Embedded Files
In the office Lydia, Sherwood and Shorofsky are at the cubby holes checking their mail.
Mrs Berg is on the telephone: “Okay Mrs Amatullo, sick you say. I’ll update his records, thank you for calling.”
Shorofsky asks: “Miss Sherwood how is your act for the show coming?”
Sherwood pulls a face and sighs: “I don’t know maybe I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. To tell the truth I’m getting very nervous.”
Mrs Berg interrupts: “Is there any point to the show if neither Mr Amatullo or Danny are actually coming?”
Lydia asks: “Has anyone heard from Danny?”
Mrs Berg comments: “Well his Mother just rang to say he’s sick.”
Mrs Berg looks around, moves herself closer to the group of teachers and lowers her voice: “Rumour has it that Danny has left home and no one knows where he is!”
Sherwood’s whole body shivers: “Well I hope’s not out on the streets alone in this weather!”
Lydia agrees: “Me too, but the show should go on. It’s for charity after all and those starving people can use every cent they can get.”
Morloch suddenly barges past having heard the last comment and snaps: “Oh it’s always The Show Must Go On, with you people isn’t it. Well maybe there are times that the show shouldn’t go on so we can all get some peace and get some work done around here!”
With that he strides over to his office door and snaps: “No calls Mrs Berg, I don’t want to be disturbed.”
He slams the door behind him and Shorofsky asks: “What’s wrong with him, he’s like a bear with a sore head. Scrub that he’s always like a bear with a sore head!”
Sherwood laughs: “Doris has given him an ultimatum to get Danny’s parents to the show and he hasn’t done it yet!”
Lydia is puzzled: “What happens if he doesn’t do it?”
Sherwood smirks: “He won’t be coming to my house for Christmas dinner.”
As the school bell rings the mail man arrives and hands Mrs Berg a bunch of letter. He then winks at her as he says good morning.
Mrs Berg smiles coyly: “Good Morning.”
As the teachers leave the office Shorofsky asks: “What was that all about?”
Lydia laughs: “Well, Mrs Berg thinks the mailman has a crush on her.”
The teachers all laugh as they make their way up the corridor.
In the auditorium Leroy arrives, sees Chris, glares at him and stands on the opposite side of the stage.
Nicole notices the atmosphere: “Aren’t you two ever going to make up. It is Christmas you know, the time of good will to all men?”
Leroy mutters under his breath: “I ain’t apologising!”
Chris is indignant: “Well, I’m not apologising either!”
Nicole shakes her head: “Guys don’t start again, please!”
Doris claps her hands: “Okay settle down everyone “Bruno has written a song so I want us to practice that.”
Holly’s face lights up at the sound of Bruno’s name.
Doris continues: “It’s called Christmas is a time for Giving.”
Leroy pulls a face and tuts: “What if you ain’t gone nothing left to give? What if someone has already taken it?”
He throws Chris a dirty look as he speaks.
Chris reacts angrily: “Are you going to continue to blame me for everything. No one made you place the bet!”
Doris claps her hands again to get everyone’s attention: “Guys, Guys, we don’t have time for this. You two need to find a way to work this out or you’re both out of the show."
Doris starts the music and she, Holly, Nicole and Cleo work out a routine to it.
"One bell rings in the morning rush
A little boy is asking, please it won't take much
Just a minute of your time
Any extra dimes
Christmas is a time for giving
One small family who is out of luck
Standing on the corner with their sign and their truck
Can you help them out this year?
Show them someone cares?
Christmas is a time for giving love
If you have a little more, help the ones who have it rough
Is it fair to have so much, when some don't have enough?
It's more than just vacation, it's a family holiday
Christmas is a time for giving love
Christmas is a time for giving love
One cold night, so many years ago
Another family looking, for shelter from the snow
With a stable for his hearth
He came down here to earth
To show us what it means when you care enough
Christmas is a time for giving love "
As they sing we see:
The kids and Sherwood rehearsing over the next few days,
A lonely Danny walks around the snowy streets of New York carrying a small case.
Lydia rehearsing the dancers for the senior’s show.
Leroy desperately trying to keep out of Chris’ way and the two glaring at each other each time they bump into each or have to work together.
Danny arrives at Caruso, where Bruno lends a sympathetic ear.
Holly stands outside Caruso’s watching Bruno, desperately wanting to talk to him but scared she will frighten him off further. She sees Danny with Bruno.
Mrs Berg goes through the mail and notices an envelope addressed to Leroy but saying to be given to Miss Grant, she is intrigued as to what it can be.
Morloch looking at his phone, picking it up and then putting it down again. Finally we see him make the call and talk to Gina Amatullo.
As the song comes to an end Lydia stands in the wings watching with an approving, proud smile on her face.
Mrs Berg comes rushing up to her holding the letter, struggling to get her breath: “Oh Miss Grant......There...You ...Are. I’ve got......I’ve got this for you...It’s.. addressed.... to Leroy!”
Lydia takes the letter: “Thank you Mrs Berg, but I think you need to sit down and catch your breath.”
Mrs Berg’s breathing returns to normal: “Oh I’ll be okay.”
Lydia looks at the envelope and a huge smile breaks out over her face.
Mrs Berg is even more intrigued and asks: “What is it?”
Lydia start to reply and then pauses: “No I shouldn’t say anything. It’s a surprise and I wouldn’t want to spoil it.”
Mrs Berg misunderstands: “Oh my, how sweet a surprise for me? This is turning into one very special Christmas.”
Lydia shakes her head: “No Mrs Berg it’s not for you it’s for Leroy.”
Mrs Berg is disappointed: “Oh drat!”
At Caruso’s Bruno offers Danny a coffee and asks: “Are you gonna call your parents?”
Danny shakes his head: “No, My father made his feelings perfectly clear. He doesn’t care about me!”
Bruno sighs: “What about your Mother? She must be worried sick about you?”
Danny shakes his head again: “I’ll leave it a few more days. Maybe I’ll call her Christmas Eve to say I’m okay.”
Bruno hesitates nervously for a moment: “Look Danny I’m sorry to have to say this but, Caruso wants to know how long you’re staying for? Upstairs is not that big and he’s used to having all the space to himself. He was kind enough to give me a roof over my heads but he wasn’t expecting you as well.”
Danny snaps: “What! he wants me out on the streets?”
Bruno sighs again: “It’s not like that Danny, he doesn’t want you out on the streets but he would like you to make alternative arrangements, as soon as possible. When you arrived you said it was just for a couple of days, well that couple of days has now gone.”
Danny nods realising it’s not Bruno’s fault: “Okay man, tell him I’m working on it!”
In the auditorium the Kids take a break and Nicole asks: “Doris have you heard from Danny. It would be a shame for him not to see all the hard work we’ve put into make this benefit come together?”
Doris sighs and shakes her head: “No I’ve not heard anything. I called his folks and they haven’t got a clue where he’s gone. I’ve spoken to everyone in school and he’s not staying with them, so I don’t know where he could be.”
Holly overhears the conversation and hesitates for a moment. Having seen Danny at Caruso’s she doesn’t want to admit that she has been hanging around watching Bruno. Eventually, seeing the concern on her friends faces she announces: “I know where he is!”
All eyes turn to Holly and Doris asks excitedly: “Where?”
Holly bites her lip before answering looking from one face to another: “He’s at Caruso’s with Bruno!”
Doris’ eyes light up as she rushes off the stage, to the phone that hangs on the wall outside the make-up area. Picking up the receiver she frantically dials. After a few moments a voice can be heard on the other end: “Hello Caruso’s!”
Doris: “Bruno thank goodness it’s you, listen I need your help!”
Bruno pulls a face and asks: “Again!”
Doris ignores the comment: “Danny is with you right?”
Bruno hesitates before answering: “Yeah that’s right.”
Doris becomes excited: “Well I need you to get him to the school for 7.00pm tonight. No make that 6.45pm. It’s the benefit and I really want him to see it. I think it’ll cheer him up.”
Bruno can almost hear the cogs of Doris’ mind turning and he asks: “Doris, what are you planning?”
Doris acts all coyly: “Me? Planning? Why sir I don’t know what you mean!”
Bruno groans.
Later that day Shorofsky paces the main school hall. He is dressed as Father Christmas and practicing: “Ho, Ho Ho!”
David Reardon climbs the school steps into the lobby and a big smile crosses his face when he sees the music teacher dressed up and calls out: “Getting into character are we?”
Shorofsky turns round and is surprised: “Mr Reardon, I’d heard you’d left us. How nice to see you. What brings you here.”
Daivd smirks: “Oh you know, I thought I’d lend my support to the show and I was thinking maybe I should say my goodbyes properly, instead of skulking out of here like I did.”
Bruno and Danny sit in a taxi travelling towards Manhattan. Bruno gives a wistful sigh: “This takes me back to all those times my Pop would drive me to school in his cab. I miss those days, everything seemed simpler then, you know?”
Bruno pauses for a moment and then continues: “You know me and my Pop would fight. We’d fight all the time and sometimes say hurtful things to each other. But you know what? We always made up, always and didn’t let the argument fester. Deep down I guess we both knew that whatever got said we still loved and respected each other. Family it’s important....”
A frustrated Danny interrupts: “Look Bruno, I know what you’re trying to do and it ain’t gonna work!”
Bruno gives Danny a wounded look pretending he doesn’t know what Danny is talking about: “What am I trying to do?”
Danny tilts his head to one side and raises his eyers brows as he looks at Bruno: “You’re trying to get me to make up with my Dad. Well this time he’s gone too far and I’m not going to do it. I’m finished with him!”
Bruno shakes his head: “You don’t mean that!”
Danny adamantly snaps: “Yes I do!”
Bruno sighs: “Look Danny, take it from someone who knows. Your Pop isn’t going to be around forever. Who knows what time any of us have left. Believe me if something happened to your Pop and you were still fighting you’d regret that for the rest of your life.”
Danny falls silent as he knows he can’t argue with what Bruno is saying but he also knows how hurt he feels by what his father said and he’s not ready to offer the olive branch to his father yet.
At that moment the taxi pulls up outside the School and Danny snaps: “What! Man, what are we doing here?”
Bruno tries to calm his friend down: “It’s the benefit tonight and I’ve got to drop something off for Doris. Besides, don’t you want to see it? Your father is as stubborn as you so he won’t be here.”
Danny shakes his head: “No way am I going in there!”
Bruno sighs: “Look, I understand you’re angry at you Pop but what about your friends? They have worked really hard to put this thing together for you. The least you could do is show up and thank them.”
Danny ponders his friend’s words knowing that Bruno is right. A few moments later he reluctantly agrees to go into the school.
As they get out of the cab and Bruno pays the driver, Danny asks: “So what do you have to drop anyway?”
Bruno laughs: “You, you idiot. I’m under strict instructions from Doris to get you here tonight no matter what and I’m not going up against her.”
In the make-up room Chris hands Leroy some money: “Here! Here’s the money you put on the bet. I’ve been thinking that maybe I shouldn’t have persuaded you to make that bet, so I’ve borrowed the money from my old man and want you to have it back.
Leroy looks at the money in Chris’ hand and then up at Chris’ face.
Chris continues: “I know it’s not enough to get your mom that plane ticket but at least you’re not out of pocket. Man you could save up the rest of the money and bring her out here in the New Year. Maybe for your graduation or something and make that really special. I know it’s not going to make up for Christmas but I figured it’s better than nothing.”
Leroy listens to what Chris has to say: “I can’t take your money. As you said you didn’t force me to make the bet. I should never have gambled and I’ve learnt my lesson. But I really like your idea about getting my Mother here for my graduation, she would be so proud to see that. So I’ll work and get the money together but I can’t take your money.”
Chris feels despondent: “Well I was rather hoping, that you taking the money, as a token of my apology would mean that we can make up and be friends again. I’m really sorry about what happened.”
Leroy nods slowly: “Yeah, I appreciate that and I’m sorry too.”
Chris asks: “So we’re friends again?”
Leroy grins: “I guess so”
With that they “Hi Five”.
Cleo and Jesse have been stood watching and Cleo comments: “Thank goodness for that, so things can get back to normal now.”
The auditorium is starting to fill up with people. Doris looks out through a gap in the stage curtains and sees Bruno and Danny coming in through the left hand door. She smiles to herself and comments: “Phase one complete now the rest is up to Morloch!”
Bruno shows Danny to his seat and says: “I’ll be back in a minute”
Backstage Nicole sees Sherwood standing in the wings, with her hands on her chest taking deep breaths. Nicole approaches and asks: “Are you okay Miss Sherwood?”
Sherwood shakes her head: “No, I don’t think I can do this. Have you seen how many people are out there in the audience? I can’t get up in front of them and sing. Look my hands are trembling.”
Nicole takes the teachers outstretched hand and tries to calm her down: “It’ll be okay, you’ll be fine. You’ve practiced and you know the routine and this is just like one of your poetry recitals only you’ll be singing instead of talking.”!”
Sherwood takes a deep breath: “I don’t know Nicole. I keep thinking I’ll freeze when I’m on stage. I don’t know how you kids do it all the time.”
Nicole smiles: “We all get like this at some point, but once you’re out there in the spotlight, standing on the stage and the music starts to play, those feeling disappear. That’s when the magic starts to happen and takes you under its spell. You see the audience wanting to enjoy themselves and that pulls you through. You soon start to relax and find you’re enjoying it. Then you realise you never want the magic to end.”
Sherwood shrugs: “I don’t know, what if I don’t feel the magic?”
Nicole smiles: “Well they do say picturing the audience in their underwear helps!”
Sherwood pulls a face: “Do you really think picturing Mr Morloch in his underwear will help me relax?”
They both burst out laughing as Doris calls out “Ten minutes, places everybody!”
Reardon sees Danny sitting alone in the auditorium and walks over to him: “Amatullo, I’m glad to see you could make it. I heard you’ve been out of school for a few days?”
Danny shrugs: “What’s it to you? I heard you up and left us without even saying goodbye!”
David pulls a face: “Well, I have left and yes I took the cowards way out and left without saying anything to anyone but I realised I was wrong, so I’m here tonight to put that right. You know I remember when I first came to this school and how difficult I found it for some students to accept me. Students like you, who thought I was stepping on Mr Crandall’s toes, but soon enough people accepted me. Even you and I had an understanding. This place is like a big family and once you’re in, you’re in. You can mess up and they forgive you. I’ll still be around if you need me. I won’t be a teacher anymore but I’ll be around.”
Danny nods: “Thanks, that’s good to know.”
David continues: “I know you’re going through something with your father right now and goodness knows I know how that feels but don’t let that put you off you’re career. As Mr Crandall said you’re talented Danny, really talented. When I became your teacher I realised that too.”
Danny ponders what David has said.
Bruno comes out of the boys locker room and walks down the corridor dressed in his elf costume, feeling like a right idiot.
Shorofsky sees him and calls out: “Mister Martelli, I’m glad to see you have kept your part of our agreement.
Bruno sighs: “Yeah but do feel as big a fool as I do”
Shorofsky is surprised by the statement: “On the contrary Mister Martelli, I really like my costume. Who knows this may be the start of something I do every year.”
Bruno smirks: “Well not me, this is a one time only thing!”
With that Bruno walks down the corridor, past Morloch standing in the entrance, and returns to the auditorium and takes his seat.
David looks up and laughs: “Good to see you getting into the spirit of things Martelli, I better get back to my seat."
Danny turns and is surprised by what his friend is wearing and burst into fits of laughter.
Bruno pulls a face: “I know, I know, let it all out. Just remember I’m doing this for you!”
In the lobby, Morloch paces the floor and looks at the clock on the wall. He had told Danny’s mother to be at the school for 6.55pm, so he could meet Doris’ demands of having the Amatullo’s there for the start of the show.
At first he wasn’t sure how to do that but he soon came up with the idea of phoning them and saying there had been an incident and Danny had hit a teacher and they needed to come down straight away. He felt confident his idea would work but now with less than five minutes to go he wasn't so sure. Just then he hears voices come from the stairwell of the school entrance.
Carmine Amatullo: “I don’t know Gina, if the kids got himself into trouble that’s his fault. Maybe I’m the last person he wants to see. I don’t see why we have to be dragged down here. He’s not even living with us at the moment!”
Gina Amatullo snaps: “Don’t you think I’m know he’s not living with us at the moment. I’ve been worried sick as to where he’s been sleeping. It’s freezing cold out there at night and anything could happen to him. Now we are told he’s punched dear old Mr Shorofsky in the face. Our son is going off the rails Carmine, and it’s all you fault! If nothing else I want to see him to know that he’s okay.”
Carmine becomes angry and yells: “My fault! You’re the one who panders to him and lets him make a fool of himself at this stupid school. He’s never going to make it as a performer. Hell he can’t even organise a benefit show when he’s surrounded by singers, dancers, actors and musicians. If I’d had my way and he went into the family business none of this would have ever happened.”
Gina snaps: “Really? well it’s your words that he heard that drove him out of his home...”
As they reach the top of the steps, Morloch clears his throat to let them know that he can hear their argument.
A smile immediately crosses Gina’s face and the tone of her voice lightens as she greats the Vice principal.
Morloch looks at his watch and realises he only has minutes to spare: “Quickly Danny is in the auditorium. He just seemed to go berserk. I thought I better call you before I called the Police.”
As he leads them towards the auditorium Shorofsky is standing outside. As music starts to play inside the auditorium Shorofsky smiles: “There’s my cue, Merry Christmas!”
Carmine is puzzled: “I thought you said Danny hit Mr Shorofsky he seems to be okay to me! What's going on here?”
Morloch stutters for a moment: “Yes...well, erm... it’s stage make up. The show must go on and all that. He’s a real trooper our Mr Shorofsky and didn’t want to let the children down.”
Carmine isn’t convinced: “But if Danny is in there waiting for us, why is there music playing. What is going on here Mr Morloch?”
Inside the auditorium Shorofsky makes his way through the audience, throwing balloons wrapped with ribbon, into the crowd as though he were handing out presents: “Ho, Ho, Ho" he calls as he makes his way to the stage.
Once there he addresses the audience: “Now there is one little boy sat in our audience tonight who had a Christmas wish and we are here tonight in the spirit of giving to make that wish come true."
Shorofsky pauses for a moment: "You see the little boy's wish was to do with his Father and all the little boy wanted was to make his Father proud. Now that little boy’s name is Danny Amatullo and will everyone here help me give him a hand to welcome him to the stage?”
Danny looks at Bruno and shakes his head “I’m not gonna do it!”
A spotlight falls on Danny in the audience.
Shorofsky continues: “Well it seems our little boy is a little shy. Let’s call his name to give him some encouragement.”
As the audience starts to clap they also start to chant “Danny, Danny Danny!”
Danny feels pressure to comply.
Shorofsky calls out: "Thankfully my little helper elf Bruno is on hand. Bruno please bring Danny up on stage."
Bruno takes his friend by the arm and awkwardly the two walk up on to stage.
Outside the auditorium Morloch regrets getting involved and making up a story: “Well I’m sure all will be clear when we get inside.”
Carmine shakes his head: “I don’t like this, I don’t like it one little bit. Is that Danny’s name I can hear people chanting?”
Morloch looks up to the ceiling: “Lord knows! I’m just the messenger!”
Gina takes her husband’s arm and comes to Morloch’s rescue: “Carmine Mr Morloch isn’t going to lie to us, come on we need to sort things out.”
She leads her husband through the heavy doors and into the darkened auditorium. A spotlight shines on them and Mr Shorofsky calls out: “Our guests of honour have arrived."
The audience give a round of applause and the Amatullos wonder what is going on.
Danny looks at his parents and turns to Bruno: “This is a set up?”
Bruno shrugs: “I have no idea what is going on. My orders were to get you here for the show!”
Danny angrily snaps “Well I don’t like it and I’m not gonna stay!”
Shorofsky addresses Danny’s parents “Mr Amatullo your son Danny had one wish and that was to put together a wonderful charity benefit for you. Please take you seats in the front row and enjoy the show.”
For a moment Carmine looks at his wife: “Did you know about this?”
Gina shakes her head.
Carmine looks at Morloch, who shrugs.
Then he looks at Danny standing on the stage, who is looking for a way to get off the stage as quickly and as easily as possible.
Shorofsky calls out again: “Please take your seats and our show can begin!”
Carmine and Danny look at each other for a long moment unsure what to do next.
To be Continued....
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