"Finally, the casting calls." Alvin and the Chipmunks looked over the call backs, praying that at least one of them was in the show. "Oh. Simon, can you look for me? I'm too nervous" asked Theodore, trembling. "Of course, Theodore." Simon shifted his glasses closer to his face, trying to get a better look at the names on the list. Most of the names, he didn't recognize. However, he picked up three names that made him more then happy. "We're in" he shouted, practically leaping into the air. "Who's in" asked Alvin, nearly being knocked down by his suddenly excited brother. "We are" said Simon "we're all in!" "What" Alvin shouted, pushing his brother aside "let me see." True to Simon's word, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore were all in, each one of them taking a lead male role. Alvin had the role of Enjolras, the heroic leader of the French revolution. "I got the lead" screamed Alvin, twirling in place. "Yes you do, Alvin" said Simon, dryly "and as did Enjolras, you will die a hero's death at the barricades." "Wait, I die" screamed Alvin, looking to his brother. "Unfortunately" was all Simon replied. "Ah man, I get a bum deal, why do I" the rest Alvin mumbled and grumbled under his breath as he trotted off to his locker.
"Simon, what part do I play" asked Theodore, "nothing big, right?" Once again, Simon looked at the casting calls, surprised by the part Theodore will play. "Uh oh" was all Simon mumbled, seeing his brother have one of the largest roles in the play. Theodore was to play the part of Marius, a young revolutionary, the sole survivor of the battle at the barricades, and Cosette's love interest. As he looked closer at the casting calls, to his surprise, the Chipettes also made it, with Eleanor taking the role of Cosette. 'But that's impossible' he thought to himself, 'the chances of all six of us being in this play are astronomical'. "Well, what's my part" asked Theodore. "Um, well, you've got the part of Marius, a pretty big part" said Simon, emphasizing the big part. "H-h-h-hh-how big" stuttered Theodore. "Big" Simon said again. Theodore began to whimper, fear rushing through him. "Lucky" said Alvin, walking up from behind his young, round brother. "But, I just wanted a small part. I can't go on stage with a lead." "Oh relax, Theo. Remember, you're a part of the biggest trio in rock and roll" Alvin reassured. "But, what if I mess up" whimpered Theodore, honestly scared. "Don't worry, we'll help you" said Alvin, laying an arm around his brother's shoulders. "Really" asked Theodore reassured. "Really." And with that, Alvin and Theodore mad their way to their lockers.
Simon stayed behind, looking over who exactly was in the play. His eyes stopped when he saw his name, pride beaming within him as he read the name of the character he'll play. Simon was to play the part of Jean Valjean, the run away convict who pushes the plot along within the play. As his eyes wander across the list, he also noted the chipette's roles. Brittany was to have the part of Fantine, a little upset as she'll die before the end of the first half. Eleanor, as mentioned before, was to play the part of Cosette, a fitting part for her. And Jeanette, was to play Eponine, unfortunately. So far, he had mixed feelings about the parts they'll all be playing. That mixed feeling turned to pure dread, as he saw the name of someone he hoped to never meet again.
"Hello, 24601." Simon turned around slowly, coming face to face with Chase Beandict. "Chase? When'd you audition for the play" asked Simon, feeling his fur begin to coat itself in a cold sweat. "Yesterday. I knew that if any of you rats were in, I wouldn't be able to borrow your stuff." "You mean steal" corrected Simon. "Whatever. Anyway, I just knew that you guys were going to be in, so I auditioned yesterday. Fortunately, there was one part open, and now, you're looking at the new Javes." "That's Javert" corrected Simon again. "Whatever! Anyway, first practice is today. I got to go, and relax, we'll have a lot of fun together." And with that, Chase left, leaving Simon to shocked and dumbfounded to move.
The first practice has come, as the six chipmunks stood before the auditorium door. "So, this is it" said Eleanor as she stared at the door. "Yep" replied Alvin. "Another play" said Simon to himself. "Well, lets just hope that this doesn't turn into another Jekyll and Hyde. Come on, girls" said Brittany, pushing the doors open and dragging her sisters in. Alvin and his brothers followed close behind, keeping weary eyes open. Since Simon told them that Chase was going to be in the play to, their joy and admiration feel to fear. Especially Jeanette, who had a run in with Chase before lunch. Once again, Chase took Jeanette's glasses, and crushed them. Only, this time, he stomped on them, then put them back on her face. It was a good thing Jeanette has spare pairs, most of which she kept in Simon's care.
"Okay children, settle down, settle down" said Mr. Rochelle, scooting all the students off the stage and in the seats. "Everyone here? Good. Well, I just want you all to know how proud I am that so many of you volunteered, auditioned, and were able to reach the parts in what has to be one of the greatest shows ever written: Les Misérables. It just, brings tears to my eyes" said Mr. Rochelle, pulling out a handkerchief and wiping away his tears. As he did, his tears began to pour more, fully crying. Alvin turned a little to his brothers and the chipettes, giving the classic "screw loose" sign. All the while, Chase began to shoot spitballs into the chipette's hair, namely Brittany's. When one of the three felt it, they turned to Chase, who was acting innocently. Of course, none of them were buying it. Finally, Mr. Rochelle stopped crying. "I'm sorry, I promised myself I wouldn't cry. Anyway, do we have any questions before first practice?" Instantly Alvin and Brittany raised their hands. 'No surprise' thought Mr. Rochelle. "Okay, um, Brittany, you first." "Thank you Mr. Rochelle" said Brittany, curtsying. 'Oh brother' thought Alvin. "My question is about my part, the part of Fantine." Mr. Rochelle allowed her to proceed. "Why do I have to be the first to die!? It's not fare! I'm got talent coming out of my ears, and I die before I can show it!?"
As Brittany continued her rant of her "talent", Chase began to shoot spitballs at the chipmunks. For the most part, they tried to ignore it. However, when Chase threw his shoe at the back of Simon's head, that was the last straw. "Knock it off" demanded Simon, rising from his seat. "Simon Seville" called Mr. Rochelle. "Y-yes sir" Simon squeaked. "Is there something you'd like to share with us?" Simon looked back towards Chase, putting a finger to his lips. Simon just glared at him, until Chase's next action. Chase's next one was more a warning: him dragging his index finger across his neck. That turned Simon pale. "No sir" mumbled Simon, returning to his seat. "Well then, since you seem so eager to act, but so reluctant to, why don't we start our practice? Okay, I need the chorus, Jean Veljean, and Javert to report to center stage." And with that, the chorus, Simon, and Chase made their way to the stage. The chorus stood behind Simon and Chase, standing on preacher rows. This was just a practice, so the stage was pretty bare, and there were no costumes. "Alright everyone, places" said Mr. Rochelle, pulling out a CD and placing it in the audio system. Mr. Rochelle walked around the stage, handing out scripts to all the players on it. "Everyone ready" he asked giddily. 'As much as I'll ever be' thought Simon, taking one last look at the intimidating Chase beside him. And then, the music started. It was the first work song, the overture of the play.
(Chorus)
Look down, look down
Don't look 'em in the eye
Look down, look down
You're here until you die
(Solo)
The sun is strong
It's hot as Hell below
(Chorus)
Look down, look down
There's twenty years to go
(Solo)
I've done no wrong!
Sweet Jesus hear my prayers!
(Chorus)
Look down, look down
Sweet Jesus doesn't care
(Solo)
I know she'll wait
I know she'll be true
(Chorus)
Look down, look down
They've all forgotten you
(Solo)
When I get free
You won't see me
Here for dust!
(Chorus)
Look down, look down
Don't look 'em in the eye
(Solo)
How long, oh Lord
Before you let me die?
(Chorus)
Look down, look down
You'll always be a slave
Look down, look down
You're standing in your grave
(Chase/Javert)
Now bring me 24601
Your time is up
and your parole's begun
You know what that mean
(Simon/Valjean)
Yes, it means I'm free
(Chase/Javert)
NO!
It means you get your yellow ticket-of-leave
You are a thief…
(Simon/Valjean)
I stole a loaf of bread
(Chase/Javert)
You robbed a house
(Simon/Valjean)
I broke a window pane.
My sister's child was close to death
And we were starving…
(Chase/Javert)
You will starve again
Unless you learn the meaning of the law
(Simon/Valjean)
I know the meaning of those 19 years
A slave, of the law
(Chase/Javert)
Five years for what you did
The rest because you tried to run
Yes 24601...
(Simon/Valjean)
My name is Jean Valjean
(Chase/Javert)
And I'm Javert
Do not forget my name!
Do not forget me
24601
(Chorus)
Look down, look down
You'll always be a slave
Look down, look down
You're standing in your grave
"Oh, bravisimo, bravisimo, that was wonderful. You were all wonderful." Mr. Rochelle continued to praise the students for their singing, but none more so then Chase. Surprisingly, he was an excellent singer, he could even match the chipmunk's skill. Even Simon was surprised; this ruthless bully who harasses him, his brothers, and his friends on a daily basis, was this skilled? 'Oh, this is going to be one long semester' thought all the chipmunks and chipettes.