The weekend passed quickly for the Hit List group and they were once again focused on work. Ensemble auctions were this morning and workshop started in the afternoon.
"Knowing the Dark Lord is in charge what do you think our chances of making the cut are" Bobby asked.
"I'm not sure but they might go up now that Ivy isn't showing up," Dennis laughed earning a slap from Sue. "What, I mean everyone knows she would be the same as having Tom Levitt here."
"Sad but true," Jessica added before the sound of theater doors opening could be heard.
"Good morning everyone." The familiar British voice greeted as he came into view and made his way to center stage. "For those who don't know who I am, my name is Derek Wills and I will be the choreographer for Hit List. Helping me today will be Josh Nixon and Sam Strickland." He continued. "Since the routines you will be asked to perform are complex, we will play a video so you can see how it should look and then we will walk through it in sections." He finished. "Now let's get started.
An hour and a half later and choreographer and team knew the decisions they wanted to make. Not wanting to waste anyone's time, Derek called for a break. After confirming who would be extended offers he called for attention. "I want to thank each of you for giving us your time but we've made our decision and rather than forcing anyone to go through another routine if I call your name, welcome to Hit List." Bobby was the first one to hear his name earning pats of congratulations from his friends. A few minutes later Sue and Jessica followed leaving only Dennis who had yet to be called. Trying to remain encouraging the others offered smiles of assurance but when the last name was said it was Dennis who offered his congratulations to his friends. Making his way to where his bag laid, he was stopped by the sound of his name. "Dennis, may I have a word with you please." Derek asked. Nodding his acquennces the actor followed his former director away from the remaining group. Once out of earshot Derek began "listen, you weren't selected as part of the ensemble but I was informed by Julia that a new featured role was added and I would like to offer that role to you." He relayed. "The role won't require much if any dancing but will have lines and a song."
Without thinking the actor responded "yes I'm in" he grinned not believing his luck.
"Good, if you want to stick around you're welcome to or you can come back at 1:30pm to talk with Kyle Bishop, the lead writer. "Either way you can tell Bobby and the others if you'd like." Derek said before heading back to his colleagues. Dennis returned back to his friends and informed them of his new role. Excited for the fact they would all be working together again Dennis decided to stay and observe.
It was 10minutes to 12 when Karen and Kyle quietly entered the theater. Not wanting to disturb what they believed were auditions, the two careful put the bags of food they carried on the work table in the back and made themselves comfortable. In awe they watched as the dancers brought their work to life. Karen, in also watching Derek, realized just how much she had missed him and that scared her. It had only been a day since they last saw each other and she worried she was becoming to attached to soon.
As if sensing her presence, the man consuming her thoughts turned. Catching her eye, he gave in her opinion the most beautiful smile. She watched as he whispered something in Josh's ear and then turned to walk towards them.
"Hello Kyle," he greeted "do you mind if I steal Karen for a moment?" Smiling the young writer shook his head no. Not waiting for the brunette to question, he took her hand in his and lead her out of the theater. Once assured the doors were closed behind them and they were alone, he gently pushed Karen's back against the wall as he leaned in to capture her lips in a searing kiss. It took only a second for her to grasp what was happening and respond. Their tongues fought for dominance and a small moan escaped her lips. Pulling away only for lack of oxygen Derek nervously apologized "I'm sorry," he stuttered "I…I just missed you." He confessed. "I know it sounds crazy..." the remainder of his words cut off by Karen's lips.
Pulling away once more for air, she replied "If you haven't noticed Mr. Wills, we aren't the most conventional." She smiled. "I missed you too." She made her own confession.
Hearing the clearing of a throat the two immediately turned their heads to the owner. "Hello Derek, Karen" Eileen grinned. "I was going to ask how auditions were going but..."
"I just stepped out for a minute" the director began to defend before realizing both of the women in front of him were laughing.
"I'm teasing Derek," she advised. "I know I don't do it often but I can." Not wanting to acknowledge his embarrassment the director urged they return inside. Willing to allow the director to save face, the producer followed. It still amazed her how smitten Derek was with the singer but, it was easy to understand why. Karen Cartwright was what few women could be, she was the director's equal in every regard. She was beautiful, intelligent and artistically she was brilliant. Eileen was glad to see the young woman appeared to be just as taken with Derek as it was her hope they would last. Entering the now empty theater the trio joined Josh and Kyle for lunch.
"Hey guys how did it go?" Ivy asked. The blonde was meeting her friends for lunch before she went for her own audition. The actress had decided to pass on Hit List to try for a featured role in the musical Liaison. Liaison was supposed to be big and was going to star actor/comedian Terrence Falls.
"I've never danced so intense before," Bobby admitted but "it's going to kill if we can pull it off."
"Does that mean you made the cut?"
"Yup," Sue answered." Dennis even got a featured role." The actress informed.
"Wow, that's great! But I thought the leads were all cast."
"They were until Julia and Kyle Bishop decided they needed one more character to merge the gap between Amanda and the Diva." Dennis answered. "I'm going to play their manager."
"Well I hope for your sakes this doesn't end like Bombshell." Ivy stated not able to fully hide her envy. Not wanting to lose their enthusiasm, the trio chose to ignore the actress, and ate the remainder of their food in silence. Wishing Ivy good luck, the three left to make their return to Manhattan Theater Workshop. Derek had informed the group MTW would be the show's home it made its leap to Broadway.
Upon entering the theater, the returning ensemble could hear voices. Quietly opening the main door, they saw two actors. One immediately recognizable as Karen Cartwright and the other Sam Strickland who they had met earlier. From what the cast could tell, it appeared the two were performing the show's opening number.
The scene started with focus first on J.C. and then on Amanda. Each were in what appeared to be their home getting ready to go out. J.C. to his work at a bar and Amanda to a gig with her band. In each home the voice of a parent could be heard warning it was time to give up on their dream. It was clear from the dialogue that J.C.'s dream was to write music while Amanda's was to sing. The stage faded too black and the music started. Only this time, when the spotlight shined again Sam was standing on a stoop that served as the end of a walkway located in the last aisle of the theater and lead back to the stage.
"There's a block at the edge of town no one talks about, where the train doesn't stop and the kids know they're not getting out…" The beat was modern but Sam's voice provided a soulful edge. He sung the first two lines leaning against the stoop but then tossing a cigarette to the ground he took off walking. As he made his way back to the stage, the images on the silk screens serving as backdrops behind him changed to reflect the city streets described in the song's lyrics. By time he sung the last note of his last verse, he was back on stage and a Karen's voice took over.
Unlike Sam however, Karen started her verse from a seat located mid theater. She could be seen looking at her reflection in a mirror and the act itself was reflected on a larger screen viewed located onstage. "Pretty voice, pretty face, pretty much someone they'd forget. Hard to tell me apart from the other ten girls they just met…" Listening to the lyrics as they were sung, the intent of having placed the actress within the audience was obvious. What was also evident in listening to her voice, was why she had been chosen for the lead. In the confines of such an intimate space she sounded incredible. There was no denying she could sing. When the song came to end the gathered ensemble stood to cheer in appreciation.
Smiling the creative team turned to face the group. "Welcome back," Derek started. "As you can see, our two leads have been hard at work even. Eileen Rand, our producer, is here with us this afternoon to observe so let's get back to work. The scene you just saw was the opening and we are going to pick it up from there. Eileen couldn't be more excited with what she saw. The story, the music and the dance was so unlike anything ever seen on Broadway and it inspired her. "What do you think, Kyle she asked the young writer."
"I never imagined my book could ever lead to this, I still pinch myself to make sure it isn't a dream."
"It's definitely not a dream and I can't thank you enough for letting me be a part of your journey to Broadway. I have no doubt this will be the first of many of your books to make it to Broadway. Julia tells me you have a gift." she complimented.
"Thank you." He blushed, grateful for the fact that Derek's booming voice prevented him from further reply as he was sure his voice would crack from emotion.
"Alright everyone, let's run the next two scenes and we can call it a day." He said. Thirty minutes later and the director was pleased with the first day's progress. They had managed to work through the first four scenes of Act 1. There were slight adjustments still needed but the ensemble casted were better than anticipated and were picking up the chorography quickly. "That is a wrap for today. Good work everyone. Tomorrow we won't start quiet so early if you can be here by 9 that should work."
"My body hurts in places I didn't think it could," Karen commented to the amusement of those around her. It was clear from the critique she had willing accepted the effort she put forth, she was in no way a Diva.
"Get used to it," Bobby commented. "Derek is unrelenting."
"He's that bad?" She asked wanting to know more about the director side of the man she was falling for.
"Girl, he's made men cry," Sue added earning a laugh from the singer.
"Since it obvious you've dealt with him before; you'll have to give me pointers."
"Stick with us, we'll get you through." Jessica assured as the others laughed.
"I'm Karen by the way," she introduced.
"Hi, I'm Jessica that's Sue, and those two noisy bodies are Bobby and Dennis." She smiled. "It's nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too and I look forward not only to learning from you but getting to know you." Karen stated.
"Are they telling you about the Dark Lord, Love," Derek's deep voice startling the small group whose back was facing the director. Making his way around the foursome to give the brunette a kiss he smiled at the look of shock on their faces. "Don't look so surprised, as the Dark Lord, I know everything that goes on in my shows." He grinned. Looking to Karen he asked "Are you ready?"
"Yeah," she answered. "Hey a few of us are grabbing a bite to eat and a few drinks, would you like to join us?" Karen asked the four.
Looking at the director in an effort to gauge his reaction the four not seeing any resistance answered in the affirmative. "Sure, just let us grab our things."
"That's alright isn't it?" Karen asked her lover.
Laughing Derek replied "If it wasn't alright, it's a little late now, Love." The remark earning a slap on the arm. "But yes, I'm fine with it." He kissed her once more before heading back to where Josh, Sam and Ana were. One day down and one day less before Hit List made its Broadway debut.