complained, Stinky being the loudest complainer saying, "This really bites!"
"Now, Stinky, you're entitled to your opinion, but I bet by the time we finished with this field trip, I'll make an opera lover out of you yet!" Mr. Packenham smiled as he played another sample of music. "Now, this is Pagliacci, the singing clown."
Harold mocked it a little by saying, "Oh, look at me, I'm Pagliacci, the big sad clown, boo hoo hoo."
The kids laughed a little before turning back attention to Mr. Packenham as we were getting off the bus in front of an opera hall.
"Anyway..." Mr. Packenham pointed to a poster of a couple holding a pose. "This is what we're going to be seeing today, Carmen. A classic tale of power and faithless love, the opera, Carmen."
I looked up, a little interested in the story. And so was every kid.
"This story settles around the heroine, Carmen, the pitiful gypsy, who flirst with the Spanish officer, Don Jose." Mr. Packenham explained as all the kids smiled, liking the story. "Don Jose is... how you'd say... charmed by Carmen, and lets her escape arrest, for... uh... how do I put this... uh..."
Oh boy, I think this is one of those shows where either gratuitous violence or sex was discussed. I wonder if it's the latter. "...causing harm to another girl."
Yeah, it was the former. I turned to Phoebe as I said, "What do you think, Phoebe?"
"I'm personally excited." Phoebe smiled. "Carmen is a great story!"
We turned back towards Mr. Packenham as he continued, "But Carmen forgets all about her love for Don Jose the minute she sets eyes on the toreror, Escamillo."
"Toreror?" Gerald said. "What's that?"
Curly, back to his usual crazy antics, smiled as he pulled out a white cloth. "You know, a toreador, a bull fighter!"
Curly then held the white sheet as Harold imitated a bull and charged as Curly pulled back the cloth and Harold ran past. I will admit, as childish as Curly was, he did have a good charm. If only he'd stop giving me that stupid look...
The lights then flashed in the opera theater as Mr. Packenham said in excitement, "Oh my gosh! Well, the show's about to start! Everyone have your tickets ready!"
We all chattered in excitement as we walked inside, ready for anything. As we walked, Nadine said, "You really think this opera would be great?"
"I think so." I smiled. "I'm a fan of music, as my mom and dad are, and I heard them listening to a few opera CDs, so I wouldn't mind listening to it."
"But you do have personal tastes, for music?" Phoebe asked as we went in.
"Well, personally, I'd rather go to Broadway and listen to their musicals. I'm a Broadway girl." I explained. "Though it wouldn't hurt to listen to opera every now and again."
As we went towards our seats, Phoebe asked, "Aren't you worried that Ruth just happens to be on the same bus seeing the same story as us and Arnold?"
I sighed. "I'd like to not think about that right now. Besides, as you know, it's just a puppy love crush."
"Chances are, he'll probably imagine himself and Ruth on that stage, doing a rendition of opera." Nadine said.
"Well, if he lulls himself to sleep, that's his problem. If I were to lull myself to sleep to this music... well, I'd be imagining doing a Broadway show of my life up to now." I smiled. "Besides, I like Broadway shows. Opera ends mostly in tragedy anyway."
Phoebe and Nadine paused as Phoebe said, "I suppose you have a point."
Pretty soon, everybody was getting into their seats, as we saw Arnold and Gerald sitting next to us as the music started. I sighed as I kept watching the play. The continuous singing was great, and...
You know... it's not bad... could...
...easily...
...stay a...
...awak...
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to say, thank you all for making it through this with us so far! As a special gift from me to you, I like to present these musical numbers for you, depicting the past events so far! Enjoy!"
I woke up as I noticed that I was on a stage version of the city as I saw the other kids who seemed to be ready for a big production number. I saw Arnold smiling as music was starting up. Arnold walked out to the stage as he began his musical number.
(To the tune of 'Belle' from 'Beauty and the Beast')
(Arnold)
What a day,
To go in my own daze,
Like the days,
I have had before...
Going through
My own everyday life,
With random words like this...
Some of the kids in the play then started shouting random words. "Dance floor! Cold war! Front door! Galore! No more!"
There goes Harold being mean as always,
The same old tricks he does is bold!
Every morning just the same,
But this one I can get tame,
In this same old boring life!
"Hey Arnold!" Harold smirked as he walked past Arnold. "Look at me, I'm a bully!"
"So you are." Arnold rolled his eyes.
"Watch yourself, Ah-nold! I'll be watching!" Harold said as he walked off quickly, me just watching as I was confused by the events. Was I dreaming this? I must be, because every kid was singing!
(All kids except Rhonda)
Look, there he goes, the boy is nice, no doubt!
This boy has some eyes that glow like gold!
(Gerald)
Never lets life get him down!
(Curly)
Even knows what rhymes with noun!
(All kids except Rhonda)
No doubt that he is very nice, Arnold!
(Stinky)
Hello!
(Sid)
Hey there!
(Stinky)
How is your long day!
(Sheena)
Hello!
(Pea Pod Kid)
Hey there!
(Sheena)
How is your friend?
Eugene tried to run in, but slid offscreen and crashed into something.
(Eugene)
I am okay!
(Curly)
He hit a spotlight!
(Arnold)
I never want this good old day to end!
The song then stopped playing as I came on stage with Phoebe and Nadine as a new song started up.
(To the tune of 'The Bronco's Buck' from 'Wander Over Yonder')
(Rhonda)
We need to get the book away from my cute crush!
There's a drawing in there that I must retrieve!
(Nadine)
I don't get what's the deal,
If you tell him, you'll feel free,
That you can very well believe!
"It's not simple!" I sighed, looking at my friends.
(Phoebe)
With your secret, it's not very healthy to keep,
No good secret can be kept forever!
(Nadine and Phoebe)
But don't feel bad, we are here
You can always lend a good ear
Plus we always find ways that's clever!
I looked nervously as Arnold was now coming onstage, looking at the pink book that I accidentally "dropped" on his lap.
So what if he has your silly poems,
He thinks they're cute!
I saw Arnold giving a slight smile at the poems as I smile back.
It's not like that he will give them
the old, old boot!
I sighed as he didn't notice as he walked along his way.
You two make a really good couple,
Don't you agree?
You're nervous to say you love him,
Open your heart with your small key!
I turned to see Phoebe and Nadine give a small dance as I gave a smile to the girls.
Just give your heart a very big chance
You've had this heartache for very long!
It'll all be worth it, you will agree
Because finally you will see,
You'll convey your feelings through song!
Oh yeah!
You'll convey your feelings through...
Song!
I decided to join Phoebe and Nadine in their silly dance as I heard Curly doing some silly sounds and random dances in the background as the song finally ended. The stage was then set up as me, Phoebe, Arnold, Gerald, Harold, and Curly were now sitting around the table where we had the meeting on whether Eugene was guilty or not.
(To the tune of 'A Step in the Right Direction' from 'Bedknobs and Broomsticks')
(Arnold)
Let's give the evidence another good look!
(Rhonda)
After all, Eugene may not be guilty as portrayed!
(Arnold)
Let's give the evidence another good look!
(Rhonda)
After all, Eugene may not be guilty as portrayed!
(Harold)
I think Eugene did it because of a witness!
A made up cousin of Stinky's, it's my business!
(Rhonda)
Did the witness get good proof, I don't think so!
Eugene may not be guilty, should we go?
(Arnold)
Let's give the evidence another good look!
(Rhonda)
Eugene may not be guilty, should we go?
(Arnold)
Let's give the evidence another good look!
(Rhonda)
Eugene may not be guilty, should we go?
(Phoebe)
I have the numbers, they really don't lie
Statistically, Eugene did it on the fly
(Rhonda)
Anyone knows why Eugene wears socks with sandals?
Eugene may not be guilty, it's a scandal!
(Arnold)
Let's give the evidence another good look!
(Rhonda)
Eugene may not be guilty, it's a scandal!
(Arnold)
Let's give the evidence another good look!
(Rhonda)
Eugene may not be guilty, it's a scandal!
(Gerald)
I'm telling you, Eugene has done it!
The evidence piles against him, bit by bit!
(Rhonda)
That may be true, but Eugene may be betrayed,
After all, Eugene may not be guilty as portrayed!
The confident song then ended as Curly stood up as he was about to announce his guiltiness... but then the stage turned as Nadine came out in a detective outfit, joining me and Phoebe as the others left the stage as we looked around as if looking around for somebody.
(To the tune of 'New Scooby-Doo Movies' intro)
(Rhonda, Nadine, Phoebe)
Hey, Tucker!
Tucker Wittenburg
Lookin' for you!
Tucker Wittenburg, where are you?
You are missing, we know you're not around!
But we are determined to find you, just make a sound!
Tucker!
Wittenburg!
Tucker!
Wittenburg!
Me, Nadine and Phoebe started poking around random corners as we were trying to find Tucker, but no luck.
La la la la la, la la la la
La la la la la, la la la!
Tucker!
Wittenburg!
Tucker!
"Oh, Rhonda!" Nadine and Phoebe smiled.
"Wake up, please!" Phoebe said.
"What?" I blinked.
"Huh, what?" I looked around and saw that the stage for Carmen was setting up for the second act.
"Have you paid any attention to what I've been saying?" Phoebe frowned as she looked at me strangely.
"Of course... uh..." I said, trying to look up in the sky.
"You're looking up at the ceiling. That indicates you weren't listening." Phoebe frowned.
"Sorry, I guess I dozed for a moment." I sighed.
Phoebe smiled. "That's all right, we don't blame you. Look, Arnold did it too."
I turned to see Arnold dozing off a bit too. The next thing I knew, we saw a spitball hitting Arnold. Arnold got up and looked around in confusion. "What the? Hey, cut it out! Who's doing that?"
We all turned to glare at Harold, who said, "Hey, I had to shut you up somehow! Your snoring was louder than the orchestra."
Everyone except me, Arnold, Gerald, Phoebe and Nadine laughed. I turned a slight glare to Harold, who didn't notice, as I turned back to my seat.
"So, what's next?" I asked.
"If you can keep yourself awake again, the next act is going to have Carmen trying to convince Don Jose to desert from the army and join her band of gypsy smugglers. All goes ok for a while, but then this really handsome guy named Escamillo comes along." Phoebe started as I tried to...
...pay...
...atten...
...ti...
I was back at the stage again as I noticed it was set up like the Cheese Festival. Nearby, I saw Arnold staring his eyes into Ruth, who was looking up. I sighed as I looked down.
(To the tune of 'Kiss the Girl' from 'The Little Mermaid')
(Nadine)
There you see him,
Staring at her through his eyes!
You're afraid that you'll lose him,
But you know you have to say it!
Please, Rhonda, you have to try,
You really have to date the boy!
"Nadine?" I asked as I saw Nadine and Phoebe coming out, beating drums to the rhythm.
(Nadine and Phoebe)
This is your moment!
Get close to him right now!
Rhonda, please do it soon,
Or you'll miss your opportunity,
You'll be free,
And you'll feel much better
Once you date the boy!
Getting filled with confidence, I went over to where Arnold was and sat down next to him.
Please, please, please, please, please, just do it now,
Don't have a cow,
Come on and date the boy!
Arnold turned to me as we stared into our eyes.
Rhonda, as your very best friends,
We please advise you,
Just say you love the boy!
I was about to say my feelings... when all of a sudden, the music changed as we were now in a train setting, Phoebe, Nadine, Arnold, Gerald and I were on stage. We looked to Phoebe as she frowned.
(To the tune of 'Gravity Falls' intro)
(Gerald)
Do you see? This train is haunted!
(Phoebe)
No, it isn't and I can prove it!
(Arnold)
The lights have all just gone off!
(Phoebe)
We only went through a tunnel!
(Nadine)
The fiery pits of this hell?
(Phoebe)
We're all at the steel mill!
(Rhonda)
I guess we all feel silly!
(Phoebe)
Another mystery solved! Case closed!
The setting then changed as we were in the background, me, Nadine and Phoebe talking with Curly as he held up a wanted poster of Lana Vail.
(To the tune of 'Never Smile at a Crocodile' from 'Peter Pan')
(Curly)
Never trust that Lana Vail!
No you have to get away from Lana Vail!
Don't be too tempted by her welcome grin!
She'll kidnap you and send you to another dimension!
Never trust that Lana Vail!
She kidnapped Tucker and my sister too!
Run away! Find the kids!
We need to do something! Save the day!
Just as long as we don't trust Lana Vail!
The stage then changed up as if to make a big finale as every kid came out, Arnold in the front of the stage, the last part of the first tune starting to play.
(To the last part of the tune of 'Belle' from 'Beauty and the Beast')
(Arnold)
There must be more to life than just the bores!
(Rhonda)
Someday, Arnold, I hope I will be yours!
All of a sudden, the crowd of kids crowded me up as I tried to get through to unite with Arnold.
(Everyone except Arnold and Rhonda)
Hey Arnold, he's the boy that's peculiar!
He's like a God that's not very cold!
He's a very odd one!
We're almost done with this song!
He's a very good boy,
A nice and good boy,
He really is a good boy,
Arnold!
I then united with Arnold as I held his hand, the curtain coming down as the musical ending.
Around the same time, the curtain was setting down as I was waking up. I yelped as I realized I put my head on Arnold's lap, who had dozed off too. I quickly jolted upright as Arnold was about to get up.
I turned to see Phoebe and Nadine, both of whom smirked as Nadine said, "So, how was your beauty sleep?"
"Why didn't you girls wake me?" I whispered.
"You looked cute sleeping with him, we didn't want to wake you." Phoebe smiled.
"Sorry I didn't pay attention to the play... again." I sighed.
"That's okay." Phoebe smiled. "We'll tell you on the way home... if you can stay awake that long."
I blushed. "Oh, shut up."
Well, as our school packed up from the school bus and left, I stayed awake to listen to what I missed, this time, listening to Phoebe intently. But I couldn't think back to that dream... it felt... magical.
There's the twenty-sixth episode! How do you like it? How do you like the song parodies I did? I have some extended versions, but I'm going to post them up on Deviantart... when that'll be, I don't know. Anyway, read, review, criticize and suggest, folks!