Sing for Their Supper - 67

 

"Evie, one more time, please," Keith said.

 

Evie stood by the piano, sheet music in hand. She sang along while Vin played "I've Gotta Crow".

 

"Now you, Dena."

 

"He is auditioning us—or them," DJ said quietly to Ricky as they listened from seats in the auditorium.

 

"Because he doesn't know us. Yeah, he saw the show last night, but that only tells him how we did with those characters and those songs. I'm betting he's already decided on Evie for Peter. She's got that boyish thing going. But he's got to make certain. Dena or Jolie could surprise him."

 

DJ nodded. "Want to know my bet? I'm going to be John, because I'm the shortest guy."

 

Ricky chuckled. "No bet, I'm afraid. But when you think about it, your size won you the starring role in Oliver!, so you really have nothing to complain about."

 

"True."

 

"Very good, Dena," Keith told her when she finished the song.

 

"Thank you. Can I ask a question?"

 

"Of course."

 

"Is Peter going to be flying up there?" She pointed above her.

 

"Yes. Norm will come up with rigging to make that happen."

 

She sucked in a breath. "Then, if you're considering me for Peter, don't. I'm terrified of heights."

 

Keith nodded. "Thank you for telling me." He turned to Evie. "What about you?"

 

"They don't bother me at all. At least, looking over the edge of a tall building doesn't." She grinned. "I'm not sure I could walk along a ledge, but I've never tried, so who knows?"

 

"I'll remember that," Keith told her. "Ricky. Your turn."

 

"I think I'm too big to play Peter," Ricky replied, deadpan, as he climbed on stage.

 

"Ah. A smartass. I like that. I was thinking you'd make a good Smee. Now I'm sure of it."

 

"He's sort of a kiss-ass, isn't he?" Ricky said.

 

"Which makes you perfect for the part," DJ called out, laughing.

 

"Hey, now," Ricky protested. "Only when… Never mind. That's not anyone's business."

 

Keith ignored the interplay. He had Ricky sing one of the pirates' songs, told him he'd done well, then asked DJ to come up.

 

"John is me, I bet," DJ said.

 

"I'm afraid you're the only one who can play him. Not that you wouldn't be good at most of the male roles, but—"'

 

"I'm the shortest guy. Don't worry. I'm used to it." DJ glanced at Evie, smiling. "She told me once that Daniel Radcliffe, Tom Cruise, and Joe Pesci are all short, so I'm in good company."

 

"Indeed you are. I know you can sing. Well—" Keith looked at the others, "—I know all of you can sing. I just wanted to hear you singing solo on one of the songs from this show. Once I've listened to the rest of you tomorrow, I'll make my decision on who's playing which character. Then, day after tomorrow, I'll hand out scripts and we'll begin read-throughs. Now get out of here. Go have some fun. Pretty soon you'll be up to your ears in work, between rehearsals and doing Oliver! in the evenings."