Conner's Performance

Chapter 4 - Practice Makes Perfect

It had been a few weeks since he had met with Trish, by now the cast had practiced every scene multiple times and were trying to refine the roles. Mrs Bell had been busy getting a stage crew together out of some of the other students and building any missing set pieces that needed to be made. Conner was sitting in the drama room for the latest rehearsal, he was wearing the headband and tail Trish had given him along with black pants and a black T-Shirt. Mrs Bell had asked for an all cast meeting which hadn't really changed his schedule since he and Jessica were supposed to attend every rehearsal.

"Thanks for coming everyone, the play is fast approaching and we wanted to ensure we do a test fit on the costumes and make any necessary adjustments." Mrs Bell explained to the group

One by one each cast member worked with Mrs. Bell, who pinned and altered the costumes. Conner figured it was a slow rehearsal day and just waited. He looked around and saw his sister enthusiastically talking with Sara Fox, the girl who played Glinda, he decided to see what they were talking about and went over to them.

"Hey Jessica and Sara, what's so exciting?" Conner asked.

"Oh Hey Toto! I suppose you are on the guest list!" Sara said and knelt down so she was at eye level. Suddenly being face to face and being called Toto left him blushing, he couldn't really correct any of the cast members on calling him Toto, he had trouble remembering everyone's name all the time and only remembered the ones that were Jessica's friends.

"Guest list for what?" Conner asked.

"Well Sara is going to be hosting an after party for the performance, I suppose that includes you too." Jessica said, the excitement trailing off as she realized she would be bringing her little brother to the party.

"Oh don't be like that Jessica, the party is for everyone, it will be fun! We have a great place and can stay up late watching classic plays in my parent's home theatre." Sara explained.

"Sounds fun, but I will need to ask my mom if I can go." Conner explained to Sara.

"Great, I need to tell everyone else as well." Sara said as she walked off.

Mrs Farley and Mrs Bell then walked up to Jessica and Conner.

"Jessica, I need you for your fitting. Also Mr Farley needs to arrange something with you two." Mrs Bell said.

"So the first graders have practiced the songs and the few lines we gave them, they will be dressed as Muchkins and are excited about the play. One thing we haven't done is actually practiced with the other cast members. This week we are going to pull out both of you as well as Sara and Rayna from class to practice the scene. I don't want to be too disruptive so we will only do that a few times in the coming weeks." Mr Farley explained to them.

"No problem Mr. Farley, we will be patient with the youngsters. Isn't that right Toto?" Jessica said.

"Yeah, plus we get an excuse to miss class." Conner said smiling.

"Great, I will collect you from your classroom on the day of, we are also going to borrow some props before heading to the classroom." Mr Farley said. Jessica then left with Mrs Bell. Conner decided to work on some homework while he waited for his turn.

After about thirty minutes Mrs Bell came up to Conner. "It looks like Trish hasn't completed your costume yet, she assures us it will be ready in time for the dress rehearsal though. It looks like we won't be doing any scenes today so you are free to go, I have some adjustments to make to your sister's outfit and she wanted me to let you know you can head home without her." Mrs Bell explained.

"Okay thank you, I'll see you in the next rehearsal." Conner said he then put away his homework and left the drama room.

Conner left the school quickly and passed by the park on his way home, he looked and saw Brian and Joey playing catch and waved at them. He noticed Brian giggling as he ran up to him with Joey.