(We open back on stage the next day. Everyone is in regular clothes. The lights are back on now, and the Throne Room set can clearly be seen behind them. Emma and Mike sit in the thrones. Peter sits on what looks like the chair from the vanity in the Queen's Chambers set. Davy, Lauren, and Micky sit on the edge of the stage.)

Bob: Hi, guys. Boy, that was some play, huh?

Mike: No kiddin'.

Bob: Yeah. In real life, that play probably would have been at least five hours or more, given everything that went on in it!

Lauren: I'm so proud I remembered all my lines!

Mike: Given how long that play was, I'm proud ANY of us remembered our lines!

Davy: And some of us remembahed a little TOO well.

*Micky sticks his tongue out at Davy, making a face as well.*

*Davy matches with his own face.*

*Micky puts a thumb to his nose and wiggles his fingers.*

*Davy gives a razz berry.*

(Peter, who is closest to them, bursts into laughter.)

Lauren: *sighs* Why am I in the middle of this?

Peter: (Between guffaws) You like the abuse.

Mike: Because it's our turn to sit in the thrones.

Lauren: Guys, I don't mind the duel, but please stop spitting on me.

Davy: *sheepishly* Sorry, Lauren.

Micky: Sorry, babe. *Slobbers a wet kiss on her cheek.*

Lauren: *groans* Miiiiick...

(Now Emma and Mike are laughing, too.)

Bert: Hey Micky, feeling better now?

Mike: (As his laughter subsides) I sure hope so. We're gonna need everyone's help with Christmas.

Micky: *nods* Yeah, I am. *shrugs* I'm still not really sure how it actually happened. I should've picked up on it and been able to stop myself, but I didn't.

Peter: Actually, I'm not surprised that you didn't, Micky. We were in the middle of a very intense play. It's easy to get swept away when you're that involved with it.

Bert: So Emma and Lauren, where did the idea for this one come from?

Emma: Actually, you might say we've had this one on the back burner for over three years now. We've been wanting to do another story with all of us appearing in a play ever since our "Christmas Carol" story ended up being a favorite of both of us...but we could never find the right play until I hit on writing my own.

Lauren: And the other part was the chance to take part in the National novel Writing Month project again.

Emma: That's why this story ended up being so long. This was this year's NaNoWrite novel.

Mike: I was wonderin' about that. This is awfully long for a charity play that was supposed to be performed in one night.

Emma: And actually, we didn't even get to use some of the ideas we'd originally planned on. This was supposed to have been MUCH goofier, with everyone adding their own wacky ideas towards the end. (Blushes) You guys aren't the only ones who really got caught up in the story!

Lauren: Personally, I think it came out better this way.

Peter: (Nods) The story ended up being so strong, you didn't need all those extra gags.

Lauren: And no matter how many jokes were made about the length, etc., Em came up with an absolutely fabulous story line.

Emma: (Blushes even harder) Aww, thanks guys. We were originally going to do a Shakespearean play, but we just couldn't decide on one we liked that had parts for everyone...so I wrote a fantasy play with overtones of various Shakespearean plays and a couple of fairy tales.

Mike: Worked fine for me. I really liked playin' Robin Hood.

Peter: Actually, it was sort of interesting being a Wolf Man...and I got to kiss Valerie awake in the end.

Lauren: Please, no more bad guy characters for Micky.

Micky: Hey, I liked playing that part! Well, until it seemed to take over, that is.

Emma: He requested a bad guy who gets rowdy and drunk, so...

Davy: That may 'ave been wot 'e requested, but it didn't mean you 'ad to fulfill it for 'im.

Micky: Hey!?

Emma: No one else wanted to be the bad guy.

Bert: How about you, Davy? Bet you loved getting to rescue Daphne.

Davy: Oh, I did!

Emma: That's what HE requested.

Bob: Where are the other girls, anyway?

Peter: Val's at home with Jordan, and Daphne and the Abbies are at Micky and Lauren’s home with Lizzie and the Dolenz kids.

Emma: Mrs. Marion is watching Katie and Robbie.

Bert: What are you guys doing here, anyway?

Peter: We volunteered to help Micky's friends take down the scenery, so they can get ready for the production of "The Nutcracker" that's playing the Royale for the next couple of weeks.

Mike: (Mutters) YOU volunteered. I was drafted.

Emma: (Elbows him) Be nice. Micky and his men needed help. These are big sets.

Bert: And may I commend you on these big sets, Micky? You and your buddies really did an amazing job.

Micky: Thanks! Fortunately, enough of the other fellas wanted to help, so we were able to add that much more quality to them.

Bob: I especially liked the Throne Room and Tower Sets, with all those rolling smaller sets.

Bert: You couldn't find a better dragon costume?

Micky: Wasn't in charge of costumes.

Emma: That's what they had in the back storage area. The Jolly Green Giants jumped in at the last minute anyway. They're lucky they were in the show at all, much less in better roles and costumes.

Mike: Everyone we knew just kept askin' for roles. (Looks at Micky) How's Nyles feelin', after all that liquor he and Jessie consumed last night?

Emma: And can you let them know I'd like to have a word with both of them the next time they're in the area of the Pad? I specifically said for the liquor to be watered down or for them to use soda!

Bob: All effects of the liquor from last night gone, Mick?

Micky: Mostly, yeah. *shakes his head* I don't know HOW Nyles does it.

Mike: No kiddin'. The moment I started feelin' a little buzz, I knew Nyles must have switched the liquor for the bar scenes.

Bob: When did Nyles and his new lady friend become joined at the hip and lip?

Emma: I think they met on the University of California campus in late September, right after the end of that whole mess with the devils. He "broke up" with Sheila after that, and they've been inseparable ever since.

Mike: He only THINKS he broke up with Sheila. She probably got bored with him and wanted to find someone with more money.

Micky: That's the feeling I got.

Peter: Either way, as far as we can tell, he hasn't had anything to do with Sheila or the devils in general since the incident in early September when Davy was accidentally increased in size.

Mike: And he probably won't again. I'll bet he doesn't remember Sheila exists.

Bert: Hey, how's Emilio? Heard from him?

Micky: He's good. He said he'll stop by again in a few days.

Mike: Yeah, he said durin' the show last night that he was here for a few days for a little "him" time. He's gonna go down to Cardelli's with us for some lug nuts and a quart of oil, then head back to his family.

Bob: Did anyone ever hear from those producers?

Peter: Not yet, as far as I know.

Micky: We'd better hear from them!

Mike: Micky, don't you dare start panicin' again. I thought we talked about this last night.

Micky: *nervous grin* Not panicking. I just really hope we hear from them.

Mike: Micky, that's not what that face you're makin' is tellin' me.

Micky: I'm trying, Mike! I'm just excited and nervous.

Emma: Maybe we'll hear from them any minute!

Peter: They'll probably call in a few weeks.

Emma: We don't have the time in this story for that!

Micky: A few weeks!

Davy: Petah didn't mean that, Mick.

Bob: Anyone know what movie they were hiring for?

Mike: Probably just commercials.

Micky: Who cares!? It's work on air!

Emma: I wish you could all do something together.

Peter: (Sighs) I do too, Emma. That was part of my problem to begin with.

Bob: Speaking of problems, how are you boys doing with working yours out?

Mike: Gettin' there.

Davy: Yeah, we're actually talking, and, for the most part, not biting each othah’s heads off.

Peter: We've made a lot of progress.

Mike: I'm hopin' startin' a business together will really help make us more of a group again.

Bert: Gonna play together anytime soon?

Mike: (Shakes his head) Just for our families. It's still officially Dave, Mick, and me.

Peter: I really don't know what I'm doing right now. I guess go back to teaching. I'm thinking of teaching English or music at some school in the LA/Valley area.

Mike: Gonna start working on more songs to sell after the holidays.

Micky: Pick up some of my 500 jobs you guys keep saying I have.

Davy: Might do some stage performances. Otherwise I'll be minding the horses...and of course, spend time with Lizzie and Daphne.

Emma: I don't know if I'm going to be writing any more plays for a while. That one took a LOT out of me. I think I'll stick to writing short stories and articles and baking and playing with my children.

Mike: Maybe next year, you could write us a nice little comedy. Somethin' simpler for just us, and not every single person we know.

Peter: And we know a LOT of people.

Emma: (Sighs) Word gets around. Once everyone found out I was writing a play, they ALL wanted in on it!

*Suddenly, Davy's communicator goes off.*

Davy: *opens the communicator; smiles* 'Ello, luv!

Daphne: Hi, Davy.

Peter: (Puts a hand on Micky's shoulder) Don't worry about the producers, Micky. I'm sure we'll get another chance. (Frowns at Davy) What is it?

Davy: Wot's up, Daph?

Daphne: Davy, tell Micky that we just got a call from the producers who were at the show last night! They want to use Micky in their movie!

Davy: *grins* Do I 'AVE to, luv?

Daphne: If you don't want to, hand this communicator to him!

Davy: *chuckles; hands the communicator to Micky* 'Ere you go, mate.

Micky: I don't know if I like that grin on your face. *turns his attention to the communicator* Daph, what's going on?

Daphne: Micky, do you remember the producers who were at the play last night? The ones you drove us crazy over?

Micky: *eyes widen* Yes. What about them?

Daphne: They just called here a few minutes ago. They said they really liked what they saw of you, especially the scene where you dueled with Mike during the ball, and they want to use you in their new movie, "Night of the Strangler!"

Micky: They what!? *jumps up, cheering; realizes* Wait a minute. They liked the dueling scene at the ball the best?!

Daphne: Yeah... (she realizes, too) Oh yeah, that was when....

Peter: (Frowns when he sees Micky's face) Mick, what's wrong?

Micky: The producers called. They liked what I did in the show, but their favorite scene was Mike and Emilio's duel during the ball.

Mike: Well, do they want you, or don't they?

Micky: *half grin* Yeah, they do.

Davy: Well, I'll be darned.

Peter: Micky, think about it. Emilio is a robot, and not even from this planet. He really can't be in the movie. I imagine he'll want to go home after he goes out with us.

Mike: Go on in his place. No one needs to know about the switch.

Emma: We certainly won't tell them!

Mike: If they want you to do anythin' with swords, I'll help you practice.

Daphne: Micky, if you want to do it, I'll give you their phone number when you and the others get back.

Micky: Of course I wanna do it!

Daphne: Great! Call them the moment you get home. I'll give you the phone number they left when you get in. I'm afraid if I leave it sitting around somewhere, one of the girls will doodle on it or the kids will try to eat it or color on it or flush it down the toilet.

Maxine (Heard in the background): I heard that! I wouldn’t doodle on a producer!

Micky: Thank you!

Daphne: You're welcome, Micky. Feel better now?

Micky: Yes, I do. Thanks for calling, Daph.

Daphne: You're welcome. I knew you'd want this information right away.

Micky: You have no idea.

Daphne: Can I have Davy back?

Micky: Sure! *hands the communicator back to Davy*

Davy: Hi, luv. Yeah, I'll be 'ome in time for suppah. Love you, Daph. Bye. *closes the communicator*

Peter: See, Mick? Things worked out anyway.

Mike: Yeah, man. They still want you, even after all that panicking'.

Emma: I'll bet they just thought it was part of the performance.

Micky: I am kinda bummed that their favorite part was Emilio's scene, but at least they also liked everything I did.

Peter: You're still going to be in a movie. That's what counts! Millions of people will see you again!

Micky: Oh man, I can't believe it!

Lauren: What's the name of the movie, Mick?

Micky: "Night of the Strangler."

Lauren: Huh? A horror movie?

Emma: Sounds...interesting.

Mike: A horror movie? Sounds cool to me. Did Daph say if you get to kill anybody?

(Peter turns a little green around the gills.)

Micky: No, she didn't.

Bob: Well, congratulations, Mick!

Lauren: Well, I suppose it could be worse, though I'm not really sure HOW.

Bert: Will you sign an autograph for me when you're a star?

Micky: Sure, Bart!

Bert: That's Bert, Mick. (Audible sigh and eye rolling) Running gags.

Micky: *shrugs* I had to.

Bob: So, what's up for next month?

Emma: We're trying something different for the holidays this year. Instead of one long, linear story, this year's December main story will be a series of short stories, skits, and vignettes about our families celebrating the holidays.

Lauren: We wanna try to have something for everyone.

Emma: It's very hard for us to come up with Christmas stories without doing the 800th version of "It's a Wonderful Life" or "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

Mike: I dunno, darlin'. That "Christmas Carol" did end up bein' a lot of fun.

Emma: I loved doing it, too, but I promised myself after we did it that we'd try other things for the holidays besides the same thing people can read anywhere.

Mike: (Thinks) I wonder if we could get a gig on WLAC again? Anyone know if Junior's still in charge of that Christmas special? We could really use the exposure.

Peter: I'll have Valerie call him and see.

Emma: We have a few other plans as well. (Smiles) Nothing more complicated than outings with the kids and wild parties, though. I promise, next month there will be no villains, no heavy use of the Imagination Powers, and definitely no devils.

Mike: The Devils don't like the holidays, anyway. They hide in December.

Emma: The only magic will be "Christmas magic."

Bert: Micky, what are you looking forward to doing for the holidays?

Bob: How about you, Lauren?

Micky: *exchanges a look with Lauren* Just spending time together.

Emma: Baking for everyone.

Mike: Writin' songs and playin' with the kids.

Peter: Spending more time with Valerie and Jordan after I neglected them so badly this year.

Davy: Spending time with Daph and Lizzie.

Emma: Oh, and I know two people who are having birthdays next month.

Mike: (Rolls his eyes) Stop remindin' me.

Emma: Davy, why don't we do yours and Mike's birthday at your house this year? We had it at the Pad last year.

Davy: That's fine with me.

Emma: We'll probably be starting the next main story on or around December 1st. Our next story will also be the first to have a time limit set on it. (Looks at Lauren) I think ten days should be about enough, depending on how into it we get and how much time we have.

Lauren: We'll see.

Emma: The others should be here any minute, so I think we'll leave off here. Mike, why doesn't our fearless knight finish things off?

Mike: Ok, yeah. Everyone here at Dream World hopes our American readers have a great Thanksgiving. The rest of you, enjoy your fall...and remember, appearin' in plays are fun, but they're only make-believe.

Emma: You can find the real-life Shakespearean plays and fairy tales that inspired this story at your local library or online.

Mike and Emma: (As the others wave) See you next month!

(We cut from them getting up and moving the chair Peter was sitting on into the wings to the credits. "I Won't Be The Same Without Her" plays over scenes from the "production." The last shot is of the words "A Raybert Production" on an autumn leaf-themed background, with a turkey under it.)