Captivated

Successful

Hello hello hello! How is my favorite group of people? I hope you've all had a nice day. I had a chorus concert tonight, and a got a new guitar yesterday (Taylor swift edition whoooo!) so I've had a fun few days, hehe! I can't believe that it's already time to publish this chapter, but it is. Enjoy this one- I suppose it's really quite important, even though there's not a lot of drama. Comment and vote xxx
-ab

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July 25, 2025

Harper

For it isn't a dream.... not a dream, after all...

We all burst into applause as the girl's sweet soprano voice rings throughout the theatre.

"Thank you," Trevor smiles. "We will be back to you soon."

After that, she walks off stage, and I turn to John and Trevor.

"That was Brooke Campbell." John says, "Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think we have just found our new Cosette."

"Agreed," Trevor replies. "Harper, how are you feeling?"

"I think so," I say. It feels weird to be admitting that the girl is going to replace me, but she was absolutely fantastic. She nailed all of the material which we threw at her for her final callback, and was just a tiny bit better than the other two girls who were in consideration.

"Should we just stop her now and give her the good news? She probably hasn't left the theatre yet," John suggests.

"Fine by me," Trevor replies. "She will begin rehearsals on Monday. Harper, how about you give the good news."

"I'll go catch her," I smile, hopping out of my seat. I push myself up onto the stage. Thought it's quite high, I've gotten rather good at doing it. Running out of the room, I manage to catch Brooke in the hallway. "Brooke," I call.

She whips her head around and smiles at me. "Hey."

"Can we bring you back into the auditorium real quick? There was a bit of an issue with your paperwork that John and Trevor wanted to get sorted."

"Oh my gosh, I'm sorry," she says. I lead her back onto the stage, and check that Trevor is secretly recording this moment. It's always nice to have it on film later. I nearly cried when I saw my recording that was taken, secretly, by Katherine.

"It's a beautiful theatre, isn't it? I've treasured each and every moment that I've spent on this stage. I know that you're going to love performing here every night."

Brooke looks at me, with wide eyes. "Wait... do you mean..."

"Congratulations," I tell her, a giant smile breaking onto my face. "Come September 6, I'll be handing over Cosette to you. You start rehearsals on Monday."

"Oh my god!" she squeals, with tears noticeably forming in her eyes. "Thank you! Thank you so much!" She throws her arms around me, pulling me in for a giant hug, which I gladly return.

"No, thank you,"  I tell her. "Seriously, it takes so much stress off of me to know that we are handing this role to somebody competent. More than competent, as the matter of fact."

"It means the world to me, hearing you say that," she laughs, wiping tears out of her eyes. "I saw your performance a few months ago, and you were amazing."

"Thank you. And you're going to be just as amazing," I tell her. "Now, what do you say we go get that contract signed? Then, if you're not busy, perhaps we could go out for a snack before my show? My treat. I'd like to get to know the girl behind the amazing voice."

"Of course," she replies. We run down to Trevor and John. As John shuffles through his folder to find the contract, Trevor speaks.

"You two are already getting off quite nicely, hm?"

"We're besties now," I nod, giving a little giggle.

"That's good. You'll be spending quite a bit of time together for the next few weeks."

"Yeah, I'm going to help train you in the role," I tell Brooke. "It'll be fun."

"Oh," she smiles, "great!"

"Alright, here it is," John laughs. "Let's get this all signed, shall we?"

"Perfect," Brooke replies.

"So, you're set to be on board with us at Les Mis from September 6th to June 7th, with a rehearsal period of July 28th through September 7th," John explains. "During that period of time, you will have the weekends off, but will rehearse every day otherwise. September 7th, a Sunday, is going to be the exception, as that will be when we hold your put-in. During your run in the show, you are going to expected here at the Queen's for eight shows a week, Monday through Saturday. Any put-in rehearsals will be held on Sundays, and you will be expected to be present for those as well. You will have fifteen paid sick days for the course of the year, and beyond that, or if you are out for any other reason, you will not receive payment for a missed show. Is that understood?"

"Yes sir."

"Wonderful. We are thrilled to have you joining our family, Brooke. Please only tell your immediate family members until we make a formal press release of our casting."

"Alright," Brooke replies.

"Ready to sign?"

"Absolutely," she smiles, taking the pen from John and signing where she is directed to.

"Perfect. Welcome to the cast of Les Miserables, Brooke."

"Thank you so much," she smiles, shaking both John and Trevor's hands before the two of us excuse ourselves to go find a snack out in London.

"So, what sort of food are you thinking?" I ask her. "I'd prefer to keep away from dairy as I do have a show tonight, but I'm good with anything else."

"Oh man, it doesn't matter to me," Brooke laughs.

"How about this... there's this great little bakery that's... oh, maybe a five minute walk from here. It's one of my favourite places to stop after a matinee. How about we go there? I'm craving something sugary."

"Sounds perfect," she laughs. Just outside of the theatre, we pass the famous mural that is painted on the outside of the theatre.

Home of the world's longest running musical.

"It's crazy to think about, isn't it?" I ask, gesturing to the painting. "And to think, we get to be part of that legacy. Have you ever done the show before, as a community production or anything?"

"No, never."

"Well, then today, you have joined a family of performers that have all shared the common experience of putting on this production. Whether that be as a summer camp production with no set and some costumes just pulled together, or here on the West End, or in New York, on Broadway... in French, German, Japanese, or English... we have all been united by that common experience, and it will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. I promise. You're going to change so many lives."

"I can't wait. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity."

"I can't imagine anybody who could do better in taking over this role."

At that, we throw our arms around each other and share another hug.

"Now, let's get celebrating." I take off running down the road, with Brooke on my heels, and we make it to the bakery only a few moments later, so that we can celebrate her successful audition, and my successful casting.