Chapter 10
"These are my friends
See how they glisten
See this one shine
How he smiles in the light
My friend
My faithful friend
Speak to me friend
Whisper, I'll listen
I know, I know
You've been locked out of sigh
All these years
Like me my friend
Well I've come home
To find you waiting.
Home...and we're together
And we'll do wonders.
Won't we?"
The director nodded as he watched and listened from the auditorium seats. Misty stood near the back of the stage, working on designs for the set and humming the same song to herself as it played in her mp3 player. Gregory took a deep breath before going on in his strong, but dulcet tone. However, he was not alone as Misty began singing to herself.
"You there my friend (I'm your friend too, Mr. Todd)
Come let me hold you (If you only knew Mr. Todd)
Now, with a sigh (Ooh Mr. Todd)
You grow warm in my hand (You're warm in my hand)
My friends! (You've come home!)
My clever friend...(Always had a fondness for you I did)"
Gregory glanced back at her a little before moving on with her singing along to her own track. She'd caught the attention of the director as well, who was now watching her and listening to her voice and Gregory's together.
"Rest now, my friends
Soon I'll unfold you (Never you fear Mr. Todd)
Soon you'll know (You can move in here Mr. Todd)
Splendorsyou'll never have dreamed (Splendors you never have dreamed)
All your days (All your days will be yours!)
My lucky friends! (I'm your friend)
Till now your shine (And you're mine!)
Don't they shine beautiful?
Was merely silver (Silver's good enough for me)
Friends! (Mr. T...)
You shall drip rubies!
You'll soon drip precious...rubies...."
For a moment all was silent as they stared at Misty carefully. She was still swaying a little to the music in her ear phones. After a moment, she lifted her pencil from the paper she'd been sketching on and spoke in a deep tone to match Johnny Depp's.
"At last!" she cried, "My arm is complete again!!"
Lynx rolled his eyes as he nudged the back of her knee with his foot, drawing her from her music and to turn to him. She started when she saw everyone staring before pouting a little.
"I was singing out loud again, wasn't I?" she asked sourly.
"Yeah..." Lynx laughed, "You were."
"Dammit..." she sighed to herself before turning to the director, "I'm sorry, sir, I have the Sweeney Todd movie soundtrack and I thought I'd listen to it a little...I guess I get a little absorbed with the lyrics..."
"No, no, that's quite alright..." the director stuttered as he stood slowly, "Could you come forward, though?"
Misty shrugged and did as he asked.
"Sing another song from the musical," he demanded gently, "Your voice worked very beautifully with Gregory's. I'd like to hear you sing by yourself. Sing...'Worst Pies in London' for me."
Misty furrowed her brow, but nodded and searched through her songs on her mp3 player to get the music in her head; keeping one earphone in. After a moment, she began.
"Wait! What's your rush? What's your hurry?
You gave me such a fright I thought you was a ghost
Half a minute can't you sit, sit you down, sit!
All I meant is that I haven't seen a customer for weeks
Did you come in for a pie sir?
Do forgive me if my head's a little vague
What was that?
But you'd think we had the plague.
From the way that people keep avoiding!
No you don't!
Heaven knows I try, sir!
But there's no one comes in even to inhale!
Right you are, sir, would you like a drop of ale?
Mind you I can hardly blame them!
These are probably the worst pies in London.
I know why nobody cares to take them!
I should know!
I make them!
But good? No...
The worst pies in London...
Even that's polite! The worst pies in London!
If you doubt it take a bite!
Is that just disgusting?
You have to concede it!
It's nothing but crusting!
Here drink this, you'll need it.
The worst pies in London
And no wonder with the price of meat
What it is
When you get it
If you get it.
Never thought I'd live to see the day.
Men'd think it was a treat
Findin' poor
Animals
That are dyin' in the street.
Mrs. Mooney has a pie shop.
Does a business, but I notice something weird.
Lately, all her neighbors cats have disappeared.
Have to hand it to her!
What a course, enterprise!
Poppin' pussies into pies!
Wouldn't do in my shop!
Just the thought of it's enough to make you sick!
And I'm telling you them pussycats is quick.
No denying times is hard, sir!
Even harder than the worst pies in London.
Only lard and nothing more-
Is that just revolting?
All greasy and gritty?
It looks like it's molting!
And tastes like...well pity.
A woman alone...with limited wind
And the worst pies in London!
Ah, sir
Times is hard.
Times is hard."
She fisted her hands in her pockets once the song was over and turned the mp3 player off for the moment. The director nodded a few times as he eyed her and Gregory in thought.
"Alright," he spoke after a long moment, "Thank you."
Misty rolled her eyes and returned to working on sketch designs for the set while Lynx stepped up to audition.
"Alright," the director mused, "You're Lynx yes? Trying out for...Mr. Pirelli..."
Lynx nodded and cleared his throat as he grinned excitedly.
"I am Adolfo Pirelli
Da king of da barbers
Da barber of kings
E buon giorno, good day
I blow you a kiss!
And I, da so famous Pirelli
I wish-a to know-a
Who has-a the nerve-a to say
My elixir is piss!
Who says this?!"
The director nodded as he wrote something down before Lynx started again. He knew he'd have to sing more to be sure of his part in the play.
"Now signorini, signori
We mix-a da lather
But first-a you gather around
Signorini, signori
You looking a man
Who had-a da glory
To shave-a da Pope!
Mr. Sweeney whoever--
I beg-a you pardon
You'll probably say it was only a cardinal--
Nope!
It was-a da pope!"
There was a murmur of giggles from the people in the auditorium.
"To shave-a da face
To cut-a da hair
Require da grace
Require da flair
For if-a you slip
You nick da skin
You clip-a da chin
You rip-a da lip a bit beyond-a repair!
To shave-a da face
Or even a part
Widout it-a smart
Require da heart!
Not just-a da flash
It take-a panache
It take-a da passion for da art
To shave-a da face
To trim-a da beard
To make-a da bristle
Clean like a whistle
Dis is from early infancy
Da talent give to me
By God!"
Another short murmur of laughs rumbled through the room.
"It take-a da skill
It take-a da brains
It take-a da will
To take-a da pains!
It take-a da pace
It take-a da graaaace!"
When Lynx hit that amazingly high note, a long cackle tore through the auditorium. However, that didn't stop Lynx from finishing his note and ending the note. The director clapped, praising Lynx for hitting such a difficult note and keeping a straight face while doing so. He seemed very impressed that Lynx was able to conquer such fast and difficult lyrics. He wasn't the only one to applaud, though, and was joined by the others in the room. Lynx smirked a little and took a bow.
"Well, I think we have Todd and Pirelli pretty much written up," he chuckled.
"Really?!" Lynx cried excitedly, "Alright!!"
With that, he bounded off the stage, cheering. The director laughed and shook his head.
"Alright," he sighed, "Jonathan, you're auditioning for the role of the judge?"
Johnny's ears burned in embarrassment as he stepped onto the stage and took a tentative glance at Misty.
"That's 'Johnny'," he mumbled, though loud enough for the man to hear, "And yes..."
"I'm sorry, yes, Johnny," the director nodded before glancing around, "Um...Gregory?"
The Sackville-Bagg glanced up at him.
"Would you mind coming forward?" the director asked, "I want to hear Johnny sing with you...to test your harmony."
Gregory nodded and stepped forward to stand beside Johnny.
"Johnny, you start," the director grinned.
Johnny took a deep breath before beginning.
"You see sir, a man infatuate with love
Her ardent and eager slave
So fetch the pomade and pumice stone
And lend me a more seductive tone
A sprinkling perhaps of French cologne
But first, sir, I think...a shave..."
There was a pause before Gregory sang his part.
"The closest I ever gave..."
To the surprise of most of the people, Gregory even whistled the tune of the last line shortly afterward.
"You're in a merry mood today, Mr. Todd," Johnny spoke in a superficial tone.
Gregory answered him with singing.
"Tis your delight, sir, catching fire
From one man to the next."
"Tis true, sir, love can still inspire
The blood, to pound, the heart leap higher
What more--"
"What more?"
"Can man require"
"Than love, sir?"
"More than love, sir?"
"What, sir?"
"Women"
"Ah, yes...women"
"Pretty women"
Curiously, the two glanced at Misty slightly before continuing with Johnny singing (somewhat) and Gregory whistling.
"Bom-bom-bom-bom-bom-bom-bom-bom
Bom-bom-bom-bom-bom-bom-bom-bom"
After a moment, Johnny bowed his head and let Gregory take over a little.
"Now then, my friend
Now to your purpose
Patience...Enjoy it
Revenge can't be taken in haste--"
"Make haste and if we wed,
You'll be commended, sir"
"My lord...
And who, may it be said is your intended, sir?"
"My ward..."
Johnny paused.
"And pretty as a rosebud..." he murmured.
"Pretty as her mother?" Gregory hissed back.
"What?" Johnny asked, glancing at him curiously as he stayed in character, "What was that?"
"Nothing, sir. Nothing," Gregory stuttered before smirking, "Shall we proceed?"
"Pretty women
Fascinating
Sipping coffee
Dancing
Pretty women
Are a wonder
Pretty women
Sitting in the window
Or standing on the stair...
Something in them cheers the air...
Pretty women"
"Silhouetted"
"Stay within you"
"Glancing"
"Stay forever"
"Breathing lightly"
"Pretty women"
"Pretty women"
"Blowing out their (Blowing out their)"
"Candles"
"Or combing out their...(Combing out their)"
"Hair"
"Then they leave..."
"Even when they leave..."
"Even when they leave you and vanish (They still...)
They somehow can still remain with you (Are there...)"
"They're there..."
"With you..."
"Pretty women"
"At the mirror"
"In the garden"
"Letter writing"
"Flower picking"
"Weather watching"
"How they make a man see
Proof of heaven
As you're living
Pretty Women (Sir!)
Pretty Women (Yes!)
Pretty Women
Pretty Women
Pretty women..."
"Very good," the director clapped when the two reached the sudden end of the song, "Thank you, Johnny..."
The bassist took a bow before walking over to chat with Misty and while Gregory did the same.
"Let's see..." the director smiled, "I believe Jimmy is next, yes?"
"Yup!" Jimmy cried as he skipped up to the stage.
"And you are trying out for which part?"
"Anthony."
"Alright."
Jimmy cleared his throat before composing himself.
"I feel you Johanna
I feel you
I was half-convinced I'd wakened
Satisfied enough to dream you
Happily I was mistaken
Johanna...
I'll steal you, Johanna
I'll steal you
Do they think that walls can hide you?
Even now, I'm at your window
I am in the dark beside you
Buried sweetly in your yellow hair!
I feel you, Johanna
And one day
I'll steal you...
Till I'm with you then,
I'm with you there
Sweetly buried in your yellow hair..."
The director nodded approvingly.
"Very nice performance," he nodded, "Alright, Um...Let's have little Teddy up, shall we?"
Teddy blushed and walked onto the stage. He hated being called 'little'.
"Alright, it says here you want to try out for 'Toby'?"
Teddy nodded.
"Okay, sing 'Pirelli's Miracle Elixir, then," the director ordered in a gentle tone, "Gregory, please sing any of Todd's parts so the boy can stay on track with the song."
The two nodded and took a deep breath.
"Ladies and gentlemen
May I have your attention please?!
Do you wake every morning in shame and despair
To discover your pillow is covered with hair?
What ought not to be there?
Well, ladies and gentlemen
From now on you can waken at ease!
You need never again have a worry or care
I will show you a miracle marvelous rare!
Gentlemen you are about to see something
What rose from the dead
On the top of my head!"
He paused a moment as he pulled back a little.
"Twas Pirelli's Miracle Elixir
That's what did the trick, sir
True, sir, true
Was it quick, sir?
Did it in a tick, sir
Just like an Elixir ought to do.
How about a bottle mister?
Only costs a penny guaranteed
Does Pirelli's stimulate the growth, sir?
You can have my oath, sir
Tis unique.
Rub a minute
Stimulatin' in't it
Soon you'll have thin it
Once a week!"
Here, Gregory 'interrupted'.
"Pardon me, ma'am, what's that awful stench?
Must be standing near an open trench..."
"Buy Pirelli's
Miracle Elixir
Anything wot's slick, sir
Soon sprouts curls
Try Pirelli's!
When they see how thick, sir
You can have your pick, sir
Of the girls!
Wanna buy a bottle, missus?"
"What is this?
Smells like piss
Looks like piss
This is piss
Piss with ink"
"Let Pirelli's
Miracle Elixir
Activate your roots, sir--"
"Keep it off your boots, sir
Eats right through"
"Yes, get Pirelli's!
Use a bottle of it!
Ladies seem to love it--"
"Flies do, too!" Misty cried back at the last moment with a grin.
Teddy blushed and smiled back at her sheepishly before turning back to the director.
"You have a very nice voice..." the man smiled, "You would make an excellent Toby..."
"Thank you, sir!" Teddy smiled brightly before walking over to Misty.
"How'd I do, guys?" he asked.
"You were great!" Lynx laughed back, clapping his shoulder.
"You sing very well," Misty complimented, earning another blush.
"Thank you..." he stuttered back.
"Alright," the director called, "Olivia, you're next."
The blonde girl who'd approached them at lunch the day before ran up onto the stage and grinned cutely.
"And what part do you want to try out for...?"
"Johanna..." she smiled, glancing at Jimmy cutely.
The goth grimaced a little when she turned away again.
"Alright, begin, then," the director replied.
She cleared her throat a moment.
"Green finch and linnet birdNightingale, blackbird
How is it you sing?
How can you jubilate sitting in cages
Never taking wing?
Outside the sky waits beckoning, beckoning
Just beyond the bars
How can you remain,
Staring at the rain
Maddened by the stars?
How is it you sing, anything?
How is it you sing?
My cage has many rooms,
Damask and dark
Nothing there sings,
Not even my lark
Larks never will, you know
When their captive
Teach me to be more adaptive
Ahhhhhhhh
Green finch and linnet bird
Nightingale, blackbird
Teach me how to sing
If I cannot fly
Let me sing"
She curtsied before grinning smugly.
"Very good," the director nodded, "Julia, you're next."
Jules walked onstage and smiled as she stood there, waiting for him to nod at her to start.
"You're trying out for...Ms. Lovett...?" he asked, glancing at her.
She nodded and glanced at Gregory, who grimaced just like Jimmy had.
"Alright, go on," the director sighed, "Gregory, you add where you need to."
She smiled shyly as he begrudgingly stepped up beside her, his hands fisted in his pockets as he stood, slouched over and angry. She edged a little closer to him before starting.
"Ooh, Mr. Todd!I'm so happy!
I could
Eat you up, I really could!
You know what I'd like to do, Mr. Todd?
What I dream
If the business stays as good?
Where I'd really like to go,
In a year or so?
Don't you want to know?"
"Yes, yes, of course," Gregory drawled, bored.
"Do you really want to know?"
"Yes, I do, I do..." he sighed.
"I've always had this dream..." she began, holding his arm, "Ever since I was a skinny little slip of a thing and my rich Aunt Nettie used to take me down to the seaside August Bank Holiday...The pier... Makin' little castles in the sand...Ooh, I can still feel me toes wigglin' around in the brine!"
"By the sea, Mr. Todd
That's the life I covet,
By the sea, Mr. Todd
Ooh, I know you'd love it!
You and me, Mr. T
We could be alone
In a house wot we'd almost own,
Down by the sea! (Anything you say...)
Wouldn't that be smashing?
With the sea at our gate, we'll have kippered herring
Wot have swum to us straight from the Straits of Bering!
Ev'ry night, in the kip, when we're through our kippers,
I'll be there slippin' off your slippers!
By the sea, (Anything you say)
With the fishies splashing!
By the sea! (Anything you say...)
Wouldn't that be smashing?
I can hear us wakin,'
The breakers breakin,'
The seagulls squawkin,'
'Hoo, hoo!'
I do me bakin,'
Then I go walkin'
With you-hoo!
Yoo-hoo!
I'll warm me bones on the esplanade,
Have tea and scones with me gay young blade,
Then I'll knit a sweater
While you write a letter (Anything you say...)
Unless we've got better to do-hoo!
Think how snug it'll be underneath our flannel
When it's just you and me and the English Channel!
In our cozy retreat kept all neat and tidy,We'll have chums over ev'ry Friday!
By the sea!
Don'tcha love the weather?
By the sea!
We'll grow old together!
By the seaside,
Hoo, hoo!
By the beautiful sea!"
"Oh, I can see us now, in our bathing dresses!" she spoke, nuzzling him a little and earning an aggravated groan, "You in a nice, rich navy, and me...stripes, perhaps."
"It'll be so quiet,
That who'll come by it,
Except a seagull
Hoo, hoo!
We shouldn't try it,
Though, 'til it's legal for two-hoo!
But a seaside wedding could be devised,
Me rumpled bedding legitimized!
Me eyelids'll flutter,
I'll turn into butter,
The moment I mutter I do-hoo!
Down by the sea
Married nice and proper!
By the sea,
Bring along your chopper!
To the seaside,
Hoo, hoo!
By the beautiful sea!"
When she'd finally finished singing, Gregory wrenched his arm from her and returned to where he'd been standing with the others. The director, meanwhile, was nodding a little in approval.
"That was good," he praised, "'By the Sea' is a tough song. I applaud you for using it as your audition song."
Gregory's face flushed of the little color still left in his skin. That man couldn't seriously choose that little Twilight sheep to play opposite him, could he?! He couldn't be that crazy!
--
After the last audition had finished, the students made to leave. The director, however, had stood slowly.
"Misty, may I have a word, dear?" he asked as she stood with Lynx, who was still gathering his things.
"Sure," Misty nodded before glancing at the guys, "If you all wanna go ahead, I'll be right with ya."
"It's alright," Gregory argued quickly, "We'll wait."
Misty rolled her eyes before nodding and hopping down from the stage where they'd been standing and walking over to the director.
"What's up?" she asked, brushing her hair from her face, "If it was about my interrupting some of the auditions, I do apologize. I have the Sweeney Todd soundtrack and I just get swept up in the songs sometimes."
"No, no," the director argued, "I was happy I got to hear you. In fact, I wanted to offer you the part of Ms. Lovett."
Misty blinked.
"Pardon?" she stuttered.
"I feel bad because you didn't even sign up to audition, but you're very talented. I'd like you to consider it."
Misty furrowed her brow.
"I don't know..."
"Take a few days to decide," he soothed, "I won't be posting casting lists until Friday, so there's no rush. Do think about it, though. You'd be a great addition to this production."
"Thank you..." Misty nodded, "I'll think about it..."
He nodded back and dismissed her as he walked out of the auditorium and to his office. Misty, meanwhile, had started walking back to the guys. Johnny was smiling knowingly.
"So..." he chuckled, "Are you gonna take the offer?"
Misty sighed. Damn this auditorium for it's echoes...
"I don't know yet..." she sighed as they began walking out of the room and towards the parking lot, "I really don't want to...but I guess it might be fun..."
"Please! Take it!!" Gregory shouted, "Don't let me be stuck with that sheep as Ms. Lovett!!"
Misty laughed.
"Aw," she giggled, "But she likes you..."
"Misty...please!" he begged, "Take the part!!"
"I've already said," she sighed back, "I'm gonna think about it..."
Gregory sighed and nodded before silencing himself. The rest of the time was spent talking about the try-outs as they filed into the van to head to the hospital.
A/N; Okay, for those reading and thinking, 'That's not how they do auditions'--I really don't care. I've never been to an audition like this. The parts where the director has Greg sing with the others is from the director's own knowledge of Gregory's singing talents. He knows that this kid is good enough to be Todd and that he has the look of Todd anyway so he's pretty much got Greg pegged as Sweeney...so yeah...anyway, please review.
Oh, and I don't own these songs.