Its going so much better than the dress rehearsal, Jessie said to Henry as she raced by him between scenes. I can tell, Henry said as he brought one of the switches down to the off position. Nancy caught Jessies eye and put her finger to her lips. Al...
Melody shrieked. Sarah, who was in the wings when the light crashed, turned pale. Jim jumped onto the stage. How did this happen? he demanded, turning to Henry and Stuart. Both boys gave him a blank look. Nancy came out of the wings onto the stage. D...
Jessie and Benny stared at the ruined set in horror. Who would do that? asked Benny. Can it be fixed? It took Jessie a few moments to answer. Lets go find Jim, she finally said. I hope that was his voice we heard. Maybe hes still outside. Jessie and...
Someone noticed a light on in the theater late last night, Jim announced to the cast and crew the next day. He paused to nervously pull up the collar of his faded blue shirt. Are you sure it wasnt the janitor? Richard asked. I was the last one in the...
Benny, what are you going to use that star for? Violet asked a few days later. Benny was at the kitchen table. He had glue, scissors, cardboard, and a small pile of shiny gold paper spread in front of him. Im making Watch a gold star for his doghouse...
On stage, Benny was having trouble controlling Watch. The dog kept running to Jessie who stood in the wings waiting for her cue to come on. Watch wouldnt pay any attention to Sarah. Jim was shaking his head. This may not work, he told Benny. Take him...
I still think Melody had something to do with that note, Benny said the next day. Benny and Soo Lee were backstage, with many others, sanding boards for the scenery. Soo Lee took some more sandpaper. I dont know, Benny, she said. Violet came out of t...
Why dont we go to the park for a late lunch? Henry suggested the next day. This way we can be nearby when the results are posted. Soo Lee yawned and stretched her arms. She had spent the night with her cousins on a cot in Violets room. What is there...
The day of the auditions was clear and cold. Jessie woke up feeling so nervous she could barely fasten the buttons on her polka-dot blouse. Violet came to her rescue. Jessie, its not like you to be so jumpy. Youre going to be fine, Violet assured her...
One fall day, Jessie Alden stood outside a bookstore in Greenfield. In the window was a large poster: WANTED Actors, actresses to perform in The Wizard of Oz Auditions held Saturday, November 4th 9AM4PM Greenfield Community Playhouse Scripts availabl...
