Chapter 37

First official WICKED rehearsal

It was going to be a read-thru with music.

I put all the cast on stage, asking the Munchkins, Ozians, Students, and Ozmania Chorus to sit together. I had chairs for the ten leads and supporting actors.

“We have no microphones today on purpose. I need everyone to speak loudly and articulately. The orchestra is facing you today so sing loudly as well. Don’t hurt yourself but show me what you got.”

“You don’t even need to stand up to say your lines or to sing your songs. I will read aloud the more important stage instructions. Ozians, you start this! Be ready ... orchestra here we go...”

OZIANS{br}

Good News, She’s Dead!
The Witch Of The West Is Dead!
The Wickedest Witch There Ever Was,
The Enemy Of All Of Us Here In Oz,
Is Dead! Good News! Good News!
FEMALE OZIAN
Look, It’s Galinda!
(“Galinda will float in on a giant bubble, I hope.”)
GALINDA/JENNIFER
(Spoken)
It’s Good To See Me, Isn’t It?
No Need To Respond. That Was Rhetorical.
Fellow Ozians...
(Singing)
Let Us Be Glad,
Let Us Be Grateful,
Let Us Rejoicify That
Goodness Could Subdue
The Wicked Workings Of You Know Who!
Isn’t It Nice To Know
That Good Will Conquer Evil?
The Truth We All Believe will By And By
Outlive A Lie
For You And...
MALE OZIAN
Galinda! Exactly How Dead Is She?
GALINDA
Well, There Has Been Much Rumor And Speculation ... Innuendo, Outuendo ... But Let Me Set The Record Straight. According To The Time Dragon Clock, The Melting Occurred At The 13th Hour. A Direct Result Of A Bucket Of Water Thrown By A Female Child. Yes, The Wicked Witch Of The West Is Dead!

It went on with very few slip ups.

“Fabulous,” I said. “Short break, don’t leave where you are. I need to do something.”

I walked into the orchestra telling the people I needed to see after our rehearsal.

“Ok, everyone, applaud for yourselves, that’s one of nineteen numbers. I may not keep you past the first act today. In case I do send you home, next rehearsal is two weeks from today. Auditions for the February event will be posted very soon. That wasn’t perfect, but it was damn good.”

I saw a hand raise from the cast... “Yes Scott?”

“Pardon me for this question, by can you explain why her name changes from Galinda to Glinda?”

“I didn’t know the story myself until after I read the entire script. From what I understand is that since Dr. Dillamond couldn’t ever get her name right, and that Galinda, in her first and apparent only lack of selfishness, wanted everyone to start calling her Glinda, except for the few characters who are a little bit thick-headed.”

“OK, everyone ready. Orchestra prepare for musical number 2A and let’s go...”

We got through Act One and I felt really good about this. Some always take it more seriously than others, but ‘Que Sera, Sera.’

I let everyone go except the twelve orchestra people I asked to stay. I invited Peter, Joan, Jenn and Isabel to hear this. I sat on the edge of the stage with my feet dangling over and began.

“How many of you have seen at least one of the YouTube videos of me and my family performing?”

They all were quick to raise their hands.

“Many times during those almost two weeks, I had wished I had some of you to play while the ladies were singing.”

“You were playing pretty good,” Jason said.

“They could only sound better if you all could join us the next time we go to perform,” I said.

“Hot damn,” Mr. Bell said. “Sorry everyone ... Isabel.”

“The same kind of music?” Genny asked.

“Yes, different tempos, different eras and different singers.”

“You are adding more singers ... who?” Tiffany the drummer asked.

“Before I answer that, I need a show of hands who would like to do this?”

They all did, and I saw Isabel’s hand up. That caused some chuckles.

“Jennifer, would you and Peter please give them what is in your hands as I announce each of them?”

Marjorie Guimarra – Clarinetist
Jason Stottlemire – Strings
Lupe Martinez – Flute
Tiffany Case – Drummer/Percussion

Russell Brown – Piccolo/Flute
Dolores Elam – Saxophone
Bonnie Slaughter – Trombone
Mike Bell – Trumpet

Phyllis Younger – Trumpet/Trombone
Genny Schraeder – Violin
Archie Brooks – Violin/Viola
Kim Patterson – Flute”

As I announced each, Jenn would go to the boys and Peter would approach the girls and put on their GOLD STANDARD Necklaces.

“Provided you can get me a parent’s permission slip before our first gig, which will be handed out at an upcoming rehearsal, welcome to the ‘GOLD STANDARDS.’ Will all members please stand?”

They all did.

We all applauded as I said one more thing. “Wear your necklace with pride, they are real and worthy of your talent. If someone asked you how come you got it instead of somebody else, send him or her to me. It’s not only talent ... but a strong commitment to excellence as well. You have all proved that to me. A rehearsal schedule will be worked out as soon as possible. You may have already played some of the music we plan to do together.”

They all started to leave as Jason asked, “Will we make any money doing this?” That stopped everyone in his or her tracks.

“Possibly, but I can’t be any more specific at this time. See you in school everyone.”

I saw Stu coming into view, “Where are you going to be rehearsing these guys?”

“Not here ... I don’t think. We may be getting a nice covered gazebo in our backyard before the school year is out for the summer. I do have a few other things to take care of first. See ya later.”

I felt my hand being taken, “So, when are we all practicing again?” Isabel said.

“Does anyone have any plans that are taking them out of town this coming weekend?” I asked.

No response. “How about this coming Saturday at ten am?”

They all said ‘Sure.’

We got in the car, and I was hungry.

“Could you take us through the Dairy Queen, Jenn?”

“I have never gone through a drive-thru as a driver. It looks dangerous, Michael.”

“Com on Jenn, live dangerously? It’s like a rite of passage. Like the first time on a bike, or your first kiss, or even the first time you make love with that special someone.”

“You’re probably right Michael, when I was with James, that was special.”

“What... ?”

“Gotcha. I’d rather just go home, is that OK?”

“No problem, you will eventually break your DQ virginity.”

I think she wanted to slap me, but she’s adamant about keeping both hands on the wheel.

“I love you Adam,” she said.

“I love you Eve.”

We got home and were asked, “Have you eaten yet, Kids?”

“No, I wanted some home cooking, even though Jenn really wanted to go through DQ again.”

Jenn grabbed me and said, “I love you, crazy man.”

“That’s just part of my charm, little lady. You have to be crazy to love me, and I have to be crazy to not be in love with you. Wait a second. That sounded better in my head ... oops.”

There were giggles all around.

“Well, I was going to make your favorite dinner, if that’s all right?”

“Noodles and big breasts, my favorites,” I said getting a slap on my butt from Katie. “Need any help?”

“Not really, go enjoy yourself for a while, it will be about forty-five minutes.”

“OK, Jenn take a walk with me in the backyard please?”

“It’s cold out there.”

“I will keep you warm, sweetheart,” I said opening the back door.

She took a quick breath of the cool air saying, “It is so beautiful back here.”

“It is now,” I cheekily said.

“What are we doing exactly?” she asked.

“Looking to see the best place for our enclosable covered area so the Gold Standard can perform and events like the three weddings in our future.”

“OH,” she said, “Even us ... right?”

“Yes, future Mrs. Jennifer Thomas.”

“I like the sound of that, Mr. Thomas.”

We walked around doing some guesstimating and trying to decide how big is too big? Should there be a brick or concrete walkway to it from the house? It would need to be enclosed on three sides, able to close up the fourth side to keep snow out of it. We have only had a few big snowstorms this winter over the last several years.

After walking around the entire perimeter, I had a better idea of what we could and couldn’t do. I drew a crude diagram of the whole backyard, including the pool.

We walked inside and Jenn put her arms inside my jacket, “Oooh, you feel so warm, Michael.”

“What was that all about?” Katie said coming over to warm us up a little.

“Doing some inside my head measuring for our covered enclosure for the Gold Standard to perform. It will double as a place for the upcoming weddings. It needs to have electricity, which includes overhead lighting. There should be a walkway to it from the house.”

“Sounds like what you need in a modified mother-in-law house,” she said.

“A what?” we said together.

She explained the original concept of a mother-in-law house, which made Ally laugh from the kitchen. What a fascinating concept. It also sounded terribly expensive compared to a simple square gazebo.

I had an epiphany, got out my phone and called, “Hello this is Michael Thomas, and may I speak to the architect in the house?”

Mrs. Bell giggled, “Certainly Michael, I will get him.”

“Hello, this is Ken Bell.”

“Hello Sir, this is Michael Thomas.”

“Yes, Michael ... what can I do for you?”

“We may have a project for you literally, in our own backyard. When would be a good time for you to come over and hear and see what we want?”

“I am between projects, so anytime would be good.”

“How about you and your entire family comes over for dinner tomorrow while you and I can rough out the idea we have?”

“That seems unnecessary, Michael...”

“Are you turning down my mother’s cooking?”

“There are five of us,” he said.

“Wonderful, we love having people over,” I said turning towards Mom and Ally. They had their hands on their hips and it looked like they were deciding how best to beat me up. “How about five pm, that gives us some time before it gets dark to scout the backyard?”

“All right Michael, see you tomorrow night.”

“G’night Ken.”

From behind me, “Michael, I love it when you get so assertive. It really turns me on. Kiss me, stud.”

It was Katie and I did as she asked. Our kiss was very erotic, but I had Mom and Ally to deal with.

I separated from Katie and went between the two moms. “Ladies, it’s just a meet and greet. The only promise I made was a great dinner. Why not find a contractor you know, instead of some cold unfeeling person who only wants to make a big profit off of you? Ken Bell is a warm and honest man. He is in charge of the Thomas Auditorium construction and you should see it.”

“I can help as much as you want me to,” I added.

“Remember that you cannot finalize a deal without me on board,” my beautiful mother said. “Be careful about any promises you make or he makes. We will need a detailed quote of whatever it is you two work out. Is that clearly understood?”

“Yes, Ms. Forrester.” I said with a glint in my eyes. I reached over and gave her a big hug, and then did the same with Ally.

We sat down to dinner and I explained what my ideas were to everyone. They all had questions and ideas as well.

Ken and Mary Bell, along with Jeff (17), Mike (12) and Lily (10), came over the next late afternoon. Mary joined the ladies and Jenn and Katie took the kids and they found something fun to do.

I took Ken and my rough drawing outside pointing out some features, “We need this to be deep and wide enough to accommodate about 15 to 20 people, and their instruments, a piano and up to eight adults ... comfortably.”

“So, this is going to be a rehearsal space?” he said.

“Has Mike talked to you about anything new going on?”

“No, what is it?”

“This is a big secret at the moment. I assume you have seen the songs on YouTube of me and my lady singers?”

“Yeah, what does that have to do with Mike, or this build?”

“I have expanded the group from the four ladies adding three more singers.”

“Which ones?”

“Peter and Isabel Chapman, and Joan Prefontayne,” I said.

“Oh! So, now you are adding some orchestra behind them. That must mean kids, including my son?”

“You’re a smart man, Ken Bell.”

“And what you need built is a covered stage area to practice between gigs around town,” Ken said.

“Not just around town,” I said. “Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, and maybe Tennessee.”

“Wow, that’s ambitious. You know, you will need releases from all the parents,” he said.

“Yeah, I have only just spoken to all the kids involved. I am going to get a release from off the Internet for everybody.”

“Wow Michael ... everything you do is big,” he said, “Mike idolizes you, and I give my complete support to your idea.”

“Great Ken, let’s get back to the design and placement.”

We walked around, he had a laser to measure distances and I told him everything we wanted inside. He made the case for having a sink with water for hand washing. Then, we came back in.

“Are the men all done?” my mother said with a big smile on her face.

“Yeah, Ken thinks we can do it for under $100,000,” I said.

Mom almost spilled her glass of wine as Ken said, “Don’t worry Janice. My very rough guess at this point is between $10 and $20 thousand. That would depend on a few details.”

Mom re-grasped her glass and drained it.

“Let’s hear about some details, Ken,” she said. “Care for some wine?”

“No thanks, we don’t drink alcohol.”

“Besides that, I am pregnant again,” Mary said.

The ladies got into a tight circle having something new to talk about.

Ken and I sat down. Mike came over to join us.

“I am sorry Mike, but I let the cat out of the bag and your father knows about you becoming a member of the GOLD STANDARD SOCIETY!”

“So, you may travel through six states doing performances? That seems very ambitious,” Ken said.

“And they will be paid for it. I am not expecting anyone to do this for free,” I said.

“You might want to get all the kids and all the parents together to calm anyone’s fears they might have,” Ken said.

“What do you mean, Ken?” I questioned.

“Boys and girls on the road together. There could be some unintended consequences, if you get my drift?”

“Oh ... OH! I never had that thought in my head for even a moment. You are exactly right. Maybe boys in one vehicle and girls in the other?”

“That’s a good start,” he said with a chuckle. “You might need a small U-Haul for the instruments.”

“Another great idea,” I said. “Mike, did you bring your trumpet?”

“See Dad, I told you he would ask? It’s in the car.”

“Go get it Mike,” Jeff said to his brother.

“MOTHER,” I said. “How long until dinner?”

“Plenty of time, honey. We have added Chili along with leftover noodles.”

Mike came running in, and took it out. “I just shined it last night. What are we doing?”

I got up and said, “Attention, will the GOLD STANDARD SOCIETY please come to the piano? Michael, you do know how to adlib?”

“Yesssss, Sir.”

They came over and everyone else got on the sofa and chairs. I sat at the piano.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls. We have very special guests here tonight. The GSS, featuring Mike Bell on the trumpet.”

“Ladies ... Mr. Sandman...”

Mike was keeping it quiet, but doing well, and at the break he wailed into a solo, while the ladies were swaying.

I came in on the piano, as he backed out to let the ladies bring it on home in a final wonderful chord.

The crowd, albeit smallish, loved it.

Mike and I gave each other a high five.

“Jennifer and Katherine, front and center. ‘What Is This Feeling?’ Young Mr. Bell, find some places to join in...”

He really loved this with a glissando I hadn’t heard on a trumpet before. He played where the students would sing. Everyone finished together!

His older brother and little sister gave him big hugs.

“Jeff, why aren’t you in the choir or orchestra?”

“Mike has all the talent in our family, along with mom’s beautiful voice,” he answered.

Ru-Roh!

“Mary, have you been holding out on us?” I asked.

“I have been busy ... having babies,” she giggled.

“Tell me the title of something you know how to sing from Broadway? Please?”

“Send In The Clowns?”

I got up and Mom came over to the piano.

“Sing for us, Mary,” I very nearly begged.

Mike began on trumpet, and then Mary began...

MARY BELL
Isn’t it rich?
Are we a pair?
Me here at last
on the ground,
You in mid-air.
Send in the clowns.

She has a slightly lower soprano voice than my Jennifer as it came out softly.

At the musical break Michael had a marvelous motif.

The final verse began...

MARY BELL
Isn’t it rich?
Isn’t it queer?
Losing my timing this late
In my career?
And where are the clowns?
There ought to be clowns.
Well, maybe next year.

I started the applause this time. “My goodness. That was outstanding Mary. Tell me that you sang in school?”

“I went to BYU and was part of the Women’s Chorus. I tried out for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, but I didn’t make it.”

“Oh, wow ... that is very tough to get into, from what I understand. That also explains all the kids and the no drinking, doesn’t it?”

“You are very intuitive Michael,” she said to me. “Yes, we are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.”

“What’s that?” my girlfriend asked.

“That would be for another evening,” Ken said with a look at his wife.

There was a DING. We all traveled en masse to the completely extended dining room table. Mike came to me and said, “I don’t think you qualify to be a member of the LDS church. You like kissing girls that you aren’t engaged to. I don’t mind, but He does.”

He had looked up when he said that, or I wouldn’t have gotten the reference.

Our dinner was a choice; you could go the chicken and noodle route ... or a blast of my mother’s far-out chili. I am the most capricious of this bunch of people, so I put some of each on my plate. Little Lily giggled and said, “Are you really having both for dinner?”

The little blonde-haired cutie pie was amazed. I said, “When I get a choice, I often take both. Why don’t you?”

“Because a choice is ... a choice. What if you had spaghetti or chicken to choose from?” she asked.

“That sounds delicious, mixing them up together.”

“You are just as strange as Isabel told me.”

“Lily, that’s rude to say to Michael,” her mother said.

“It’s OK Mary. I understand,” I said taking her little hand in mine. “Why don’t we all eat?”

“May I say a prayer over it?” Ken said.

“Please do,” my mother said.

He dropped his head and closed his eyes, “Heavenly Father, we thank the Thomas’s, Guthrie’s, and Miss Stapleton for inviting us to share this meal with them. The love throughout this home is apparent, and we hope that everyone is filled with happiness as we eat this marvelously prepared food in front of us. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ ... Amen.”

Most of us also said, “Amen.”

“Thank you, Ken.”

“It’s what I do.” he said with a chuckle.

I got up to serve those near me. “Lily, what would you like? Chili or Noodles?”

“Both,” she said with a marvelous energy. I served her both and she said “Thank you” to me. The rest of the people all got something on their plates. A few others had both.

I looked over at Jenn and she was smiling back. Mike was next to Katie and they exchanged a glance. Jeff smiled at Katie as well.

After dinner, there was a bit more of performing letting Mike show off to his family and mine. He was in the zone and playing up to his and my standard.

Mrs. Bell got up to say goodbye and that got the rest of them up as well. I got a kiss on the cheek from Lily, who took her brother’s hand and got in line ready to go.

I gave Mary a kiss on the hand and Ken a big handshake. “Thanks for coming over. We can’t wait to get your plans.”

“You are an excellent young man, Michael Thomas,” Ken said to me.

They all left.

I sat back down and had another big helping of noodles.

“Where does he put all of that food that he eats?” Katie wondered aloud.

“He seems to use as much energy as he takes in,” mom said.

“I can attest to his energy output,” Jennifer said causing a cascade of giggles. I was ignoring them, re-salting and filling my mouth with additional pieces of noodle and chicken.

“Michael, slow down,” Ally said.

“I don’t think he’s used to those words coming from any of us,” Jennifer said walking over to me. “Michael honey, I think you should stop soon or you won’t be able to get up out of bed in the morning.”

My phone text ring sounded.

After looking at it, I said, “The electrical issues at both Jackson Heights and Lincoln High has been resolved. The first day of school will be Tuesday, January 22^nd, 2013.”

“Mom, Ally and Katherine, this was remarkable how you put all of this food together so quickly. I love you all.”

“We all love you ... in our own way. I have never known any LDS people before,” mom said.

“I know only a bit. There was a time or two when you weren’t home and a couple of Missionaries came to the door. I think because I was so young they couldn’t come inside, but we did talk for a while.”

“They don’t smoke anything, or drink anything alcoholic at all. They have something called the ‘Word of Wisdom’ that explains it all. It talks about all of our bodies being temples, so taking care of them is of prime importance. A lot is based on the ability for us all to choose the things that happen in our lives. That’s all the stuff I remember. I might have been only six at the time.”

“They don’t even drink coffee or cola drinks, if I remember correctly,” Jennifer said to me.

“Can you imagine us all giving up all of that, much less the sexual laws and taboos we have all busted?” Katie said.

“I remember hearing Ken talking to his workers, sounding like he was going out of his way to not curse at them. I suppose that’s part of it as well.”

“We don’t curse except when we’re making love. Certainly there must be an exception to that?” I wondered aloud.

“Well, we aren’t going to convert any time soon, but knowing can only help us understand people better,” I said.

“Michael,” mom said coming up behind me, “Caring about people like you do can only make everyone around you better.”

“Mom, you are the one who taught me how to care for others. Dad was barely around, you were always there making me lunch for school every day and taking me to and from ... whatever it was I was into.”

“Michael, you have been a joy all of your life, even back when you first started dancing to any music you listened to. Jennifer, I wish I had videos of him shaking his tush when any music would come on the TV or the radio. You would love it,” my mother said.

Everybody giggled, especially Jennifer. She moved to sit on my lap. “Everything you tell me about him makes me love him even more. I have been all right with everything that has gone on with him and each of you. I would really like it if he would be only mine, but I don’t want anyone mad at him or me.”

I wrapped my arms around her and said, “Then let’s be exclusive with each other Jenn. I love you too much for you to be upset with me. All the ladies will have to do for themselves from this point on. I can do that if that is what you want.”

She leaned into me and began to cry in my arms. I picked her up and said “Goodnight” to the ladies.

“You can still flirt ... if you want,” she said as I closed the door.

“You are remarkable, pretty girl.”

The next morning, we woke up in each other’s arms. I truly need to stop the constant flirting I do with seemingly any girl I encounter. I am not really sure I can do that without coming off aloof. I have got to try.

I slipped out and put on enough clothing to go work out. It was cold, but I want to be in great shape for what I do and whom I do it for. Jenn came out and started stepping. She was showing off her nice back end, which she knows I like.

After I was done, I went in and picked her up, doing ten reps with her as my barbell. She couldn’t resist giggling as I finished my tenth rep. This would make an awesome Olympic Sport!

We went in to take our morning shower, doing more washing than usual. We did kiss, but not much more. We got dressed and went out to see what was happening in the way of breakfast.

Nobody else was up yet, so, I made a fresh pot of coffee, and Jenn began to scramble some eggs. I started some bacon and got out the bread and butter.

Stumbling out of her room was Ally, going straight for the coffee, which I had poured for her, “Thank you, Michael.”

Next out of the gate was the Music Teacher who only had panties on. “Go put something on and come back out please?” I said.

She turned and did as I asked. I heard a “Harrumph.”

Mom had her hair combed and had on a T-shirt and panties when she came out. I handed her a cup of coffee. “Thank you, sweetie.”

I turned the bacon as, “Katie Stapleton, reporting for duty ... do I pass inspection Sir?”

She had on a shirt much too tight along with the pretty blue panties.

“At ease, here is your coffee. No more nakedness in the morning, please?”

“You are no fun anymore, Michael.”

“Sorry, this is the new me, Baby.”

“Sit down ladies, we have breakfast ready for you.”

We finished cooking the toast, bacon and eggs and all sat down to eat together. “This is nice, eating together, isn’t it Michael?” Jenn said.

“The best,” I said taking a bite of eggs, mopping it up with sourdough toast.

I went back to looking over the music we had in boxes. Next one up ... was called “Last Call” by Lee Ann Womack. Jenn sat by me. We sang together...

I recognized your number
It’s burned into my brain
Felt my heart beating faster
Every time it rang
Some things never change
That’s why I didn’t answer
I bet you are in a bar
Listening to a country song
Glass of Johnny Walker Red
With no one to take you home

They’re probably closing down
Saying, “No more alcohol”
I bet you are in a bar
‘Cause I am always your last call
I don’t need to check that message
I know what it says
“Baby, I still love you”
Don’t mean nothing
when there’s whiskey on your breath
That’s the only love I get
So if you are calling
I bet you are in a bar
Listening to a cheating song
Glass of Johnny Walker Red
With no one to take you home
They’re probably closing down
Saying, “No more alcohol.”
I bet you are in a bar
‘Cause I am always your last
Call me crazy, but
I think maybe
We have had our last call
I bet you are in a bar
It’s always the same old song
That Johnny Walker Red
By now it’s almost gone
But baby, I won’t be there
To catch you when you fall
I bet you are in a bar
‘Cause I am always your last call...

As the other ladies applauded I said, “Can you imagine that with a drum set, ‘Strings” and a few other instruments?” I said to her.

Her answer was to give me a kiss. I skipped past some music waiting for something to ‘Come over me.’ I encountered a book of songs the Monkees sang. It was misfield, probably by me.

“Have you ever heard of them,” I said to Jenn.

“Who is that?” Katie asked.

“The Monkees, Davy Jones in particular.”

That got all of them over to us as I flipped the pages until they screamed the most. I got it.

“Michael, if you sing this song, you might have women our age throwing their panties on the stage,” Ally said with both other ladies laughing and agreeing.

This was in a minor key...

Girl, look what you have done to me.
Me, and my whole world,

Girl, you brought the sun to me,
With your smile, you did it girl,

You are is all that I want for me,
and its good to feel that way girl.

The break looks perfectly written for Jason on the electric guitar.

Mom, Alice and Katherine were swaying through most of this song. They all applauded and gave me kisses on the cheek.

“Oh my goodness, I haven’t heard that song in a very long time,” Janice said.