(The scene opens up with an opening of the sky. The camera pans down to a theater where animals are seen entering. They take their seats in preparation of a play.)
Stage Manger: Places everyone.
Young Nana Noodleman: Once there was way to get back homeward. Once there was a way to get back home. Sleep pretty darling, do not cry. And I will sing a lullaby...
[A young Buster Moon is seen sitting with his father looking amazed at the theater]
Buster Moon (voice-over): This was it. The moment it all began. The moment an ordinary little guy fell in love with theater. Everything about it: the lights, the way the scenery moved, even the smell. He was only six years old, but his plans to become the first koala bear in space were suddenly... toast. [The scene changes to Buster, grown up at the grand opening of the Moon Theater with his father, his adopted fox daughter Pippa, and friends] Some folks may have said he grew up to be the greatest showman the city has ever seen. Some called him a visionary. A maverick. Sure some folks said he was as crazy as he was stubborn, but I say wonder and magic don't come easy, pal. And oh, there would never be any doubt. The name Buster Moon would go down in entertainment history. [scene changes to Buster Moon's office, where Buster Moon is seen]
Buster: And I should know because I am Buster... [door knocks]
Angry Chimpanzee: (offscreen) Moon! Open this door! [Miss Crawly and Pippa enter his office]
Miss Crawly: Good morning, Mr. Moon.
Pippa: Good morning, dad.
Buster: Miss Crawly and Pippa. What, uh...what's going on?
Miss Crawly: You two got a lot of animals waiting to see you two, Mr. Moon and Miss. Moon.
Pippa: I do?
Buster and Pippa peer through the closed blinds to see...
Buster: [whispers to himself] Holy moly, I really do.
...a group of angry animals waiting and pacing in the hall outside his office. Knocking and shouting continues throughout.
Miss Crawly: Yeah, it's the stage crew from your last show. They say their paychecks bounced and--
Pippa: Tell 'em I'll call up the bank and make sure they're paid, tout suite.
Miss Crawly: Oh. I got Judith from the bank holding on line 2 right now, ma'am.
Buster: Um, actually, I'm going to have to call her back.
Miss Crawly: Oh. What should I tell her this time?
Pippa: Tell her Pippa and Buster Moon are out to lunch!
And with that, Buster and Pippa vanish through the hole.
Angry Chimpanzee: (offscreen) Moon, open this door! Come on, Moon! I know you're in there!
Buster and Pippa exit the theatre present day: a little worse for wear and squeezed between two larger, more modern buildings. We can still hear the angry animals shouting his name as Buster and Pippa hop on two bicycles and cycles off down the street.
Angry Chimpanzee: (offscreen) Moon, open this door!
He and Pippa speed down the street, nearly hitting a GARBAGE TRUCK. Buster and Pippa swerve, avoiding cars.
Garage Truck Driver: Yikes!
A Rhino Cop directing traffic with a shrill whistle. A Pig rides a scooter over a canal bridge under which a whale surfaces momentarily
Pig: Hey, watch it!
Salmon wearing neckties leap up water-filled steps... WHOOSH... as Buster and Pippa bike down the same steps.
We find ourselves at the end of an alleyway where we hear a beautiful, soulful voice singing ACAPPELLA: "The Way I Feel Inside" by The Zombies. You would think these tender tones emanate from a sensitive creature..
Johnny: In your mind, could you ever be, really close to me? I can tell the way you smile. If I feel that I, could be certain then, I would say the things I want to say to--
(radio static is heard. Two rhino police officers eating donuts approach, Johnny hides behind the wall)
Johnny: (gasp)
Police officer: I thought I heard someone singing there. Ah, whatever.
Johnny: (gasps. Pulls out a walkie-talkie) Guys listen, stay where you are! The cops are here!
Police officer: Hold it right there!
Big Daddy: Go, go, go!
Police officer: Whoa!
Johnny: (panting) Whoa!
Big Daddy: Johnny! You were supposed to be keeping a look out!
Johnny: Sorry Dad.
Big Daddy: And where's your mask?
Rosita: Do you ever feel like a plastic bag, drifting through the wind, wanting to start again? Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin...
Casper: Look at me, I'm Mommy. La, la, la, la!
Rosita: Casper, get off the table.
Norman: Rosita, have you seen my car keys?
Casper: La, la, la, la!
Rosita: Norman, Would you please tell them what a good singer I am?
Norman: Oh, yeah, you were great, honey. (kisses Rosita in her cheek) By the way, the bathroom sink is blocked again. Bye, honey!
Lance: 1, 2, 1 2 3 4! I don't wanna talk to ya!
Ash: Nothing to say!
Lance: I don't wanna walk with ya!
Ash: Outta my way!
Lance: I'm not gonna play for ya!
Ash: Don't wanna play!
Lance: I don't need anyone else!
Ash: Yeah, yeah! I live my life by myself, Yeah, yeah! Can't stand the things that you say!
Lance: I'm not listening any--
(music stops)
Harry: Oh my gosh. I thought you guys said you were musicians.
Lance: Ash, babe, I'm the lead singer, okay? Just stick to the backing vocals.
Ash: Sorry, I-- I get carried away.
Lance: Yeah I know right. It just kind of ruins my song, ya know?
Meena's and Maddie's family: Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday--
Meena and Maddie: Dear Grandpa. Happy birthday, to you.
Meena: (gasps)
Meena's family: Aww.
Maddie: (chuckles) What? Come on, make your wish.
Meena's and Maddie's grandfather: Hmm! I wish you two would join the choir. A local band, or something.
Meena: We tried!
Grandpa: Bah!
Meena's and Maddie's mother: Hey, hey, Dad! We've been over this.
Grandpa: So their a little shy. So what? If I had a voice like Meena's or Maddie's, I'd be a superstar by now! Just singing... Ooh yeah, Ah...
Maddie: Sure you would, Grandpa. Now blow out your candles.
Grandpa: (scoffs)
[Meena's and Maddie's grandpa blows out the candles with his trunk. The scene changes to a railroad subway. On the steps, Mike the mouse is playing the saxophone. A baboon puts a penny in the case. Mike stops playing and looks at it.]
YOU ARE READING
Sing 1
FanfictionIn a world of anthropomorphic animals, koala Buster Moon and his adoptive fox daughter, Pippa Moon, own a theater, having been interested in show business since Buster's father took him to his first music show as a child. Following financial problem...
