Archive of Our Own

Drum Roll Please… It’s Steve Louise

SCENE ONE

STEVIE’s bedroom. Morning.
STEVIE is asleep in her bed, wrapped up in her doona like a burrito. She’s wearing her special gold boots that poke out of the bottom of the doona. There’s a knock at her bedroom door.

MUM [Off stage] Steven Louise, get out of bed!

Harder knocks.
STEVEN!

STEVIE sits bolt upright in bed. She’s wearing an eye mask with wacky eyeballs on them that jiggle around.

STEVIE Woman. It’s not Steven, it’s Stevie.

MUM Get out of bed now, I’m not driving you to school, I have my Jazzercise class.

MUM enters in a ridiculous 80s unitard. STEVIE pulls up her eye mask.

STEVIE
Okay wow that’s a lot before 9am.
MUM
I’m not kidding, get up, you’ve got school!
STEVIE
I can’t, I’m… Siickk… Potentially very sick. Better not risk it.
STEVIE snuggles back into her doona.

MUM Reeeeally?… But didn’t you say you had some big plan you were gonna reveal today? Some scheme? An idea for world domination?

STEVIE Oh. YES! My PLAN. I nearly forgot!

STEVIE throws off her doona and runs to her desk.

Where did I put it?

MUM Oh! Suddenly feeling better! C’mon then. Let’s go kiddo! Hurry up, I don’t wanna miss the warm up.

MUM jazzercises in STEVIE’s bedroom mirror as STEVIE rummages around in her desk. STEVIE holds up an exercise book with the word “PLAN” on it.

STEVIE FOUND IT! [To audience] Don’t worry, I’ll let you guys know my genius plan later.
She stuffs the book in her backpack.
[To audience] By the way my name is Stevie. But Mum thinks calling me Steven is funny. She is not funny. She is, in fact, weird.

STEVIE looks over at her MUM Jazzercising in the mirror…

She’s also going through a phase. A —
MUM has produced a crystal from her unitard pocket and waves it around the room…

MUM
— there’s a crystal for everything —
STEVIE
[To audience] — phase. The woman has dreamcatchers in every room. She —
MUM
Steven! You are going to miss the bus. And if you miss the bus, I will drive you to school, right up to the fronty gate where everyone’s walking in, get out of the car and wave you off with no bra, and they will swing! I will yell, “I love you Steven Louise”, and then I will cry, really loudly, “I love you my child, I love you” —
STEVIE
[To audience] She’s really on a roll now.
MUM — It’s my day off today and I’m as free as a bird to embarrass you if you don’t get on that bus.

MUM Jazzercises out of STEVIE's room.

STEVIE [To audience] The thing is, I know Mum really will do all that. She did it last year. See, Mum used to be a comedian so she thinks she’s hilarious. But she hasn’t done comedy in years. She is kinda funny. But don’t tell her I said that. She looks after me, and our little brother Riley all by herself. So she’s kinda amazing. Again, don’t tell her I said that.

STEVIE changes into her black school shoes, placing her gold boots on the shelf.

Anytime I’m not at school I wear my gold boots. They’re pretty excellent. In fact, they’re my whole world. They help me be me. If the house was flooded I would save these boots and leave my brother. But today, it’s school… so it’s the ugly black school shoes. Oh and Mum is serving —

MUM
[Off stage] Hot dogs for breakfast!
STEVIE
[To audience] I told you she’s weird. What are hot dogs even made of? Lips and bums of goats? [To MUM] Why can’t we have toast like every other family?
T

 

SCENE TWO
Brooke Street. A cul-de-sac brimming with quaint suburban charm.

STEVIE [To audience] So that’s my family. We live on Brooke Street, the greatest street in the world. It’s full of kids my age and they’re all my best friends. The Brooke Street crew are my everything. I mean I wouldn’t get their names tattooed on my face, but they just get me. The truth is I’m kinda freaking out cause next year I’m going to a different high school and I’ll be all alone… But until then, I’ve got my crew. So let me introduce you to the greatest people you’ll ever meet. First, Macey !

MACEY walks on with a vagueness.

MACEY Hello. Stevie… I’ve been thinking … Does Santa have children? Do the elves have hobbies? Do the elves get married and have kids? MACEY stares into nothingness.

STEVIE [To audience] We call her Spacey Macey … Then there is Macey ’s twin brother Luke. LUKE enters playing a game on his phone.

LUKE Move it Spacey. I’m playing Clash Royale. Hey Stevie, last night I found all the cheats to Minecraft on Youtube. Ask me anything.
STEVIE [To audience] Then there’s Trixie. Her real name is Beatrix.

TRIXIE enters and throws MACEY a Nerf ball.

TRIXIE Macey catch!

MACEY misses due to vagueness.

 

Oh, nope. Never mind. Hey Stevie, remember that night you slept over and you peed yourself in fear over one of my ghost stories? Well I wrote that story for my year 6 English creative writing thing AND I GOT 100%… Yiew!

STEVIE

Beat.
Ah, no… I didn’t pee myself.
TRIXIE
You did.
STEVIE
[To audience] Trix is my bestest friend, and she’s right, I did pee myself. Not heaps. Then, there is the one, the only, Alex.
ALEX flounces onstage.

ALEX
Heyyyy Brooke Street lovers! Wanna see my nails? I love them for me. Also I have singing lessons this afternoon so anyone wanna be my personal assistant and carry my music bag and snacks?
TRIXIE
Yeah I’ll be your assistant—
ALEX
Yay!
TRIXIE
— For 100 bucks.
ALEX
… Would you accept a bag of Cheezels?
TRIXIE
Mmm. Yes.
ALEX
No, actually, I want my Cheezels.
STEVIE
[To audience] I once saw Alex kiss a bag of Cheezels in Year 2.
ALEX
Are we lunch-boxing this weekend? I need to plan outfits and hats…
STEVIE [To audience] I should explain. We do this thing every weekend called ‘lunch-boxing’ where we tell everyone’s parents we haven’t had lunch so they make us lunch, not realising we’ve already been to everyone’s houses and said the same thing. So every weekend we get four lunches!

LUKE/MACEY We’re in.

TRIXIE
I’m in, If I don’t have tennis.
LUKE
Okay we better go, we’re already late. Bye team.
STEVIE
Wait wait wait! Everyone, meet me at the canteen straight after class. I mean it, run if you have to. I have huge news.
ALEX
I don’t run, Steven. I will never run. I’m not a runner.
STEVIE
Just be at the canteen at lunch Alex.
TRIXIE
Tell us now, Stevie.
The bell rings and everyone runs off to class leaving STEVIE alone.

STEVIE Goodbye friends, hello class with no friends.

SCENE THREE

 

Classroom.

MR CLARKE
Okay. Hello. Teacher speaking. 1,2,3, eyes on me. Alrighty… we are talking Ancient Egypt. If you don’t love The Valley of the Queens then you must be in denial. Like The Nile… de… nile… [silence] OK.
STEVIE [To audience] He’s so cringe.
MR CLARKE
Let’s read from Chapter 4! Out loud! How fun!
STEVIE
[To audience] Ugh, I hate reading out loud to the class. Please don’t pick me.
MR CLARKE
Stevie!
STEVIE
Poo.
MR CLARKE Let’s start with you my girl. Take it away.

STEVIE quietly and nervously stumbles over her words.

STEVIE Ah, um… The Valley… of the Q-Q… Queens is site is a in Egypt —

MR CLARKE Stevie I heard almost none of that. Go again please, project and be confident. Roar. Like a pha-roar. … Phah-roar… get it?

STEVIE
[To audience] I don’t know if I’m more embarrassed for him or me… By the way — I’m a great reader. You should hear me read at home! I just get so shy without my gold boots and my Brooke Street Crew around me.
MR CLARKE
Once more please, Stevie.
STEVIE
[Quickly and barley audibly] The Valley… of the Queens… is a site in Egypt where the wives of pharaohs were buried —
MR CLARKE No one can hear you, Stevie.
STEVIE

The bell rings.
[To audience] I just wish I could show the rest of the class what I’m like around the Brooke Street Crew. I cannot wait for lunch. I have a huge idea that will make sure we can all stay together next year!
Finally!

 

SCENE FOUR

The canteen. The Brooke Street crew are gathered, except ALEX… Who wonders in late.

TRIXIE
Oh here he is —
STEVIE
— seven minutes late!
ALEX
I DON’T RUN! And if you must know, I was talking to the teacher about having a musical theatre craft-ernoon, where we listen to Grease and do paper mache. So that is a personal priority, Steven.
STEVIE
[To audience] I’m so nervous. What if everyone hates my idea? What if everyone laughs?
TRIXIE
What’s the huge news, Stevie?
STEVIE pulls her plan book out of her bag.

STEVIE
I have asked you to be here today because, as you know, this is the last year at primary school for some of us, and Trixie and I are going to different high schools.
ALEX
Yeah… .?
STEVIE Okay. Are you ready? Really ready for it?

STEVIE reads silently from her plan book…

… Just wanna get the wording right…

TRIXIE
Just spit it out, Steven. You’re always so dramatic. You’re really cutting into my handball time.
ALEX
And my canteen time. I will not go without chocolate milk Steven. I just won’t.
STEVIE
Okay, so are you ready?
ALL
YES!
STEVIE
OK. We… are going… PRO.
MACEY
Like… we’re getting into pro wrestling?
STEVIE
No! Remember when we did shows for our families at Christmas? That was a HUGE success. And I think we’ve moved on from the amateur scene, don’t you?
ALEX
Yes 100%. I’m ready to break into the big time. I wanna be The Cash Cow before I turn 18.
STEVIE
I want to start a performance troupe and I want us all to be in it! We’ll tour it around the streets in our suburb and beyond! [Reading from her book] Trixie, you can write the script. Alex, costumes and choreography. Macey , you can do the programs and tickets and Luke, you can do lighting and sound. I’ll direct the shows, and of course we’ll all be actors! [Snapping the book shut] It’s going to be SO MUCH FUN. We’ll get to hang out all the time before we all… umm move away from hanging out all the time. [Pause] What do you guys think?
LUKE Yeah, nah. I’m out.

LUKE goes to leave.

STEVIE Come on, Luke. It won’t be the same if we’re not all in it. We can sell tickets to our families over school holidays. We’ll make enough money to go to Disneyland and be famous and rich!

LUKE sits back down.

LUKE
Do you really think people will buy tickets?
STEVIE
YES! I mean… I’m pretty sure. [To audience] I thought they’d all be screaming “YES”. Did I oversell it? Is it a dreadful idea?
ALEX
I’m in! You know I was born to be on stage, Steven.
Remember last year when I played a hilarious yet heart-breaking Mrs. Claus at the Christmas show we did for our parents? WAIT… We could do Grease, The Musical!

STEVIE
[To audience] If you can’t already tell, Alex is obsessed with Grease, The Musical.
TRIXIE starts edging towards the handball courts.

TRIXIE
I’m in, Stevie, and I can write the script. Can I play handball now?
STEVIE

TRIXIE heads off. Sure!
MACEY
I’m in! I love drama and acting and drama and acting.
ALEX
Did you just say “drama and acting” twice?
LUKE Spacey Macey … Anyway, I can’t, I’m on a hard level of Alto’s Odyssey which is taking up all my time. See ya.

Everyone disperses, leaving STEVIE alone.

STEVIE [To audience] I can’t believe it! Everyone — well, except Luke — is IN!

THIS IS HAPPENING!

SCENE FIVE

STEVIE’s house. She’s nervously getting ready for the first rehearsal. MUM is in the kitchen, moving slowly and wearing sunglasses.

MUM
Do I need to cater this thing Steven? I’m tired from Book Club last night.
STEVIE
[To audience] She means wine and cheese night with Lorraine and Kerry.
[To MUM] Yes Mum — it’s gotta seem professional.

MUM
OK OK, I’ve got four carrots, eight sultanas, three bananas and a jar of Vegemite. Will that do?
STEVIE That’s… fine, Mother.
TRIXIE, ALEX and MACEY file in lazily.

TRIXIE
Hey Stevie. Hey Mrs Mason thanks for having us!
MUM

MUM exits. You’re welcome, beautiful. Just don’t be too loud, ok? I have a killer headache!
MACEY
Before we start, I need to know — who do you think invented words? And how come “zahpit” isn’t a word? Who do I have to ask to make it a word?
ALEX looks at the food offerings.

ALEX
This isn’t Cheezels. You know my rule Steven. Cheezels, bare mini Mum. I don’t work for free!
TRIXIE
You have a problem with Cheezels.
ALEX
My problem is there aren’t any Cheezels.
STEVIE
OK! Item one on the agenda is “choose name”. We need to think of a name for our performance group!
ALEX
Let’s call it Broadway Babies!
MACEY
The Zahpit’s!
TRIXIE
I’ve got it! Let’s call it Lunchbox Productions, ‘cause we always ‘lunchbox’ on the weekends!
STEVIE Ooh, Yes! Love it! This is why you’re the writer Trixie.

ALEX/MACEY/
TRIXIE Yep/Yeah/Love it.

LUKE saunters into the living room, and frowns at the tray of strange snacks.

LUKE
I hate it.
MACEY
Well you’re not doing the show, and we love it.
LUKE
What are you guys even going to do? Plays? Music? Dancing? What?
STEVIE
That’s next on the agenda. Wait — why are you here? You said you didn’t want to do it.
LUKE
… cause… I love you guys! I missed you.
TRIXIE Luke, you are the worst liar. Why are you really here?

Beat.

MACEY/LUKE Mum turned off the Wi-Fi.

STEVIE hands LUKE an agenda and he sits down.

ALEX I think we should do a puppet show. Ooh, or a twist on a classic? Or Bluey The Musical? Oh I know… we could do Grease the musical!

ALEX sings Summer Nights from the Grease Musical.

MACEY/LUKE/
STEVIE/TRIXIE No!

TRIXIE
Let’s do a variety show. We can all do something different.
MACEY
A circus show? People tell me I’m a clown a lot.
TRIXIE
None of us have any circus skills.
ALEX

They all laugh.
Well, I mean, I can do magic. I can make a whole jar of Nutella disappear!
LUKE
Wait, who are we performing this for? That will help us think of what the show will be.
STEVIE

LUKE shrugs.
Did you just say “we” Luke? Are you in?
TRIXIE
Luke’s right. It can’t just be our parents again, right? You said it was going to be bigger than that, Stevie! Where are we performing?
ALL
[Overlapping] Yeah where, Steven?/Where, Stevie?
STEVIE
[To audience] Uh oh. I forgot the most important thing. Professional shows need professional venues.
Everyone stares at STEVIE wanting answers. STEVIE touches her gold boots.

It’s uh… it’s a surprise! Now please turn to page two of your seventeen-page agenda…
[To audience] Look, I’m not technically lying. It will be a surprise. To all of us. Because I have no idea!

 

SCENE SIX

STEVIE’s NAN and POP’s home in the retirement village.

STEVIE [To audience] Basically, every weekend we see my Nan and Pop. They live in The Peach Centre, an old people’s home not far from our place. It smells like lamb and rubber gloves there, but I don’t mind. I love my Nan and Pop.

POP Drum roll please, It’s Stevie Louise! Where’s your mum and brother?

POP and STEVIE hug.
STEVIE
Riley got over excited petting a dog and threw up on it so Mum’s helping the owner clean it.
POP Ah. Ok. Well, it’s so good to see you! Care to hear about the rabbit I saw on the lawn? Or can I interest you in a sing-a-long with your Pop?

POP begins to sing.

STEVIE [To audience] This is my pop. He is the best, but sings relentlessly and tells me the same stories over and over.
STEVIE cuts off his song.

I can’t Pop. I’m really stressed.

POP
Why Stevie?
STEVIE
I decided to put on a play with the Brooke Street Crew so we’d all stay together, that way, I don’t have to worry if I have no friends at high school, I will ALWAYS have them… ya know? But… I think I’m in way too over my head.
POP
You know, when I was a kid, I was confident at home but when I was anywhere else, I was shy, and just couldn’t find my place.
STEVIE
We are similar, Pop… except I still have all my teeth.
POP
You know I had an audition once…
STEVIE
I know, I know… the day of your big audition your dad gave you a pair of brown leather boots. He infused all his luck, confidence and bravery into them. When you got up to sing at the audition, you felt invincible and you smashed it. That’s why you got me these gold boots! It’s the circle of life … but with shoes. Also you’ve told me that story 400 times.
POP
I’m a Pop. That’s what we do… that, and fart. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes, kiddo. You’re a star.
MUM enters yelling at RILEY off stage.

MUM No more cookies for you Riley, they’ll just come back up again.

POP I heard about the dog… Hi darling.

MUM Hi dad.

MUM and POP hug.

MUM Where’s Mum ?

POP She’s in the common area. She’s doing a hip-hop dance lesson.

STEVIE WAIT. WHAT? Nan’s doing hip-hop?! I have got to see this for myself.

 

SCENE SEVEN

Suddenly we are in the common area in the middle of the hip-hop dance class, led by a dance instructor. The NANs are doing a choreographed performance to Rihanna’s Umbrella. Some of them are wearing bedazzled backward caps. All of them are doing choreographed twerking. STEVIE stands near the community noticeboard and watches in shock.

STEVIE [To audience] Wow. I never thought I would see the day where I witnessed my NAN TWERKING! There is so much hip movement for people who have had them replaced. This is amazing!
STEVIE sees the noticeboard with a pink piece of paper tacked on it. It reads: “ENTERTAINMENT WANTED. Musicians, singers, poets, plays… anything.” Everything goes into slow motion. A single light shines on the noticeboard. Hallelujah plays and STEVIE lights up and grabs the poster.

[Reading the sign] ENTERTAINMENT WANTED. Musicians, singers, poets, plays… anything.
[To audience] This is it! They want… anything? We can do anything! Oh my god, it’s paid! Contact Jude at reception. THIS IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE.
NAN
Stevie Louise! My beautiful granddaughter! Did you see me crumping and twerking?
STEVIE
I don’t think I will ever be able to un-see it, Nan.
NAN
The teacher says I’m very limber for my age. He says I could be back up dancing for Rhianna next year! Come on, let’s go home, my sweetness.
STEVIE [To audience] OMG. PAID. PROFESSIONAL. GIG. This is the best day of my life!

SCENE EIGHT

Back at school.

STEVIE
Guys, you will never believe what has happened! Wait. Macey, why do you smell like that?
MACEY
I didn’t have my glasses on, and I accidentally used hairspray as deodorant and deodorant as hairspray. It’s been a rough morning.
MACEY stares off vaguely.

LUKE
Spacey… Macey …
STEVIE
OK, want to hear my news about the show? I’m gonna reveal the surprise location for our performance.
ALL
Ah yes/Tell us the tea, girl! Yes/oh my god yes/ hurry up and tell us/yes yes yes!
STEVIE … The Peach Centre.
ALEX
Ooh is that a new theme park?
TRIXIE Is it a fruit shop?

MACEY
Is it a peach lover’s event? Do people go there to just love and praise peaches?
LUKE
Everyone is silent. Wait! Are you talking about the old people’s home?

STEVIE
[To audience] They don’t want to do it. Was an old people’s home an awful idea?
MACEY
Well I for one, think this is huge!
ALEX
Same! This is a great gig! Can you even deal? It’s a real thing now! I love this for us.
LUKE
I guess you gotta start somewhere. I’m in.
TRIXIE
Steven, this is actually happening! When are we booked in? How long do we have to rehearse?
STEVIE
Five weeks! And it’s paid!
ALEX
Paid? What?
LUKE
You should have led with the fact it was paid, not that it was at an old people’s home.
ALEX
At ten years old, I will be a professional showman. THIS IS MY DEBUT! Maybe they will put me on the cover of Woman’s Day! How much will we make?
STEVIE
It’s $140, between us!
ALEX
That’s so much money!
STEVIE
And the show has to be thirty minutes.
MACEY
Kinda scary though… These are real people. Not just our parents and a few cats.
STEVIE
Don’t be scared Macey! It’s going to be AMAZING! We just need to come up with an idea for a show for old people. What do old people like?
TRIXIE
Soup?
LUKE
Gardening? Bingo?
ALEX
Getting knee replacements? Soft biscuits?
MACEY
The news? Fancy plates and spoons we’re not allowed to touch?
LUKE
Old people love history. I guess they are history?
ALEX You know what old people love? A CLASSIC, we could do A Midsummer Night’s Dream! Or Phantom of The Opera? I’ve got it… what about Gr—
MACEY/LUKE/
STEVIE/TRIXIE NOT GREASE!

ALEX
None of you have taste.
TRIXIE
Guys! Let’s do a new, funny, and cool Cinderella.
ALEX
Yes! And I will play The Wicked Stepmother. Can I? Don’t bother answering, I’m doing it! It’s cast, thank you, bye!
STEVIE
How soon can you write it, Trix? We need to start rehearsing, like, yesterday.
TRIXIE
I’ll have it done by the end of the week! Mum got me some script-writing software for my birthday so I can make it look totally legit.
STEVIE Perfect! Rehearsals start Monday, everyone. [To audience] This is happening. This is happening. It’s all coming together!

SCENE NINE

STEVIE’s backyard.
The whole gang is there, including MUM who’s wearing her unitard. There is a chaotic rehearsal energy — lots of scripts changing hands, learning lines, noise, props, half costumes. It’s a mess. There is a sign that indicates how many days until The Peach Centre Show, currently it is says “34 days til Show Day”. STEVIE yells above the chaos.

STEVIE
Less chatting, more rehearsing! Hello… the director is speaking! Alex, I don’t think the stepmother needs a tiara and a wand. She’s not a fairy, she’s a villain!
ALEX
Well, it’s my choice as an actor, and I choose to be a villain in a tiara and have a wand.
LET ME LIVE WOMAN!
ALEX brandishes the wand at STEVIE. STEVIE rolls her eyes.

MUM
Remember what I said Steven, you guys can do the show if you make sure you do your homework, unpack the dishwasher and set the table without complaining for the whole five weeks until the show.
STEVIE
Yes, I know Mother.
MUM
I am so proud of you for being brave enough to perform in a REAL show! But you don’t look this good in a unitard Steven.
STEVIE
I wouldn’t want to. Also do you have to wear that when you’re not at dance class Mum?
MUM Well I have no clean clothes so this is what I’ll be wearing for at least 3 days.
STEVIE

MUM leaves. [To audience] Mum's gotten really into adult jazz classes. Its alot.

TRIXIE
OK, everyone! Gather ‘round! I just want to be clear on my vision.
ALEX
Yeah we know, it’s the world’s strangest production of Cinderella!
TRIXIE
Correct. Alex you’re The Wicked Stepmother. I’m The Mean Stepsister. Stevie, you’re Cinderella and Macey, you’re The Prince…
MACEY
But it says I’m a seal too? Or am I being Spacey Macey right now?
TRIXIE
Well it’s set under water, so everyone is a sea creature! Duh.
STEVIE
[To audience] Yes, you heard that right. In Trixie’s version of Cinderella, it’s set underwater. I’ll be honest, it’s not as bad as it sounds.
TRIXIE
The official name I am going with is Cinderella: SEA WHAT HAPPENS! Sea… S.E.A… which I think works! So The Fairy Godmother is a lobster, The Stepsister is a dugong, The Wicked Stepmother is whatever Alex feels like doing, and Cinderella is a human.
LUKE
Wait, why is Cinderella human? That makes no sense.
ALEX
Yet a Fairy God-lobster does?
STEVIE
Luke, can you try to get a smoke machine to make the set look legit underwater?
LUKE
Yeah. I know someone who has one. My friend’s dad is a DJ!
STEVIE Perfect!
[To audience] I’m completely overwhelmed, but as long as I’ve got the Brooke Street Crew and my gold boots, I can do anything. What could possibly go wrong?
The rehearsal continues chaotically over the scene change. Time-lapse of the process set to music.

STEVIE changes the sign to read ‘14 Days til Show Day’.

SCENE TEN

STEVIE
[To audience] Okay, so a few things go wrong. We put on a run through for the parents and they had a lot of questions, like…
MUM
Why is it set underwater? Why does The Wicked Stepmother have two songs and no one else has any songs? Why is Prince Charming a seal? Why does Cinderella wear gold boots if she is a poor servant? Steven, you can’t just throw it together. It has to make sense.
STEVIE I know, Mum ! There’s just so much to do. I’m feeling alot of feelings, most of which are nervous.
MUM Darling, if you want me to be in it, you only need to ask. I’m expensive but worth it.

MUM leaves with a flourish.

STEVIE OK, can I get an update of where everyone is at?
ALEX I’ve basically finished all the costumes! It’s okay they are stapled together, right?
MACEY
I’ve finished the programs and Mum’s gonna print them at her work. Is 4000 too many?
ALL
Yes!
TRIXIE
Script is nearly done… sorta, okay it’s not done. What about you Stevie?
STEVIE
Tense beat…
Me? I’m doing the rehearsal schedule, trying to learn my lines, I’m directing you ferals, I’m organising food, props, sets, managing Alex’s demands… I have never made more lists in my life! I feel like I’m doing EVERYTHING!
ALEX
Um ok… Should we rehearse then, babes?
STEVIE
Let’s go from the scene when the ugly step sister tries on the shoe! From the top everyone… places!!!
TRIXIE
Where is the shoe?
ALEX
Yeah. Where is the shoe?
LUKE
I don’t know? Steven?
STEVIE
It was on the prop table. I bet sticky baby Riley took it. I’ll look inside. Do I have to do everything!?
STEVIE leaves to go inside. It’s awkward.

MACEY
So Steven is stress-a-saurus rex…
LUKE
I’m kinda scared of her at the moment.
ALEX
Suggestion. If she’s struggling to be Cinderella and manage everything… how about, I play Cinderella and The Step Mother?
TRIXIE
I know her. She’ll be OK… I hope.
LUKE
It’s two weeks until the show, she’d better be OK.
ALEX
Just know that me doing both characters is a strong option! Just look at the wand flourish I’ve been working on.
ALEX waves his wand extravagantly and at the exact same time a huge clap of thunder hits. Everyone is shocked, including ALEX.
Wow. I am terrifying!

 

SCENE ELEVEN

STEVIE’s bedroom.

The thunder continues as we see STEVIE asleep in her bed. She’s dreaming. She’s having a nightmare. Rain and thunder continues. She tosses and turns. STEVIE is scared, trying to yell out to her friends, all of whom can’t hear her. We eventually hear the beeping of moving trucks off stage.

ADDISON’S DAD [Off stage] Careful with that, it’s glass! Oh and we might need three people on that marble table. I can take the bar fridge myself guys, I’ll help you out! STEVIE looks out the window to see what’s going on.

STEVIE
OH MY GOD! Mum! The house that has been empty for ages and 1000% haunted. People are moving in!
MUM
[Off stage] Steven! Breakfast! We’re having bolognese sauce on Sao crackers.
STEVIE
Did you hear me, Mum ? People are moving into the ghost house!
MUM
[Off stage] Oh, how nice. Once the rain dies down, we will go say hello.
STEVIE [To audience] I have a bad feeling about this.

 

SCENE TWELVE

ADDISON's front door.
ADDISON’S DAD opens it. He’s suave and looks like he smells nice.

MUM

ADDISON’S Welcome to the neighbourhood! We’re the Mason’s from next door! I’m Suzette… .
DAD
Nice to meet you! I’m Dave. Thanks so much for popping by! It’s me and my daughter Addison here.
MUM

ADDISON’S This is Stevie and I’ve got another one, Riley, he’s down for nap time.
DAD
MUM laughs.
Oh, great! Some new kiddos to try my dad jokes on. So… what happens when you go to the bathroom in France? … European.
MUM Oh, I got one! I’m so good at sleeping I can do it with my eye’s closed!
ADDISON’S
DAD I’m on a seafood diet. I see food and I eat it.
MUM and ADDISON’S DAD laugh while STEVIE rolls her eyes dramatically.

STEVIE [To audience] Honestly the flirting is excruciating.
All the action stops as ADDISON appears. It’s as if she’s floating in slow motion.

ADDISON
Hi, I’m Addison. It’s so nice to meet you all! Thanks for swinging by to say hello.
MUM You have such lovely manners, Addison. Steven, doesn’t Addison have lovely manners?
STEVIE
My name isn’t Steven. I am not a 60-year-old mechanic, Mum.
MUM
Well, don’t limit yourself, you can be anything you want to, honey.
STEVIE
I WANT to head home, I have rehearsals soon Mum…
MUM
Oh, [To ADDISON/DAD] so all the kids in the street are doing a performance for the local old people’s home, Addison, do you like drama?
STEVIE
[To audience] No, no, no.
ADDISON
Are you kidding? I love drama! I even did a Kit Kat commercial last year. I want to be an actress when I grow up.
STEVIE
[Sarcastically] Oh great.
MUM
[Brightly] Oh great! Hear that, Stevie? She’s basically a professional, way more experience than you lot! That will be great for you guys! Addison… you’ll have to be in their show!
STEVIE [To audience] IS SHE KIDDING!? What is going on! Mum!!! STOP! [To MUM] Oh, um… that won’t work. We go on in two weeks and we are basically finished.
MUM
Don’t be silly, Steven! The more the merrier!
ADDISON’S
DAD
Addison can learn lines very quickly. She has a great memory on her.
MUM

ADDISON’S Well, the kids are rehearsing this arvo in our backyard. Pop around and they’ll slot you right in!
DAD
That is so kind of you both! Addy will see you this arvo.
ADDISON
Can’t wait!
STEVIE [To audience] This is a complete disaster.

 

SCENE THIRTEEN
Backyard.
The Brooke Street Crew are rehearsing. STEVIE enters and clears her throat loudly as if she is going to address them just as MUM bursts in with ADDISON in tow.

MUM Here’s the gang! Don’t mind the mess… I’ll let Steven introduce everyone!

STEVIE [Sarcastically] Thank you so much, Mum. You have been a dream today. I love you.

Everyone looks at STEVIE, confused. MUM moves into the background, but continues to listen in…
ADDISON Hey, I’m Addison. I just moved in next door. Stevie’s Mum said I could be in your show.

The Brooke Street Crew are in shock.

STEVIE
[To audience] She’s so confident. I can barely introduce myself to one new person, let alone four!
MACEY
You moved into the ghost house?
ADDISON
The what?
STEVIE Doesn’t matter. So the thing is, Addison, the show is really already finished, and we don’t have any spare roles. I don’t want to be rude, but clearly, it’s too late to add you in. Plus, we’ve already printed the programs. So…
ADDISON
Oh… OK. I understand.
STEVIE
But maybe next year?
ADDISON
I get it. I’m sorry for interrupting rehearsals. See you later, maybe.
TRIXIE Come on, Steven, I think we can add her in!
STEVIE shoots TRIXIE a look.

ALEX Yeah, she has… Presence!

Everyone other than STEVIE, gathers around ADDISON and talks over each other.

LUKE
Nice to meet you Addison! [Stumbling] I’m Like, Lake, Linda… LUKE.
MACEY
Aren’t you that girl from the Kit Kat ad? I’m Macey.
TRIXIE
I’m Trixie, do you like sports? I’m obsessed with handball at the minute.
ADDISON NO WAY! Me too! I’m obsessed with handball!

ALEX I’m Alex — national treasure.

Chattering continues. MUM pulls STEVIE aside.

MUM
Steven, you of all people know how it feels to be left out and how hard it can be to make new friends.
STEVIE
Mum, you don’t get it! We have basically finished the show and now you want to add someone last minute? She probably can’t even act! [To audience] I know I am being rude and mean, I can hear it. But I don’t know how to stop.
MUM

MUM exits.
If Addison isn’t in the show, you’re not doing it Stevie Louise. Period.
STEVIE
[To audience] I knew Mum was serious. It’s not like I hate Addison and want to exclude her on purpose. I don’t even know her. I just feel a bit… scared. Scared that everyone will like her more.
STEVIE looks over at the gang laughing and joking with ADDISON. She goes over to join them.

LUKE
What if Addison took over your role, Stevie? She looks a bit like Cinderella, and you’re already doing so much. It might just make it easier for you?
STEVIE
EXCUSE ME, WHAT? Are you kidding? Are. You. Kidding?
TRIXIE
It’s not the worst idea, Stevie. It will take some pressure off you, so you can focus on directing.
STEVIE
But, I—
TRIXIE
Don’t worry, Stevie, you’re still in the show, obviously, but Addison can play Cinderella and I’ll write you in as Cinderella’s funny sidekick. You’re so good at comedy parts anyway.
STEVIE
[To audience] SIDEKICK?! What is happening?! This whole thing was my idea and now my best friends are replacing me with Addison — a STRANGER and I have to be the SIDEKICK!
LUKE
Stevie, you are better at comedy. Plus, it makes no sense that you’re in gold boots all the way through, when Cinderella is meant to be in glass slippers and stuff.
STEVIE
But Cinderella doesn’t have a sidekick. It won’t make sense.
TRIXIE Um, may I remind you that the prince is a seal?
STEVIE looks heartbroken.

ADDISON I don’t want to upset everyone, especially not you, Stevie! I can just be an octopus in the background.

ALEX
Ah Addison, you are NOT octopus-in-the-background material, queen. Steven, I think Addison as Cinderella would and could be iconic.
MACEY
You can focus on the show. Chill out a bit. Then you won’t be doing everything.
STEVIE
[To audience] I cannot believe Spacey Macey is making actual sense.
TRIXIE Stevie, what do you think?
Silence while STEVIE tries to think of what to say, but she can’t see a way out of this.

STEVIE
OK. We can do that.
TRIXIE
Your role will be amazing, I promise. I better go work on the script. So excited to have you in our Brooke Street Crew, Addison.
ADDISON
Thanks, Trixie! You want to come over for handball at my place tomorrow?
STEVIE [To audience] Of course, Addison is good at sports too. What can’t this stupid child prodigy do?

SCENE FOURTEEN

A movement sequence of all the Brook Street Crew hanging out with ADDISON and having a blast, as STEVIE is in her room working frantically to get everything ready for the show. The sign says “2 Days til Show Day”.

MUM is watching.

ADDISON
OK, should we do a quick vocal and physical warm up before we get into it?
ALEX
I love how much you know about this stuff, Ads.
MACEY
It’s like, fate you moved next door.
STEVIE
[To audience] It’s two days out from the show and things are tense. Not with the group, just between Addison and me. Well, really just me. Everyone loves everything she does. I think she’s annoying, and she’s constantly making ‘suggestions’.
ADDISON
Stevie, you should project your voice more! Shall we do some trust exercises? We should organise dressing rooms, don’t you think?
STEVIE glares at ADDISON.

TRIXIE OK guys this is our last rehearsal and we’re not ready! Let’s rehearse the scene with Steven as the comic relief jellyfish. From Alex’s entrance…

ADDISON/Cinderella is scrubbing the “seafloor” with Spray ‘n’ Wipe.
ALEX/Wicked Stepmother steps on Cinderella’s hand. She lets out a small “ouch”.

ALEX I’m not sorry, Cinderella. Your hand was in the way of my foot. ALEX points his foot and waves it in Cinderella’s face.

ALEX If I’m walking, you need to move. I’m the queen. You’re a peasant. Ooops!

ALEX throws a Cheezel on the floor and stands on it.

You missed a spot, babe.

STEVIE Cinderella, all you do is clean. Boring! Do you want to sneak out of the palace and get some KFC? Come on let’s get potato and gravy!

MUM Oh, I love it! It’s so good to see you be funny, Steven! MUM pulls STEVIE aside.

I’ve been thinking. This is so much better for you, darling, because you can just be funny and leave the boring bits to Addison. I’ve been watching, and Addison’s experience has really raised the bar, made you all better.

STEVIE
Addison has not ‘made us all better’, Mother! She has ruined my play and stolen my friends.
ALEX
Mrs Mason! Feedback please. I’m nailing this aren’t I?
MUM Your Mum would be so proud kiddo.
ALEX falters slightly. It’s a glimpse into his heart. He looks sad and then accepts the compliment.

ALEX
Yeah. I think so too.
ADDISON
Stevie, I was thinking, maybe if you say the line like —
STEVIE NO Addison. I will say the line how I WANT to say the line. This is my play, not yours and these are MY friends. OK? You can’t just swan in here with your trust exercises and your Kit Kat commercial teeth and tell me how to do things! AND WE DON’T WANT TO DO ANYMORE VOCAL WARM UPS!

Silence. Everyone is shocked, especially ADDISON. MUM tries to break the tension.

MUM Alrighty, how about we finish up today’s rehearsal there. I bought you all an Opening
Night gift. Here! It’s a little “pink quartz” each. This crystal brings creative success. Pop it under your pillows tonight. Not that you need any help, it’s going to be a triumph! Everyone says thank you and leaves. Only STEVIE and ADDISON are left. ADDISON looks hurt. STEVIE looks embarrassed.

ADDISON exits.

STEVIE I’m… sorry… That was a lot…

ADDISON reenters.

ADDISON
Sorry, did you say something?
STEVIE

STEVIE exits.
… No…
ADDISON

STEVIE reenters.
Sorry… I’m a lot. I’m just trying to fit in.
STEVIE
Did you say something?
ADDISON … No.

SCENE FIFTEEN

The Peach Centre hall is being set up for the performance in the background. STEVIE speaks to the audience.

STEVIE [To audience] I wake up on the morning of the show and throw up, I am so nervous. But all of the Brooke Street parents are helping pack the costumes, props, set pieces and the smoke machine into the car. It is really cool that Luke took his job seriously — his friend’s Dad, the DJ came through. It only needs water and you just plug it into the wall! It’s all coming together!

STEVIE starts searching for her gold boots.

Mum! I can’t find my gold boots… [To audience] I’ve looked everywhere. They aren’t anywhere. I can’t go on without my boots. There’s no way. MUM enters.

Mum! Have you seen my gold boots?

MUM Yes.

MUM kneels down gently next to STEVIE. Something feels not right.

STEVIE
What’s happening?
MUM
I washed them, to have them all ready for the show today.
STEVIE What happened?

MUM
I wanted them to look perfect for the show… But, the colour came off in the wash. They are still the same boots, but they’re white now. I’m so sorry, my darling.
STEVIE
[Close to tears] I can’t go on stage without them, Mum.
MUM
Yes, you can! Stevie, sweetheart, you don’t need the boots. You are you, and you are brilliant and funny and wonderful. The boots are just boots.
STEVIE
You don’t get it. They are more than just boots. They make me brave enough to do anything. And without them, I can’t do the show. Addison will have to go on solo. She knows all my lines. She knows everyone’s lines.
MUM
Stevie, you’ll be great even without your gold boots because you are great. I promise. OK?
STEVIE [To audience] I am so upset, but I know Mum was trying to help. Besides, she looks as upset as I am. I think about Pop who is so excited for the show and all the old people who are coming. I think about the Brooke Street crew. Weirdly, I think about the twerking nans. That makes me feel a bit better.

SCENE SIXTEEN
The Peach Centre Hall.
The Brook Street Crew are full of nervous energy.

ALEX
Where are my lucky undies, Steven?
LUKE
[Carrying the smoke machine] I can’t find a power point.
MACEY
What’s the easter bunny’s real name? Is it Greg?
STEVIE You’re wearing your undies, there are power points everywhere, and yes, Macey, it’s Greg.
ALEX Hey… where are your boots?
STEVIE doesn’t know what to say. ADDISON enters wearing sunglasses and rolling a suitcase behind her.

ADDISON Oh wow, this looks so good! I can’t deal with how great this is! You’re all amazing. You made this happen Stevie.

STEVIE It hasn’t happened yet. Let’s get into costume everyone.
Everyone runs off to get into costume, but ADDISON stops STEVIE. It’s the first time they’ve seen each other since STEVIE yelled at her. It’s tense.

ADDISON
Stevie, do you know where my—
STEVIE
[Flat] Costume is? Yep. It’s with mine backstage. Alex steamed them. They look great.
ADDISON
Are you okay, Stevie?
STEVIE Yep.
ADDISON You can tell me.

STEVIE Why would I tell you?.
Beat. ADDISON looks down at the floor. STEVIE realises that wasn’t fair.

Mum washed my gold boots and now they won’t work. You have to go on without me, Addison.
ADDISON
No! I won’t go on without you. You don’t need them, Stevie. You’re amazing. You’re so funny and smart and determined. The show needs you.
STEVIE
Really?
ADDISON
I’ve never met anyone so cool. You know what you want and you go after it, and never take no for an answer. When you get knocked down, you get back up again! You organised a real show for a real audience.
STEVIE
But I was wearing my gold boots when I did all of that.
ADDISON
You weren’t wearing the gold boots at your Mum’s Mercury in Retrograde Party last week, and you did that amazing impression of ‘Stacey the Retail Worker’. Everyone was in hysterics! You also weren’t wearing them when you made a speech at Trixie’s surprise birthday pool party. And last week, you took them off because it was 50 degrees during rehearsals and it was your best run through yet.
STEVIE

Beat.
Yeah I guess. That’s really nice of you to say.
ADDISON
You haven’t ever really seemed to like me, which has been hard, because I think you’re so cool. I wish I was more like you.
STEVIE
I wish I was more like YOU! I really like you, Addison. I’m so sorry I made you feel like I didn’t.
ADDISON
Sorry if I’ve come on too strong. It’s hard being the new one. I was just trying to be helpful.
STEVIE
I guess I was just worried that my friends would rather be your friends than mine, because you’re so confident and cool.
ADDISON Your friends love you more than anything in the world, Stevie. Except maybe for Alex, it’s Cheezels, then you.

ADDISON squeezes STEVIE’s hand.

STEVIE
Thank you, Addison.
ADDISON OK let’s get ready! We have thirty minutes ‘til show time, and—
STEVIE/
ADDISON We need to do a vocal warm-up!

They laugh.
SCENE SEVENTEEN

The audience (including NAN and POP) are filing in, taking their seats and chattering away. Perhaps audience members can be brought onto the stage to bulk up the audience numbers.

NAN
Why are there so many programs?
POP
Yoo hoo Stevie, love. Break a leg! CHOOKAS KIDDO!
STEVIE [To audience] So here we are. The show I directed and created, with everyone, is about to happen. It’s the slowest entering of people ever, because… old. I am still nervous about not having my boots. [Looking at POP] But then I remember Pop saying, ‘being nervous means you care, it’s a good thing!’ I can see him in the audience. BEAMING. Here we go. The lights dim. The opening music starts. The audience goes silent.

ALEX [Whispering loudly] Chookas everyone! This is EVERYTHING. I love you all.

ALEX, TRIXIE, ADDISON and STEVIE take a big, deep breath and walk onto the “stage”.
[In a bizarre and over the top British accent] You think you’re going to the ball? In that mess? I don’t think so, babe. The ball is for hot people in hot outfits. You’re not hot, Cinderella, and neither is that outfit.

ADDISON
But I got a dress —
ALEX
No, babe. You and a mouse hot glued some old tea towels together. That is not a dress, that is a MESS. You can’t go to the palace in that. You will embarrass the family.
TRIXIE
Yeah, don’t embarrass the family, Cinderella! I never embarrass the family. I will never embarrass the family.
LUKE presses the fart sound effect.

ALEX and TRIXIE rip off Cinderella’s dress, The Wicked Stepmother and The Ugly Stepsister start chanting.

ALL You can’t go! You can‘t go!

ALEX Wait! Stop! [Waves his wand dramatically] Maybe we are being too mean?
The chaos stops.

LOL kidding! You can’t go! YOU CAN’T GO!

They all throw their heads back and do their best evil cackle and start tearing off Cinderella’s tea towel dress in slow motion.
STEVIE [To audience] Everything was going so well! Macey in a grey beanbag as the seal-prince is about to arrive at The Ball. The Underwater Ball is the big moment for the smoke machine. But there’s no smoke!

STEVIE gestures frantically to LUKE from backstage, as the actors improvise badly. LUKE looks panicked for a second, but quickly sneaks out through the audience to the side of the hall where the smoke machine is sitting. LUKE messes with the power plug for a moment then gives STEVIE a discreet thumbs up. He sneaks back to his lighting desk and the smoke machine starts working right away.

[To audience] Awesome. We finally have smoke. That is, however, the last awesome thing that happens…

A loud beeping suddenly takes over and all of The Peach Centre lights come on. Three NURSES run in.

NURSE It’s Arthur! Go, go, go!

While the NURSES fuss over ARTHUR, the kids are still onstage and an ambulance siren can be heard.

His heart monitor is unplugged. PLUG IT IN!

STEVIE [To audience] Ah… did Luke accidentally pull the plug on someone’s heart machine? The machine that makes his heart beat? Are we murderers?!

JUDE from The Peach Centre walks onto the stage.

JUDE Please remain in your seats, everyone.

The Brooke Street Crew remain frozen on stage in shock and confusion.

ADDISON
[Whispering] What do we do?
STEVIE
I have no idea. We didn’t rehearse for this!
MACEY
I actually did rehearse for this.
TRIXIE Shhhh!

The room is chaotic. The red and blue flashing lights of the ambulance light up the hall. The audience is bustling and talking loudly. LUKE joins everyone on stage and STEVIE puts her arm around his shoulders.

LUKE I’m so sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.

Suddenly, ARTHUR sits bolt upright, looks at the smoke machine and starts laughing and laughing.

ARTHUR
Silence. These kids unplugged my heart machine to plug in the smoke machine!
They nearly smoked ME! Hilarious! Brilliant! Comedy gold.

The crowd erupts into laughter.

LUKE
I’m sorry, sir. I’m so sorry.
ARTHUR
I would have done the same thing, young man. There’s no business like show business! I’m Arthur. What’s your name?
LUKE
I’m Luke. But this whole thing was Stevie’s idea
ARTHUR Oh yes, John’s granddaughter. Well the show must go on

LUKE/STEVIE
Really?!
ARTHUR
Oh yes! Any room on stage for an old ham like me? You know how they used to finish shows in the old days? With a song. How about we close this show with a song?
LUKE
Yes sir, sounds good.
The NURSE wheels ARTHUR’s bed to the centre of the stage.

ARTHUR I’m still alive, everyone! What a great day we have had here at The Peach Centre. We loved having the Lunchbox Productions gang here… Even though they tried to kill me!

Everyone laughs, and ARTHUR winks at LUKE.

How about we end this afternoon with a song and dance? Grease anyone?

ALEX OHMYGOD FINALLY!

They all sing an acapella rendition of Greased Lightning from the musical Grease.

This is the best day of my life!

STEVIE/
ADDISON ME TOO!

SCENE EIGHTEEN

The crew pack up all of the props, costumes and left-over programs, LUKE picks up the smoke machine.

LUKE
I think we have got to get rid of this. Do you think Arthur might want it?
MUM
That was amazing! Everyone loved it. And you did it without your boots, Stevie!
STEVIE
Yeah.
MUM
Jude from The Peach Centre wants to have a word with you all.
STEVIE
What? Oh NO. She is going to be so mad at us! Do you think she’ll sue? No one will ever hire us again!
ADDISON holds STEVIE’s hand.

ADDISON It’s not your fault, Stevie. It was an accident.

LUKE I’m sorry, Stevie. I’ll take all the blame.

JUDE Miss Stevie! Where is Stevie? I need to talk to her.

Everyone points at STEVIE and MUM puts her arm around her.

Stevie. We… have had… [Everyone is tense. What is she going to say?]… the BEST feedback on the show!

STEVIE
Sorry, what?
JUDE
It’s the best entertainment we have had here in years. Everyone loved it. Can we book you guys again?
STEVIE
Book us again? Seriously? Even though we almost killed someone?!
JUDE
Oh, Arthur’s fine. All the ladies have been checking on him so he’s loving it! But we didn’t get to see the end of the show, and everyone wants to know how it ends. We would love to see the whole thing again! And if you have any other shows you’re working on, we would love to see those too. I’ll let all the other nursing homes know how great you all are!
ALEX
Oh. Em. Gee. This is it! This is the beginning for me. I might even get to be the face of Jay Jays. Addison, who’s your agent?
STEVIE
Thank you so much, Jude!
The crew have a big group hug on stage.

MUM
[To JUDE] I will call you and set it all up.
ADDISON
What a day.
LUKE
What a SHOW.
MACEY
I love you guys!
TRIXIE
Love you, too.
STEVIE
We did it!
ADDISON
Love you all!
ALEX
We are icons!
Everyone bustles off laughing and cheering and ADDISON’S DAD enters to find MUM clearing up the stage.
ADDISON’S
DAD Need a hand packing up, Suzette?

MUM Oh Dave, that would be great.

They begin to sweep the stage and pack things away. There is an electricity between them. At Last by Etta James begins to play.

ADDISON’S
DAD I don’t know about you, but all that excitement has made me a bit peckish. Should we grab a quick bite to eat?

MUM That sounds lovely. But we’d better be quick. Dinner here finishes at 5pm.

SCENE NINETEEN

STEVIE is in a new school uniform. And black shoes.

STEVIE [To audience] You’re probably thinking how could this story get any stranger? Well, we
went viral. Like, really viral. We were featured on the national news, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, every news website and every radio show. I know I’m dramatic, but I’m not actually not exaggerating this time. Luke had set up a camera to record the show and posted it to his YouTube channel. Everyone wanted to talk to the kids who almost killed an old man during their show! Calls were flooding in from people wanting to book Lunchbox Productions. Mum was answering all the calls. She was loving it, and kept calling herself a…

MUM is on the phone wearing sunglasses and holding a wine.

MUM Mum ager to the stars!

STEVIE [To audience] At school, we were famous. And for the first time, it felt like everyone knew the real me! No gold boots needed. I already turned them into pot plant holders. This one is for Addison… and this one’s for Pop.

We see POP beam with pride for STEVIE. As STEVIE continues, the rest of The Brook Street Crew enter.
TRIXIE is also in a different school uniform.

[To audience] We lunch-boxed hard the weekend after the show, with an extra stop at Addison’s house. It was the best, eating way too many lunches, laughing at what happened. I just wanted to be twelve for a bit, and hang out with The Brooke Street Crew without all the stress of a show. Best friends first, famous performers slash creative geniuses second.

Everyone has a huge group hug, and then they all head off in different directions, singing Grease Lightning from the Grease Musical as they go.

You know what? I think high school is gonna be OK. Maybe even better than okay. Until next time. Stevie – OUT.
END OF PLAY