Auditions for the musical were this week and I had been practicing hard on my audition song which was 'You Must Love Me' from Evita. "Quinn Fabray," the theatre teacher called as I walked out. "Hello I'm Quinn Fabray and I will be singing 'You Must Love Me' from the Broadway musical Evita," I smiled a bit as I began to sing the familiar words.
"Where do we go from here? This isn't where we intended to be. We had it all, you believed in me, I believed in you. Certainties disappear, what do we do for our dream to survive? How do we keep, all our passions alive as we used to do? Deep in my heart, I'm concealing things that I'm longing to say. Scared to confess, what I'm feeling. Frightened you'll slip away. You must love me, you must love me. You must love me. Why are you at my side? How can I be, any use to you now? Give me a chance, and I'll let you see how nothing has changed. Deep in my heart, I'm concealing things that I'm longing to say. Scared to confess, what I'm feeling. Frightened you'll slip away. You must love me, you must love me. You must love me," I sang as the song ended.
The theatre teacher seemed to be making notes. "Thank you Miss Fabray. The callback list will be up tomorrow. We'll let you know what we've decided," the theatre teacher said as I smiled a bit. I had a good feeling of how my audition went. I decided to go with a Broadway song after talking it over with Rachel about my audition.
"You're auditioning for your school play?" Rachel asked me. "Yes. We're doing Chicago," I smiled a bit. "You would make such a good Velma," Rachel grinned as she spoke to me on the phone. "Thanks. Anyway I figured if anyone would help me with my audition it would be you," I smiled a bit. "I'm glad you called me Quinn. My advice to you is the best way to wow the judges is to sing a Broadway classic. I think I have just the song for you," Rachel smiled.
My phone went off. It was Rachel.
Rachel: How did the audition go?
Me: I think it went well. Thanks for your advice on the song. 'You Must Love Me' was right in my wheelhouse.
Rachel: Anytime. I'll try to use my Metro North Pass to see you in the play :)
Me: Thanks Rachel. I appreciate it :)
Rachel: Of course.
Rachel: You've got this Quinn!!!
I couldn't help but smile at her messages. I couldn't believe after everything I had put Rachel through during high school she was still so willing to be my friend. "Did you get a message from the cute guy Amber says you're dating," Katie giggled seeing my face. I shook my head. "No. Just a friend who wished me luck on getting the part," I smiled a bit. "That's sweet," Katie smiled. "Katie Davis," the theatre teacher called. "That's my que. I'll talk to you later Quinn," Katie giggled as she rushed back into the auditorium for her audition.
The next day before I entered theatre class I checked the board to see if I had gotten a callback. I scrolled down the list to see for the role I had gone for. I noticed Katie was called back for Roxie which I was excited about.
Callbacks for the role of Velma Kelly: Quinn Fabray, Wendy Lee, and Serena Blake
Congratulations to everyone who made it for the callback. For your second test we will have you running lines with someone in each role. Be prepared for anything this afternoon
I got a callback! I couldn't help but be overjoyed by this news especially since there was good chance Katie and I would be running lines together.
That afternoon all of us who were called back for the roles met before hand. "Now the scene we are going to do we already decided on a Mama Morton so we will be doing ACT I, SCENE 4, got it?" the director said as we nodded. "We will be grouping Velma's and Roxies together. So when you hear your name you're paired up. Wendy and Rachel. Serena and Emma. And finally Quinn and Katie," the director said as Katie headed over to me. "This is totally awesome! We get to audition together," Katie beamed. "Definitely," I smiled as we began rehearsing the scene over and over again until it was our turn to audition.
"And Action," the director said. "You must be Hart. You're a pretty one," the girl cast as Mama said. "Thank you, ma'am," Katie said innocently. "Why don't you call me Mama?" Mama said "I can take care of you. You'd be happy taken down in these block. Murderers' Row, we called it." "Oh, is it nice? I don't think I'm really belonging here. I didn't actually do anything wrong," Katie said innocently as she walked with Mama. "Don't need to tell me, honey. I've never heard of a man getting killed. When you get used to just come to talk," Mama said. "Hey, mama. Come here," I smirked from behind my cell. "Velma Kelly?" Katie said shocked "You're the Velma Kelly? You know I was there that night? I was there the night that you got arrested." "Yeah, you're a half of Chicago," I said sarcastically "Now, Go away Blondie," I shot at Katie who walked away. I then pulled the newspaper "Look at this, Mama. Another story of announcing me in Redbook magazine. The newspapers call me the Crime of the year. And they say: Not in memory do we recall so finishing horrible in double homicide," I smirked. "Maybe you couldn't buy that kind of publicity," Mama said. "Couldn't buy it? I guess I can keep these then," I said as I handed Mama the cash. "Ah. You took care of mama and I took care of you. I talked to Billy Flynn. Now, Billy Flynn set a travel on March 5th. March 7th, you would be quit. On March 8th, you know what Mama gonna do for you? Mama gonna put you back on the Vaudeville two," Mama said. "I've been a lot in Vaudeville two. What kind of dough are we talking about?" I asked in an intrigued tone. "Well, I can talk to the boys over at William Morris. With your recent sensational activity, they seem to be thinking of giving you $2,500," Mama said. "$2,500?" I said in shock "The most me and Veronica made is 35,000." "Yeah, that was before of the cicero and Billy Flynn and Mama," Mama said. "You know what, Mama? I always wanted to play in big Gym Conesus most. Do you think you can get me that?" I asked. "The Gyms? I don't know. That's another story. It's gonna take you another phone call," Mama shrugged. "How much is that phone call gonna cost?" I asked. "Come on, Velma. I care about you. You're like family to me. You're like one of my own. – I'll do it for 50 bucks," Mama said. "50 bucks for a phone call? You must've got a lot of wrong numbers, Mama," I said annoyed.
"End scene," the director said as we stopped. "Thank you Ladies for running through the scene. The cast list will be posted tomorrow," the director said as we left the auditorium. "You were amazing," Katie told me seriously as I smiled a bit. "Thank you. You were a great Roxie," I told her. "Aww thanks. I really hope I get the part. It would be my first lead in a musical here," Katie said. "Have you tried out before?" I asked as Katie nodded. "Last semester when we did Rent. I didn't get a lead role though. It was still fun," Katie grinned a bit. "I'd be happy with whatever I got," I told her honestly. "Me too," Katie agreed as we headed to meet up with the rest of our friends.
"So how was Chicago?" Josh said as we arrived. "Fun. How was your internship?" Katie asked. "Long," Josh chuckled a bit as he sat down with us. "No kidding. Miss Heller wasn't much better for the school paper," Amber complained sitting with us. "At least I did okay in my music class sounds like the rest of you had the day from hell," Paul laughed a bit. "My day wasn't too bad," I shrugged "I'm just a little nervous about the play." "I second that," Katie agreed. "Where's Jess and Cody?" Paul asked looking around. "Who knows?" Josh shrugged "Last I heard they were going out after Cody's game." "Oh they're dating?" I asked. "They've been dating since last year. They met when they were freshmen," Katie said. "Wow..." I said surprised. "Don't be too surprised. I mean they knew each other since high school," Amber said. "Really?" I said intrigued. "Oh yeah they had a whole love/hate relationship then," Paul agreed chuckling.
Hearing about Jessica and Cody reminded me so much of me and Puck. I couldn't help missing him every time someone mentioned their date or dating. Being so far apart from him sometimes took its toll on me especially when things like the homecoming took place. Most of my friend group was going. I decided to stay behind and work on my assignments. Being in college in a long distance relationship could sometimes feel so lonely. I was honestly counting down the days until we both returned home for Thanksgiving Break which we had promised each other we would.
I walked up the next day to see the cast list. Hoping to see my name next to Velma Kelly.
Chicago Cast Fall 2012:
Katie Davis as Roxie Hart
Serena Blake as Velma Kelly
.....
I hadn't gotten the role. I continued to scroll down until I found my name.
......
Quinn Fabray as Annie
I was going to be in the Cell Block Tango. I was looking forward to at least having a part in the big number. I was however happy for Katie to have gotten the role of Roxie. It was going to be her first major role and I was glad she got it. I then replied to Rachel to let her know how I did.
Me: I didn't get the role
Rachel: Quinn I'm so sorry :( Did you get a part?
Me: Yes. I got Annie aka Six in the Cell Block Tango
Rachel: Quinn that's amazing! The Cell Block Tango is one of the biggest numbers in the entire show! Kurt and I will try to make it out there to support you!
Me: Thanks Rachel. I appreciate it :)
It felt nice to have Rachel's support. I knew I had done all I could've done to get the lead, it just wasn't meant for me. "Congrats on getting the lead," I smiled hugging Katie. "Oh my Gosh thank you Quinn," Katie grinned. "You're so welcome," I said. "I'm excited you're in the Cell Blong Tango," Katie grinned. "Me too," I smiled a bit. "I guess I'll see you at rehearsals," Katie said as she waved goodbye. "See you," I said as Katie rushed off to get the script.
For the next few weeks I was hard at work rehearsing the Cell Block Tango. I really got to know all of the girls I sang the song with and we actually became fairly close. It was nice to have some kind of a sisterhood with these ladies even though we didn't have much in common.
I invited Puck to come out for my performance but he claimed he couldn't make it due to 'stuff that came up'. I knew that was Puck code for 'I'm with another girl. Try again later'. I tried not to let it affect me that he wasn't coming, if anything I tried to let that pull me more into my character. The resentment I felt I could channel it into being angry at a guy who told me I was late that I murdered in the play right?
Rachel and Kurt waved to me as they arrived. "Oh my Gosh I'm so happy to see you guys," I grinned hugging them tightly. "It's good to see you too Quinn," Rachel smiled. "Might I say you're looking fabulous in that costume," Kurt said. "Aww thank you Kurt. I heard you got an internship at Vogue," I smiled. "I did," Kurt nodded. "Congratulations," I said. "Thank you Quinn. How has Yale been treating you?" he asked. "Good. I've made a lot of friends. It's just good to have some familiar faces around," I said honestly. "Well we can't wait to see you in the Cell Block Tango," Rachel grinned. "Thanks. I better head backstage. See you guys after the show," I smiled a bit as I rushed off to be with the rest of the cast.
I watched the show from backstage seeing how Kurt and Rachel seemed to be enjoying the show. When it was time for my number I got set up with the other 'Cell Block Tango' girls. "Pop," the girl playing Liz said. "Six," I said. "Squish," the girl playing June said. "Uh uh," the girl playing the Hunyak said. "Cicero," Serena said as Velma. "Lipschitz!" the girl playing Mona said. "And now, the six merry murderesses of the Cook County Jail in their rendition of the Cell Block Tango," the guy playing one of the guards said as we repeated our lines 3 times, each time with more passion than the last. "He had it coming. He had it coming. He only had himself to blame. If you'd have been there. If you'd have seen it I betcha you would have done the same!" we sang. "Pop," the girl playing Liz said. "Six," I said. "Squish," the girl playing June said. "Uh uh," the girl playing the Hunyak said. "Cicero," Serena said as Velma. "Lipschitz!" the girl playing Mona said. "Pop," the girl playing Liz said. "Six," I said. "Squish," the girl playing June said. "Uh uh," the girl playing the Hunyak said. "Cicero," Serena said as Velma. "Lipschitz!" the girl playing Mona said. Liz was up first with her lines in her segment.
"He had it coming. He had it coming. He only had himself to blame. If you'd have been there, if you'd have heard it I betcha you would have done the same!" we sang as it was then my turn. "I met Ezekiel Young from Salt Lake city about two years ago and he told me he was single and we hit it off right away. So, we started living together. He'd go to work, he'd come home. I'd fix him a drink, we'd have dinner and then I found out, "Single" he told me Single, my ass. Not only was he married Oh, no, he had six wives. One of those Mormons, you know . So that night when he came home from work, I fixed him his drink as usual, you know, some guys just can't hold their arsenic," I smirked as I said my lines. "He had it coming. He had it coming. He took a flower in its prime and then he used it and he abused it. It was a murder but not a crime!" we all sang as the girl playing June then stepped up to do her part.
"If you'd have been there, if you'd have seen it I betcha you would have done the same!" we all sang as the girl who played the Hunyak stepped up to do her part. Then it was Serena's turn as Velma. "They had it coming. They had it coming. They had it coming all along
She didn't do it but if she'd done it" we all sang on background repeating after Serena. "They had it coming. They had it coming. They took a flower in its prime and then they used it," we sang on background as Serena took the lead.
It was finally Mona's turn she then spoke her part as we all then sang. "The dirty bum, bum, bum, bum, bum. The dirty bum, bum, bum, bum, bum," we sang. "They had it coming. They had it coming. They had it coming all along 'cause if they used us and they abused us how could you tell us that we were wrong?" we sang. He had it coming, he had it coming. He only had himself to blame. If you'd have been there, if you'd have seen it I betcha you would have done the same!" We all sang as we all then spoke at the same time as I said my line "Single my ass". "Pop," Liz said. "Six,"I said. "Squish," June said. "Uh uh," the Hunyak said. "Cicero," Serena said. "Lipschitz!" Mona said as the song ended and the lights dimmed. The crowd cheered for us seeming to be completely into our performance.
I couldn't help but grin as I walked offstage. The show had been a complete success. I continued to watch from backstage as the show went on. At the end of the show we all took our bows. The crowd went wild as the curtain closed. I couldn't wait to see my friends after the production.
I rushed over to Rachel and Kurt who were beaming brightly "Quinn, you were amazing in that play," Rachel grinned. "Seriously, I mean who knew being one of the Six Murderesses of the Cook County Jail was the perfect role for you," Kurt said. "You guys better not cross me," I joked. "Yeah I'll be watching my drinks from now on," Rachel chuckled as I pulled Kurt and Rachel into a hug. "I miss you guys," I sighed. "We miss you too Quinn," Kurt said. "You need to use your Metro Pass to come see us in New York. Kurt and I have this beautiful apartment in Bushwick that you would just love," Rachel grinned. "I can't wait to come out and see it," I told them honestly as we hugged one last time. "I wish we could stay longer but the Metro Busses back to New York won't wait that long," Kurt said. "It was really good to see you guys again," I smiled as Rachel and Kurt waved goodbye to me and headed back to New York.
Opening night was such a success in my eyes. It was also so great to see Kurt and Rachel again. Part of me missed being in a high school, being in Lima even but I knew that wasn't the life for me. At this point I had no idea where Puck and I stood relationship wise. I hardly gotten much of a chance to talk to him but even when I did it seemed rushed like he couldn't wait to get off with me.
I was heading back to Lima for Thanksgiving week and I couldn't wait to straighten everything out between Puck and I. We needed to decide whether it was worth having an open relationship or if we should let the whole being a couple thing go.