Is everyone ready to see why Davy's so hyped about this musical of his? ;)
Micky: *smirks* Do we have any choice? ;)
Davy: Of course! I can't wait to be in this show! :)
(Mike just grumbles)
Peter: (Sighs) I'm ready! ;)
(We begin at the Montgomery House. Three of the four guys rehearse "(I'm Not Your) Stepping Stone." Emma, Lauren, the twins, and Katie Nesmith watch them. Katie lays in her mother's lap.)
Mike: (Looks at his watch) Man, where's Davy? He was supposed to be here over an hour ago! We've got to rehearse for our last Club Fairview gig!
Peter: Maybe he just lost track of time.
Micky: *shrugs* Probably got hung up with the musical. They have to practice, too.
Mike: I wish he'd call us or somethin' and warn us when he can't come.
Peter: He's really excited about this, Mike!
Micky: And he's a big...well, older boy. He can take care of himself. ;)
Peter: Shelia wouldn't try to grab him in that big theater with all of those people around!
Mike: Yeah, well, he's called out of our last two of three gigs.
Emma: He'll be ok, Mike. The show's just close to opening.
Micky: Besides, he knows our songs. He can handle it.
Peter: I think he said something about picking Daphne up, too.
Mike: Yeah. He told me it's their second anniversary tonight, and he wants to take her to a movie.
Emma: I think those two are cute together. :)
Micky: They're probably making out in his jeep somewhere. ;)
(Peter blushes)
Mike: That can't be comfortable. That thing ain't big. ;)
Micky: He don't need much room. ;)
Mike: (Chuckles) True. ;)
Peter: Do you think they'll ever get married?
Emma: (Sighs) Davy's not interested. I don't know how Daphne feels.
Micky: I think they will. Eventually. ;)
Emma: (Looks at the twins) Do you kiddies think Daddy and your uncles are ready for the big show at the Club Fairview? ;)
Mike: Even if we end up killin' Uncle Davy? :p
Shelly and Little Mick: *look at each other; loudly* YEAH! *giggle*
Lauren: That was loud. *sticks a finger in an ear* :P
Emma: (as Katie squeaks) House volume, kiddies. You scared Katie. (Bounces the little girl on her knee, making soothing noises)
Shelly: Sowwy, Katie!
Little Micky: I sowwy!
Emma: We forgive you. (Rubs her daughter's back) Katie does, too. You guys have to remember, Kate's just a baby. She's smaller than you.
Micky: They get a little excited sometimes. ;)
Mike: Well, they've got good taste in music. ;)
Peter: (Gets off the bandstand and goes onto the ballroom dance floor, where the two women sit on a blanket) Yeah, you guys like hearing us play, don't you? :)
Micky: Did you think they wouldn't? ;)
Little Mick: Of couwse we do! *grins widely*
Shelly: You good! *smiles*
Peter: Aww, thanks, kids!
Shelly and Little Mick: You welcome! :D
Emma: They'll be playing the drums and the guitar with their Daddy before you know it. ;)
Mike: (Grins) Lord help us. ;)
Lauren: *sighs* And before I can get some ear plugs. ;)
Emma: (Grins at the twins) Wanna play in the band, like your uncles and Daddy? ;)
Shelly and Little Mick: Yeah!
Mike: You'll be our part-time drummers when you get older. ;)
*The twins cheer not too loudly.* :)
Peter: Did they like the little drum set we found for them in Vail? :)
Micky: LOVED it!
Lauren: I can still HEAR it. ;)
(Everyone chuckles.)
Peter: We thought they'd like that. :)
Mike: (Looks at his watch again) Maybe we should get back to rehearsal. (Makes a face) Where IS that little Brit brat? I wish he'd call us when he's gonna be late! He can be so damn irresponsible! :p
Emma: Language around the children, Mike. :p
*Micky rolls his eyes.* :P
(Mike mutters Spanish curses under his breath.)
Emma: That's the language Uncle Mike speaks when he doesn't want anyone to understand him. He does it with me, too. ;)
Mike: (Glares) Em....
Lauren: Guys, come on...
(We're spared an arguement between Mike and Emma by the arrival of Davy and Daphne. Daphne has to give Davy a final push in. He gulps and joins the group.)
Davy: Um, hi, guys.
Mike: You're late, shotgun. :p X(
Davy: I'm sorry, Mike, but we were rehearsing the final chorus numbah today, "'Appy Endin'." The directah wanted us to run through some of 'is choreography towards the end.
Peter: The director?
Davy: He did the dances, too. He's one of them new-fanged choreographer-directahs, like Bob Fosse and Michael Kidd.
Micky: That's pretty groovy. :)
Mike: You should have called.
Davy: I lost track of time!
Daphne: He was late picking ME up. :p
Davy: Daph...
(But she just steps back, leaning on a table in the corner.)
Daphne: Oh, no. I'm not going to help you with this one. They're your bandmates, not mine. :p
Mike: Damn it, Davy, you should have been here an hour ago! You've missed the last two out of three of our gigs!
Micky: *groans* Man, Mike... *leans forward on one of the tom toms*
Davy: Mike, this is a big show! 50 extras, twelve songs, an orchestra the size of a 'igh school soccah team, majah stahs, dancahs, singahs, and one of the best remainin' theatahs in Los Angelas!
Mike: And we're not as good as some musical?
Davy: This isn't just some musical, Mike! It might be goin' to Broadway!
*Micky slaps a hand to his forehead.*
Mike: What about us, Dave? What about the Monkees? What about your old buddies?
Davy: I still like you guys, too, but...
Mike: But what?
Davy: I like what we're doin' in the show. Sure, the ballads are real sappy and old-fashioned, but the comedy songs are nice. You 'eard me sing one a few days ago on the radio.
Emma: (Mutters to Lauren as Davy and Mike yell at each other, Micky grumbles, and Peter whimpers) Maybe we'd better get them outside. Rehersal or no rehearsal, fresh air might be good for all the frazzled nerves around here. :p
Lauren: *nods* And fast! :P
Emma: (Stands, cradling Katie in her arms) Gentlemen, before this gets violent, I suggest we go for a stroll downtown. The children need some excercise.
Daphne: (Glares at Davy) And some of us need to talk. :p
Lauren: Right. Let's get some air and stretch our legs.
Micky: *gets up* Gladly!
Peter: (Nods and puts his bass in its case) I think so, too.
Mike: Now, guys...
Emma: Mike, the kids have been inside all morning. They need some fresh air.
Micky: Now. Or else. ;)
Mike: But the gig...
Micky: It'll be fine!
Peter: Come on, Mike. It'll help to get outside and communicate with nature. :)
Emma: Miiiiikkkkeee....
Mike: (Rolls his eyes) All right, all right.
Emma: How about a nice walk into downtown Malibu Beach? Maybe we could take the kids to the park. :)
Peter: I love the park! It's so peaceful. :)
*The twins cheer.* :D
Davy: (Grins) It's got a nice playground, too.
Daphne: (Nudges Davy) Wanna push me on the swings? ;)
Davy: (Admires her rear) No problem, luv. ;)
Peter: I'll leave a note for Valerie. She's in Studio City, doing something-or-other for that new project of hers.
Micky: *Grins* Groovy! Let’s go to the park! :D
(Everyone starts cleaning up. We fade out on the Montgomery House's ballroom and fade in on downtown Malibu Beach. The group walks down a sidewalk. The twins, Peter, Lauren, and Micky slurp ice cream cones. Mike and Emma push Katie's stroller. Davy is with Micky and Lauren; Daphne's a little behind, her face thoughtful.)
Emma: I'm glad we decided to take this break. What a glorious late summer day! :)
Mike: Yeah. Guess we needed to get out of the house for a while. :)
Peter: I'm glad we got ice cream cones at the park! :D
*Micky says something while slurping.* ;)
Lauren: What was that, Mick? I didn't quite understand. ;)
Peter: I love my rainbow sherbert! :D
Emma: What did the twins get that's all over them? ;)
Lauren: Chocolate. The messiest one, naturally. ;) *motions to Mick* Daddy picked the same. ;)
Davy: 'E's worse than the kids! :p ;)
*Micky sticks out a chocolate-covered tongue.* ;) :P
Lauren: And he just proved it. :P
Davy: (Frowns and puts his hand on his stomach) Hey, guys, do you feel funny?
Peter: (Makes a face) I must have eaten my cone too fast. :p :(
Daphne: (Nods; puts a hand on her stomach) Yeah, Davy.
Lauren: *frowns* I thought that was from watching Mick eat his. :P
Mike: I'm with Lauren. ;)
Micky: Hey! :P
(Emma elbows her chuckling husband. Katie starts to fuss.)
Emma: (Mike takes the stroller and she picks up the fussy infant) Oh, Miss Katie, what's wrong? (Frowns) Is it a tummy ache?
Micky: I thought it was just the ice cream not agreeing. :P
Mike: I feel it, too, and I didn't have any ice cream.
Emma: Katie and I didn't, either.
Little Mick: *sits on the sidewalk* I don't feel good! :P
*Shelly chews on a finger, shaking her head.*
Lauren: Well, I guess we know what THIS is. :P
Peter: (Gulps) Oh, man, even the twins... :(
Mike: (Looks around) Yeah, but I don't see any (eyes slide towards Peter and the twins) bad people around.
Davy: (Picks up the messy Little Mick and wipes his face with a handkerchief) There now, little man. (Sighs) We know why you feel funny, Micky. It's because there's bad people near-by. :p
Little Mick: Bad people? I don't like bad people! :P
Emma: (Calming Katie) Our tummies always feel weird when there's bad people around.
Daphne: (Makes a face) One bad person in particular... :p
Micky: Very bad. X-(
Davy: (Frowns as he turns to a storefront; eyes widen) Is that who I think that is in there?
Peter: Hey, it's that tea room where Davy met Fern!
Mike: We are NOT going in there. :p
Micky: Definitely not. :P
Daphne: (Raises her eyebrows) Fern?
Davy: (Points in the tea room) Look!
(A tall woman with shoulder-length brown hair pours tea for two older gentlemen. Her demure smile, large eyes, and slender, elegant figure are quite familiar.)
Mike: Oh, man...
Peter: Oh, no! It's her! :( :o
Lauren: Oh, crap... X-(
*Micky growls.* :P
Emma: (Cuddles the whimpering Katie) That's a very bad lady, kids! She's so bad, she's hurt your mommies and daddies and other people! She tries to take their souls away! :p
Daphne: And I want a piece of her! X(
Davy: (Puts a hand on Daphne's shoulder) Not 'ere, luv.
Lauren: I know how you feel, Daph. :P
Micky: I wonder what she's up to this time?
Davy: Why don't we find out? Get the drop on 'er for a change? :p
Mike: Are you crazy, Dave?
Davy: Well, do you want to just stand 'ere all day? (Grins) Besides, the kids 'ave nevah 'ad good English tea. ;)
Emma: (Steps back, the whimpering Katie still in her arms) I don't want my daughter NEAR that woman! :p
Mike: I don't, either.
Micky: Yeah, Dave. I don't know if this is such a good idea. *makes a face*
Davy: Don't you guys want to find out what she's up to now, before we find out anyway?
Micky: Well, yes, but not while we have the kids with us. :P
Daphne: I don't know. She might be pretty drained after what happened in the Royale Theater a few weeks ago.
Davy: So we split up. Emma, Mike, and Petah will take the kids home. You, Lauren, Daph, and me will find out wot's goin' on with Shelia.
Micky: Okay. ;)
Lauren: I'm all for that. ;)
Mike: (He's torn between wanting to know what's going on and really not wanting his daughter, his best friend, his wife, or the twins around Shelia) Oh, man...
Peter: Mike, they'll keep us informed on their communicators.
Micky: *nods* Of course we will.
Mike: Well, all right. (Sighs) I don't want Shelia within a hundred mile radius of Em or Katie after what happened a while back, and I don't even want to think of her around Pete.
Peter: (Takes Shelly's hand) We're gonna take you and Little Micky home, and you'll feel better then, all right? :)
*Shelly nods, still chewing her finger.*
Mike: (Takes Little Mick from Davy) We'll bring them to the Pad. The twins can play in the livin' room while Katie takes a nap. (To Little Mick) What do you think about that, little cowboy? Wanna come over and play at Uncle Mike and Aunt Em's? :)
Little Mick: *nods enthusiastically* Yeah!
Mike: Come on, cowboy. We'll watch reruns of "Bonanza" together. ;)
Peter: And we'll build with blocks. :)
Little Mick: Yay!
*Shelly smiles.* :)
Mike: I like you, cowboy. You got good taste. ;)
Emma: (Rolls her eyes) Oh, good grief. :p
Peter: We'll play too, Shelly. We'll put the blocks back up after your brother knocks them down. :) ;)
Shelly: Okay, Unca Peter! :)
Mike: Call us the moment you find out somethin'. (The group walks back down the street with the stroller and the trio of chidren in tow.)
Davy: All right. Let's get to findin' out wot's goin' on here, before Shelia tries somethin' else.
Micky: Right!
(All four walk into the tea room and sit at a table. Davy gets down and checks the legs, shaking them.)
Davy: Just want to make sure it won't drop from under us. ;)
Lauren: Fair enough. ;)
Daphne: What's this all about, other than Shelia?
Davy: She seems to be contactin' another one of our old...adversaries. :p
Daphne: What?
Davy: This tea room is owned by a very psychotic stage mum who tricked me into bein' 'er daughtah's dancin' partnah on Ted Hack's Amatuer Houah about four yeahs ago.
Micky: Dave really didn't have much to do with it, or much of a choice. :P
Davy: (Shakes his head at Daphne's glare) Before you ask, Daphne, yes, the girl was pretty, and no, I wasn't interested in 'er that way. Fern wanted 'er career, and 'ell to everythin' else.
Daphne: (Mutters) Still... :p
Micky: *grins* I'll keep an eye on him, Daph. ;)
Shelia: *walks up to the seated foursome; smirks* Well, what an interesting group we have here. ;)
Daphne: And YOU are not wanted HERE. :p
Micky: Especially if SHE'S taking the order. :P ;)
Davy: Wot are you up to this time? Wasn't makin' a clone of one of us enough? :p
Shelia: *continues to smirk* Even though it was a brilliant idea, no, because I don't have what I want yet. And I don't give up easily.
Lauren: So we can tell. :P
Davy: Wot are you doin' here?
Shelia: I'm working, can't you tell? :P
Daphne: This doesn't strike me as the appropriate place for an executive of a major company. ;)
Shelia: Not exactly what I'd envisioned either, but appropriate...enough. *smirks again*
Davy: Why don't you leave us alone?
Daphne: We could have you fired for harrassing the customers, you know! :p
Shelia: Who's harrassing? I came over to take your order.
Micky: Oh, please. I'm surprised you haven’t tried to crawl onto Dave's or my lap by now. :P X-(
Lauren: *mutters* Don't give her ideas, Mick. :P
Davy: What are you up to this time?
Shelia: Do you think I'm actually going to TELL you? :P
Micky: Can't hurt to try. ;)
(Mrs. Badderly comes over to the table, glaring at Davy.)
Mrs. Badderly: What are all of you doing here?
Micky: *mock British accent* We came in for a spot of tea. ;)
Lauren: *makes a face* I was hoping for more than just a spot. ;)
(Another person - Fern - emerges at this point, too. She and Shelia both wear long, Victorian-style gowns with puff sleeves and lots of frills, and lacy Victorian-style aprons. Fern's red hair is much longer than in "Too Many Girls," and she's a bit more filled-out.)
Fern: Mother, leave Davy alone! He's a customer!
Davy: (Smiles) 'Ullo, luv.
Fern: Hi, Davy. I was wondering where you went so quickly after rehearsal. :)
Davy: (Blushes) I was late for somethin'.
Mrs. Badderly: Fern, you're supposed to be preparing the scones!
Fern: I wish you'd leave Davy and his friends alone! It's not his fault you pressured him!
Davy: (Narrows his eyes at Shelia) We'll take four cups of good English tea, please. (Turns his narrowed eyes at Mrs. Badderly) And no, we DON'T want our tea leaves read. :p
Daphne: That's silly hocus-pocus. :p
Fern: No, it's not! Mother's an authority!
*Shelia scowls, but writes down the order.*
*Micky rolls his eyes, slightly smirking.*
(Fern pulls up a chair and joins them as Mrs. Baddlery pulls Shelia into the kitchen.)
Mrs. Badderly: That's them! They're the ones who made fools of my daughter and me on live television! :p
Shelia: They're also the ones I'm interested in. Perhaps, we can think of something to appease both of us as revenge on them. >:) ;)
Mrs. Badderly: (Nods) Yes, yes. Particuarlly the short Englishman, though I suspect his friends had something to do with it as well. I know they were the comedian, the folk singer, and the magician. (Waves a hand at the group) My daughter's involved with "The Sword and the Shadow," that new musical at the Forrest Theater. Jones is, too. I want to beef up Fern's part. She deserves far more than the fifth lead she's playing now!
Shelia: Perhaps we can do something with your daughter's role.
Mrs. Badderly: All I've wanted is for my girl to have a sporting chance. (Frowns) We're missing two. Where are the magician and the folk singer in the green hat?
Shelia: They more than likely stayed home with the children.
Mrs. Badderly: (Raises her eyebrows) Children? My, my, our rock-and-rollers seem to have grown up!
Shelia: *small evil grin* The comedian has two, and the folk singer in the green hat has one.
Mrs. Badderly: That means they've found women who actually wished to marry them. (Frowns) What about Jones? Is he married?
Shelia: No, though he is dating. That would be the woman he's with out there.
Mrs. Badderly: (Stares at Daphne) She doesn't look like much, does she?
Shelia: *frowns* Looks can be deceiving. :P
Mrs. Badderly: I want Fern to be a star. She's been in small parts on television and in local shows, but this is our ticket to the big time. (Smiles) I think we could help each other. What's your beef, so to speak, with these boys?
Shelia: It's a rather long story, but all you need to know is that I'm more than willing to make a partnership between you and myself work. *evil smile* ;)
Mrs. Badderly: As am I. (Shakes her hand)
Shelia: Excellent. >:)
(Cut back to the five still sitting at the table. Daphne is glaring at Fern, who worriedly watches her mother and Shelia.)
Fern: What's going on? (Makes a face) I don't like that woman. There's something about that sickly sweet smile of hers that gives me the willies. :p
Micky: *mutters* More than you know. :P
Davy: She's no one you want to tangle with, luv. We should know. We've tangled with 'er several times.
Lauren: And probably will continue to tangle with her, unfortunately. :P
Fern: I don't understand. What does she have against you?
Daphne: A lot of things that you don't wanna hear about. :p
Fern: (Sighs) I wish she wasn't spending so much time with Mother. Mother's been acting so strangely lately. She's always having whispered conversations with her when they think I'm not listening. It's worse than a stage melodrama! :p
Micky: Great. *makes a face* :P
Fern: That's bad, isn't it? :o
Daphne: (Mutters) No shit. :p
Micky: Bad doesn't even cover part of it. :P
Fern: I hope it doesn't interfere with my part in the musical or running the tea room... :o :p
Daphne: I think someone should keep an eye on Shelia.
Lauren: Good idea.
Davy: That's a nice idea, luv. For once, we'll get the goods on 'ER before she can do somethin' to US. :p
Fern: Yeah, but who can do it? I'm busy with the musical.
Davy: We both are, and Mike's mad enough about my missing gigs as it is.
Daphne: I'll do it.
Davy: (Frowns) Daphne...
Micky: *grins* Let Daph do it. ;)
Daphne: The girls and I are between gigs. Our last Club Fairview gig was last night. I have the time.
Lauren: There you go. ;)
Davy: Daph, you're puttin' your life in dangah.
*Lauren scoffs.* ;)
Daphne: I don't care. We're ALL in danger as long as she's around!
Fern: Is she really that dangerous?
Davy: In a word, luv - YES. :p
Micky: In more ways than you could imagine. :P
Daphne: That's why I want to do it. I don't have any children (mutters) yet, (out loud) and I can take care of myself.
Davy: That's what we've all said at one time or anothah concernin' 'er, Daph.
Daphne: Davy, I'll be fine. You've got other things on your mind right now. (Eyes travel to Fern, who's too busy picking at the apron of her dress to pay attention)
Micky: It's settled, then.
Lauren: If you get a chance to sock her, Daph, give her one for me. ;)
Daphne: (Looks up as Shelia brings them four cups of tea) I'll talk to her now, since we're here. (Grins) No problem, Lauren. I'll give her enough for all of us. ;)
Shelia: *sets her tray on the table and passes out the tea cups* I'll assume you're having quite the conversation here. *tucks the tray under an arm*
Daphne: (Looks around) I couldn't help but notice that you seem to be short of help.
Shelia: *frowns slightly* Well, yes, matter of fact...
Fern: (Nods) We've been awfully backed up lately, what with my being in "The Sword and the Shadow" and all.
Daphne: I was wondering if I could maybe get a job here? My roommates and I are between gigs and I need a way to pay my part of the rent.
Shelia: *frown deepens* Well, I don't know...
Mrs. Badderly: What's going on here, Fern? Shelia, I need you to start the tea cookies.
Daphne: I'd like to apply for a job, ma'am.
Mrs. Badderly: (Nods with a slight frown) Yes, we do need some help here, what with Fern so busy and all.
Fern: Between practicing my part for the show and all the things we do here, I'm practically exauhsted! ;) :p
Mrs. Badderly: (Nods) All right, young lady. Come into my office after you've had your tea and we'll have you leave an application.
Daphne: That'll be fine. I'm really hoping to get this job. We don't have much money, and the other girls have already found jobs.
Mrs. Badderly: (Chuckles) We'll see what we can do, dear. ;) (She waddles over to another table of older women)
Shelia: Well, looks like you'll be joining us. *smirks*
Daphne: Isn't that nice? ;)
Fern: We could use some good help! Do you bake?
Daphne: (Nods, grinning, as Davy groans) Yes, I do! :D
*Lauren and Micky exchange looks.* ;)
(Daphne elbows Davy. :p)
Fern: You'll be useful in the kitchen, then!
Davy: (Stares at his cup) Maybe we'd bettah get 'ome. I want to go ovah my song in the second act.
Daphne: I'll sign that application now, then.
Mrs. Badderly: (Indicates a door in the back of the tea room) The door with the wreath on it is my office, young lady. I'll be there in a minute to give you any help you may need with your application.
Micky: And we oughta collect the twins before they drive Em and Mike crazy. ;)
Davy: (Grins) Yeah, Mick. They ain't use to 'andlin' to energetic toddlahs. ;)
Lauren: For that matter, Mike isn't really used to an energetic Mick anymore. ;)
*Micky sticks his tongue out.* :P ;)
Davy: That's true, too. I spend more time wit' 'im than 'e does. (Grins) Hey, Mick, 'ow would you like to take the whole gang to our first dress rehearsal tomorrow? We'll be 'avin' them for a couple of days.
Daphne: I, for one, would love to see you in action. ;)
Micky: Love to, Dave! :D
Fern: (Sighs) He's wonderful! He always has the cast in stitches with his two songs! :D
Davy: I'm sure I could wrangle tickets for the whole crew. You could even bring the twins. It ain't nothin' they shouldn't be seein'. ;)
Lauren: Thanks, Davy!
Fern: (Nods) This is a family show! The worst they'll see is obviously fake sword fighting and some kissing. :)
Davy: They've seen their parents do fah worse. ;)
Lauren: *blushes* Oh, man... ;)
Micky: *shrugs* Hey, no shame in that. They gotta get used to it at some point. Might as well start them early. ;)
(The quartet stand. Davy takes Daphne's shoulders.)
Davy: Daph, I 'ave a bad feelin' 'bout this.
Daphne: Davy, it’s ok. I'm the Huntress, and huntresses are raised to take care of themselves. (Softly) And anyway, I wasn't entirely lying. We really are broke. Maxine is talking about breaking up the band if we can’t find another gig soon.
Davy: I just couldn't stand it if she tried somethin' on you.
Daphne: (Kisses him on his cheek) Don't worry, honey. You just go and do your very best for me at that show of yours (whispers into his ear) my Lord of the Manor. :X
(She goes into Mrs. Badderly's office. Mrs. Badderly takes Shelia aside as she clears the tea cups.)
Mrs. Badderly: (Grins) This is perfect!
Shelia: Better than perfect. *smirks*
Mrs. Badderly: She probably thinks she'll get the drop on us, the little fool. We have her right where we want her. >:)
Shelia: Won't she be surprised? ;) >:)
Mrs. Badderly: You said she was Jones' girl. How close are they?
Shelia: Very close, though they won't readily admit it. They're soulmates. >:)
Mrs. Badderly: (Sneers) How romantic.
Shelia: Isn't it? *makes a face*
Mrs. Badderly: What about the others? How else could we...handle...Jones?
Shelia: *smirks* The whole group is tight, but the comedian is his best friend.
Mrs. Badderly: (Makes a face) Some comedian. I remember hearing those jokes when I was in vaudeville as a young girl, and they were ancient THEN. :p
Shelia: I don't recall ever hearing he was a GOOD comedian. ;) :P
Mrs. Badderly: Perhaps we can catch his friend off-guard somewhere. Who is the other girl?
Shelia: *sneers* His wife. *pauses* He has a rather curious nature. Perhaps we could use that somehow. ;)
Mrs. Badderly: (Raises her eyebrows) Curious?
Shelia: *smirks* He loves to find out all that he can about anything that picques his interest. For instance, I recall he's quite fond of theaters.
Mrs. Badderly: (Nods, smiling wickedly) Yes...yes. I see what you're getting at. We could lure him to some remote corner of the theater, then trap him. (Frowns) We'll have to be somewhere far from Fern, though. I don't want her connected with all of this. It would ruin her career.
Shelia: Don't worry about Fern. As long as she doesn't get herself too involved with the lot of them, she'll be fine.
Mrs. Badderly: We'll have to get into that theater somehow.
Shelia: *nods, grinning* I can take care of that for us. ;)
Mrs. Badderly: (Nods at the office) I have to see to that girl's application. She'll be hired, of course. ;)
Shelia: Of course. ;)
Mrs. Badderly: You see the others off. I don't want them catching wind of this. (Makes a face) And get Fern away from them, before SHE catches wind of this. :p
Shelia: Right. *smirks* ;)
(Mrs. Badderly goes in her office as Shelia goes to the others, who are animatedly talking to Fern.)
Fern: It's so exciting! I'm the only female pirate in the rebel band. They're secretly warriors who fight against a wicked English govenor who overtax the people and send a band of truly evil pirates to raid ships who defy them! :D
Lauren: That's so groovy! :D
Davy: We're supposed to be the comic leads. I'm the Cockney comic who sings silly ditties and does one-liners. She's the tomboy who cracks jokes about men and waves swords around. ;)
Fern: I've never waved a sword around before. It's kinda fun. ;)
Davy: It's really sorta corny, but the plot's fun when you get past the holes.
Micky: So basically nothing's changed for you, Dave? ;)
(Fern giggles.)
Davy: (Shrugs) I could play this part in me sleep by now. ;)
Fern: Oh, is that what you do in your number in the second act? ;)
*Lauren chuckles.* ;)
Davy: (Blushes) I'm almost glad I didn't get a romantic lead. They 'ave the most god-awful old-fashioned love songs. Sound like somethin' out of a real bad operetta from 1907. :p
Micky: Too bad. I would've thought you perfect for that type of role. ;)
Davy: Nahh. Romance is fun, but I'd rathah wave a sword around and sing about petticoats and those who don't wear them. ;)
Micky: Could've fooled me. ;)
Fern: I get to do a number with Davy! We sing a drinking song together in the second act, the one he keeps falling asleep during. ;)
Davy: I do NOT! :p
Lauren: They seem to have conflicting opinions of what happens during the second act. ;)
Davy: I'm supposed to look like I'm bein' lazy, luv.
Fern: Why do I have to nudge you up, then? (She elbows him as Mrs. Badderly emerges from the office with Daphne and Shelia emerges from the kitchen. All three go to the group at once.)
Daphne: What's going on here? :p
Mrs. Badderly: (Nods at Shelia) Why don't you and Fern start working on scones and cucumber sandwiches in the kitchen?
Davy: Wot's wrong?
Fern: I'll go, Mother. (Frowns)
Shelia: Come along, Fern. *puts an arm around Fern's shoulders, practically dragging her to the kitchen*
Mrs. Badderly: Fern will see you at rehearsal tomorrow.
(Daphne glares at Davy. Davy makes a face.)
Mrs. Badderly: (Looks up at a group of giggling teenagers entering) Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to attend to my customers.
(She hurries off, the kids looking after her.)
Daphne: I don't like this one bit. She kept giving me weird looks the whole time I was in the office. That woman creeps me out.
Micky: That was interesting. *make a face*
Davy: There's somethin' wrong 'ere. Shelia was awfuly rough to Fern.
Daphne: What about US? Shelia's probably been making plans with that blimp-sized, tea-reading witch! :p
Lauren: *nods* I wouldn't doubt it. We just have to be careful. :P
Davy: Especially you, Daph. They probably 'ave SOME idea you're joinin' up to spy on them.
Daphne: I'll be so good, they'll think I'm only doing it because I need the money. (Sighs) Which is partially the truth. This job WILL be a big help.
Micky: Good. We've GOT be able to get the drop on Shelia for once. :P
Davy: (Nods and draws his finger across his chest where Alex scarred him) I don't want anyone else gettin' 'urt the way I was.
Daphne: (Softly; takes him in her arms) I don't, either.
Micky: Yeah. ;)
Davy: Why don't we spend the rest of the day togethah, luv, just you n' me? We could go back to the pahk and play on the swings, then 'ave dinnah and go to the movies. (Smiles) This is a big day for us. :)
Daphne: (Beams) That's right! It's the second anniversary of the day we met after the girls and I came back from Seattle! :X
Davy: And we're gonna celebrate in style. ;)
Lauren: Looks like our cue to get lost, Mick. ;)
Micky: I was just thinking that, babe. ;)
Daphne: Gonna buy the extra-big box of popcorn at the movies?
Davy: (Grins) Who's gonna be watchin' the movie? ;) :X
Daphne: I love you, you wild Cockney pirate, you! :X
Davy: (As they walk out, arm in arm; Cockney accent) Righty-oh, pretty litt' missy!
*Micky and Lauren make gagging noises as they head out.* ;) :P
(Micky makes a face; Shelia's staring at them.)
Micky: Let's get out of here, babe. Wanna get more ice cream? (Grins) How about a milkshake with two straws? We don't have to pick up the kids right away. ;)
Lauren: Sounds good, Mick. ;)
(They put their arms around each other and head out as well. Shelia watches them with an evil smile on her heavily made-up face.)
(Cut to the dress rehearsal. The entire group, including Valerie and the twins but sans Katie Nesmith, sit in the front auditorium with a few other people.)
Mike: I wonder what this is gonna be like, anyway.
Emma: I love musicals. :)
Micky: Funny? ;)
Lauren: Oughta be right up your alley, Mick. ;)
Peter: It says it's a romantic drama!
Emma: They all say that. It's a romantic drama and a little comedy. ;)
Valerie: With music. ;)
Mike: (Looks at the twins, bouncing in their seats) You kids ready to see Uncle Davy in a big show? ;)
Shelly and Little Mick: Yeah! :D
Peter: It's about pirates who help nice ladies, and there's lots of sword fighting and action. :)
Little Mick: Sord fight, sord fight! :D
*Shelly giggles.*
Emma: I can't wait, either! I love swashbucklers. ;)
Micky: Maybe I WILL have to get the twins those plastic dueling swords. ;)
Lauren: You're just looking for an excuse to get those things so YOU can use them.
Micky: *waggles his eyebrows* Wanna duel, babe? ;)
Lauren: *rolls her eyes* Oh, brother. ;)
(Peter and Valerie chuckle. ;) )
Mike: I'd like to see that. ;)
Micky: Sure! I'll let you guys know when we'll hold the duel. ;)
Mike: I'll have ringside seats. ;)
(The house lights lower at that moment.)
Peter: Oooh, it's starting! :D
Lauren: Thank goodness. ;)
Emma: (Whispering to the twins) This is about four young ladies who come to an island in the Carribean when there were many pirates there. Some of the pirates were nice guys. They took money from mean people and gave it to people who needed it. They stopped the ladies' ship to take their money...and take the ladies, too.
*The twins beam, still bouncing.* :)
(The chorus of pirates come onto an elaborate set that resembles a huge old sailing ship. Davy is among the pirates, singing in his Cockney accent. Fern's there, too, wearing an outfit similar to Davy's, with a bandana over her long hair and a tighter shirt.)
(As the number ends, we hear some banter from the pirates as they discuss their nasty Govenor Brisson and their intention of stealing the precious objects of the ship "Europa.")
Davy: (Cockney accent; he's leaning against the railing, peering out of a telescope) Cap'in, the Europa is dead in our sights, sih!
Captain Powers: Ok, men (Fern glares at him) and women, man (another glare; chuckles from the audience) and women your stations! We're going to capture this ship and her fine bounty!
Fern: Wot's got you so 'ot and bothahed ovah this old 'ulk, anyway?
Pirate 1: Looks just like any ol' British ship to me, Captain Powahs.
French Pirate: Oui! It is not out of zee ordinary.
Captain Powers: It carries a rich plunder, my good shipmates. There's not only a thousand dollars worth of gold bullion on board that belongs to Govenor Brisson, but I've been told of another kind of bounty. (Grins) The kind that has hair of fine gold and eyes of blue sapphires!
Davy: We're gonna capture a statue, sir?
Captain Powers: No, you silly thing, women! We're going to capture four fine women and hold them for a King's ransom!
Fern: I don't see wot's so special 'bout THAT. :P
Captain Powers: The money we get for the safe return of these rare creatures will provide us with enough money to not only live comfortably for the rest of our lives, but allow the poor wretches who reside in the terrible huts in the islands the money and wherewithal to rebel against the Govenor's taxes!
Davy: My god, that's quite a mouthful, ain't it?
Mike: (Whispers to the others in the audience) You're tellin' ME. ;)
*Micky snorts.* ;)
(Captain Powers launches into a song about how wonderful it is to be a sailor that turns into another chorus number, as the scenery slowly moves to reveal another boat. Four young ladies sit ondeck. One is not nearly so young as the other three. She is a still-statuesque brunette not quite in the bloom of youth, but not unattractive, either, and many of the people in the audience applaud her the moment she appears.)
(With her are three other girls, much younger. All wear fancy, frilly Colonial gowns and carry parasols. Four sailors join them.)
Brunette: Oh, my, but it is hot, isn't it?
Sailor 1: Lady Abilgail, with all due respect, you and the other women should really return to the cabin at once! There are pirates in these waters!~
Lady Abigail: Oh, pooh-pooh! That place is so dull!
Girl 1: We could read from our books again.
Girl 2: Oh, Betsy, we've heard that passage three times already! :p
Girl 3: I'm with Abby, Grace. If something doesn't happen soon, I'll die!
Lady Abigail: (Sighs) Wouldn't it be wonderful if a pirate could come along and sweep us into his arms and ravish us?
Girl 1: (Gulps) I wouldn't want to be ravished!
Grace: I would!
Lady Abigail: There must be a better way of living than being passed off to an old squire like some sack of cabbage! (She launches into a song about wanting to find romance; the other girls join in. Suddenly, the sailors run in, screaming about pirates, and everyone drops to the floor.)
(The pirates emerge with a reprise of their opening chorus number, and there's much dueling and jumping and shouting and clanging.)
(The women all sing of their protest, but they are one by one picked up by pirates and carried off.)
(We next go to a brief scene of the Govenor singing of his need to destroy the pirates who plague on them. A tall, elegant personage appears. It is a slender, handsome man dressed in the height of fashion. He sings, too, after making his appearance. He is the head of a group of mercenary pirates who will do anything for money.)
(He spears one spy in the Govenor's quarters while singing, and shoots the other during a conversation with the Govenor.)
(After some nervous titters, the man turns to his short, greasy subordinate and reveals obviously fake "scars" on his cheek. He is "The Scar," the evil pirate who has terrorized the Carribean and hates the other pirates. He will work with the Govenor as long as he pays him. They sing of their evil hopes and walk out.)
(We cut back to the ship in the moonlight. Captain Powers sits on-deck with Lady Abigail. It's obvious she is at least a decade or two older than him, but she still attempts to watch him with both indignity and girlish abandon.)
Lady Abilgail: I order you to release me and the other women at once, and return that gold to my father! It's not rightfully yours.
Captain Powers: Nor does it truly belong to your father, my lady.
Lady Abigail: (Eyes wide) What are you going to do to us?
Captain Powers: What do you want me to do?
Lady Abigail: Leave me alone.
Captain Powers: All right. ;) (He starts to get up, but she pulls him back)
Lady Abigail: No..no. Stay. I want you to. (Attempt at a girlish smile) I've never met a pirate before.
Captain Powers: And I suspect you never will again. You lead a sheltered life.
Lady Abigail: How can you know that? How can you know ME? We've only know each other for a few weeks now!
Captain Powers: I know everything about you. I've known other women who were like you, who thought they owned the world.
Lady Abigail: (As he takes her in his arms) No, stop, don't...(he kisses her)..yes, yes, oh please, please do!
(They start to sing passionately of love in the moonlight. He pulls her into another kiss, then starts to dance. Three more pirates also bring a lady in. They each pick up a verse, kiss, and start to dance.)
(We cut to another chorus scene, this one in a small Carribean island. The natives who live among the people sing of their restlessness and the horrible taxes, as do the poor people and other pirates. The rich sing of their money and their simple pleasures. The Govenor comes in, along with a troop of men. The pirates suddenly arrive, and the crowd scatters in all directions. The Scar and his men come into the crowd, following the troops, who take taxes from the poor people, who sing of their misery in counterpoint to the Govenor's pleasure.)
(Suddenly, there's a cry from offstage, and a rush of men appear, waving cutlasses and swords and throwing bullion to the crowd. The Govenor flees in terror, but the Scar fights. There's screaming and singing. Davy comes in after the worst has subsided, chasing a pretty woman and singing his ditty about petticoats and those who do and do not wear them. ;) )
(Fern makes a face and sings her song, more or less, on how women are better than men. ;) )
(Powers separates them before they can fight. The Scar orders his men to retreat, but claims they'll return. Powers and his men go into the town, demanding drink and to see the Govenor.)
(Cut back to the ship in the moonlight. Abigail and the women reprise their song about love and romance, but it's cut off as the Scar and his men overcome their guards and overpower the women, singing of carrying them off and holding them back. The women scream and fight, claiming they're already in love and will never give in to evil men, as the curtain closes.)
Mike: Daaaammm....
Peter: Wow, that's some show! :D
Valerie: They ought to cut or trim that secion in the Govenor's mansion. It moves too slowly.
Micky: Dang! This is even better than I thought. ;)
Emma: Some of those love songs ARE a bit...
Mike: Much?
Lauren: Definitely.
Little Mick: More sords, more sords! ;)
Mike: I agree, little cowboy. Too much kissy, too little action. ;)
Valerie: And what do you think of it, Miss Shelly? :)
Shelly: *pauses, then grins* More sords! ;)
Micky: *shrugs* More swords! ;)
Lauren: *shakes her head* Good grief. ;)
Mike: I knew I liked you kids. ;)
*The twins beam.* :D
Peter: (As the lights dim again and the orchestra starts up) Shhh, the show is starting again!
Valerie: Now, we'll see them rescue those pretty ladies. :)
Mike: Don't Lady Abby seem a little...old...to be a blushin' maid fallin' in love for the first time?
Micky: *nods* Yes.
Daphne: Especially when compared to the other girls and Fern. :p
Mike: The guy who plays Captain Powers is a pansy. I could kiss a girl better.
Emma: And has, many times. ;)
(Mike's face turns visibly red, even in the dim lights. ;) :">)
Micky: More swords! *Lauren elbows him* Ow! :P
(The second act opener is set in a bar. Captain Powers leans in a corner watching his men drink, eat, and be entirely too merry. Davy and Fern sing their drinking song, both apparently a bit tipsy. One of the poorer townspeople runs in as the song winds down.)
Messanger: Captain Powahs! Captain Powahs! (Grabs Davy) You Captain Powahs?
Davy: (Puffs himself up as high as he'll go) No, but I work for 'im. 'Ow can I be of service?
Fern: (Rolls her eyes) Before 'e makes 'is chest so big, 'e falls ovah! :p ;)
Messanger: I 'ave a message for 'im, young sir! It's to go to 'im right away, and no one else!
Captain Powers: (Takes the paper the man offers) I'm Captain Powers. I'll take that message. (He grabs the paper and reads it, his eyes visably widening.) Back to the ship, men!
Davy: Why? We ain't done yet!
Fern: I ain't 'ad me fun yet, I ain't!
Captain Powers: You can have fun another time. Our four guests have been forcibly removed!
Davy: You mean, they's been taken-like?
Pirate 1: That bloody Govenah stole them away!
Captain Powers: Yes, my good men. The horrible Govenor and his fierce mercenary pirates have taken our dearest loves. Who knows what horrible things they may do to those poor, sweet young dears?
(Mike makes gagging noises; Emma elbows him.)
*Micky tries not to laugh.*
Captain Powers: To the ship, men! (Fern glares at him) And women. :p
(There's another switch, and the curtain closes as Abigail comes before the curtains, laying in a bed in a frilly, tighter, more revealing gown, singing of her fear and her desire to escape and see Captain Powers again.)
(She does a dance as the curtain opens, revealing the huge Govenor's Palace set. The Scar comes to her, trying to kiss her, but she refuses him. They sing a duet as he tries to chase her and she eludes his grasp.)
Scar: (Grabs Abigail as the song ends) No woman refuses me! (Growls) But the govenor wants you whole. We'll see to this AFTER we've captured your precious Captain Powers.
Abilgail: (Tries to look wide-eyed and trembling) What do you mean?
Scar: (Wickedly) You'll see, my dear. (Leers at her and pulls her into the rest of the chorus, as they bring them to the Govenor's palace. It's obvious that a ball is being held in the ladies' honor. The Govenor dances with a revolted Abigail. Three of the Scar's men, all dressed in black, dance with the other women. We see a group of men overdressed in ruffles and lace, along with one girl in a lace gown that is ill-fitting and too loose.)
(They sing a song that's more or less about the Colonial version of partying while dancing a dainty minuet. Davy and Fern break out into looser dancing briefly, but they're glared at and finally decide they prefer the buffet table. ;) )
(The Captain finally manages to take Abigail aside and reveal that he intends for his men to steal the Govenor's whole fortune and expose him to the King, who is visiting tonight. They sing another duet, with a lengthy solo for the worried Abigail.)
(The Scar finds them embracing and calls his men, who subdue Captain Powers. Abigail sings another song to beg for his life. He is dragged out amid the stunned people as the Govenor sings of the Captain being the pirate who stole their money. Davy and Fern are captured as well.)
(Just as Abigail sings her desire to see the Captain go free and the Scar puts his sword to his neck, the roof of the theater seems to smash in! All of the other pirates and townspeople break in, just as the King himself arrives.)
(The pirates and the guards and the Scar's men run up and down the eisles, sword fighting everywhere. Fern pulls swords and muskets out of her dress and tosses one to Davy, who jumps over men, making jokes as he knocks them out and runs under their legs. ;) )
(The Captain finally reveals the Govenor to be a liar. Abigail tells her father, much to Captain Powers' surprise, that Powers and his men are the one who have encouraged this rebellion against the wicked Govenor.)
(The Scar tries to pull Abigail away with his song again, but the gallant Captain comes between him, and they duel, singing a song of how much they hate each other. The Captain finally cuts the Scar's hand long enough to get him down, and the King orders his arrest.)
(The King pardons Captain Powers and his men. The other men kiss the other ladies. The Captain and Lady Abigail reprise their love song from the first act. Davy tries to kiss Fern and only gets slapped for his troubles. ;) )
(All ends with a song about happy endings and love as the curtain closes.)
(The cast comes on to take their bows. Fern has to drag Davy back behind the curtain when they're done. ;) )