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To set our scene---it is over five hours into taping the PBS Billy Holliday special, and everyone needs a break.
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Gerard: Everyone take thirty, but don't wander off too far. We still have three sets to complete and the finale.
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Jennifer: Gerry, can we do something about the lighting, it is blinding me, it's hard to be singing BLUES in all that glare.
Gerry: Sure, just tell the lighting crew what you want, a cut down on the lights for the next segment would be perfect.
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Jennifer: Say Mac, can we get a soft filter on those two spots for the next numbers please. And I want halo spots on me on the finale.
Mac: (from the rafters) Sure thing, Ms. Jennifer. Give me a few minutes to switch things up.
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Jennifer: Phew, that will help, it sure gets hot under the lights---Callie you may need a bit of powder on your shine, Honey.
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Colette/Callie: I'm sure I'm glistening as much as you are, Sweetie. I do wish I hadn't worn this wig though, it's definitely tropical under here.
(Jennifer has already turned away toward the Lights again.)
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Jennifer: Ah, yes, that's better. Thank you! I really need Spring water, can someone get me some Spring Water...preferably glacier???
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Colette/Callie: She sure thinks she is the "Quee-a-Somethin'". I think this has been the longest day of my life, she keeps stepping on my phrasing and crosses in my sidelight.
Ella: Callie, you have been in this business long enough to know every type...Jennifer is well, Jennifer. Her big name will get this special seen...we are lucky to be on the same bill with her. Don't spoil it.
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Jennifer: I think it is going very well, Gerry. You have done a great job of arranging and the back-up singers are very good.
Gerry: Well the music is what it is all about...and the exposure for PBS here in Chicago. I understand they may use the tape as a fund raising promotion for $1000 or more donations. This will do a lot for Chicago entertainment. And of course your styling is a big part of the project.
Jennifer: Thanks, say, your girl there, Callie has a unique tone, not a lead singer, but she might be okay for a back-up for my next tour. I understand you manage her, so what do you think?
Gerry: Colette has her new album coming out in Spring. Uh...um, the control room is paging me....let me get back to you on that.
(Oh, that's not going to go over well)
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(Oh, that's REALLY not going to go over well.)
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Jennifer: Say, Callie, Gerry said you would be free to join my tour as a back up singer in July, how about it.
Callie/Colette: (silence---dumfounded) I have an album coming out soon, I'm not sure ...ah....Gerard said that?
Jennifer: Well, don't ponder too long, I'll need an answer today so we can get you on the books, of course it will only be base pay---but the exposure would be good for a career starter.
Callie/Colette: (CAREER STARTER????) Ah, excuse me----I'm ...ah...
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Gerard: Hey ladies, there's plenty of time to talk business, take a few minutes to freshen up---so we can get through the rest of the program!
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Ella(Callie's Mom): I really think I could use something stronger than this water to watch fireworks.
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Gerard: Callie, may I make a few suggestions for the next number. (He steers her away from Jennifer). I did not offer you up as a backup singer...just so you know...let it go.
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Callie/Colette: Jennifer has a lot of nerve...calling me a backup singer. You said we would have equal billing on this special?
Gerard: Well, since its for PBS we are all getting paid scale...so that's equal billing isn't it? Besides, this will be great for your new album. And, lower your voice, please.
Callie: (louder) Well, change your tone---you represent me, you don't own me or order me...(her voice rising)...or decide who or where I'm singing for, or with.
Gerard: Sit down and cool off, PLEASE!
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Ella: Just breathe Callie...just breath.
Callie: Looking at the cart with Ice water. (How about some over Queenie's head, maybe?) Hm-m-m.
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Tres: Miss Colette, thanks so much for getting me this gig. This is way better than where I have been playin'. Can't thank you enough!
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Callie; Always glad to help new talent, Tres.
Ella: And, you have been a real asset...real asset! Thanks, Tres!
Tres: Gotta check my gear for the last sets...thanks again.
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Gerard: Colette and Ella on stage please. Let's start this number slower...just follow me, and I'll get it movin' on bar 32.
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Callie: Let's get this right on the first take, I want to get out of here.
Ella: It takes the time it takes, (whispering) remember Mademoiselle Colette...this isn't Paris, and you're just Callie from Joliet, so make the best of it!
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Callie: (Sigh....) Yes, Momma.
(The number goes perfect and Jennifer saunters in at the end before the last note is played.)Ella:(Holds her last note as long as she can.....following Gerard's lead).
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(The cameras are glued on the 'star' and she's qued for her last solo)
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(Gerard slows down the temp---watching the clock for how much time they have left.) Thank the angels, we are almost done!
Finally the Finale!
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Jennifer:
I'll be seeing youIn every lovely summer's dayIn everything that's light and gayI'll always think of you that way...
Trio: We'll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new....
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Trio: We'll be looking at the moon
But we'll be seeing you....
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Gerard: The control room says that's a wrap...thank you everyone. It's been a long day...so I'm sure everyone wants to be on their way.
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Sonnie: Sticks, I mean Gene, be seein' you fer sure. Ever want to jam, I'm usually at the Green Mill on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Stop by and maybe the boss will let you hammer on their skins some.
Gene: Will do if I'm free, been kinda busy lately.
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Zara: G'nite all, it's been a pleasure!
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Gerard: (whispering) Callie, don't do anything rash...I'll need you in post production.
Callie: I'm not staying one more second...take your hands off me!
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Ella: Let her go...it's not worth the fireworks, Gerry. Come sit with me.
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Ella: This special was good work, one of the best things I've done. Thanks, Gerry...a real fine quality production. Extra good for a delinquent from Joliet.
Gerry: (chuckles) Sure Ella, pretty good.
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Jennifer: Attention all, thank you so much for supporting me in filming this wonderful program. I hope to work with you all again, especially you, Gerard.
(to the side she says to Gerard)
Let me know if that Callie girl wants to be a backup, tomorrow. I'm at the Drake until Tuesday, and I'm free for dinner tomorrow night and we can settle on terms.
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Gerry: I'm booked this week, Jennifer, maybe next time you're in town or I'll call. I'll be seein' you...just as the song says.
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Jennifer: Oh, I'm sure lots of work goes into this important type of a special. I'll be at the Drake. Goodnight everyone....and thank you.
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Ella and Gerry talk about the special and some old times, and made a few plans to deal Callie and any aftermath. Everyone else has gone.
Ella: Guess you have your mind set at this point.
Gerry: I always have. Callie just doesn't want to have anything to do with me, except through the production company. We haven't even sat in a single meeting on the album at the same time. I'm more than.... (he groans.)
Ella: What about that last photo shoot. She was just complaining you have no cover yet for the album.
Gerard: Yea, maybe we can come to some agreement on that? Do you want me to get you a cab or an Uber, Ella? It's really late.
Ella: My phone just buzzed, so my ride is here, but thanks. Get yourself home now Gerry, and worrying doesn't make anything change.
Gerard: Yes, Ma'm.
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Gerry: Thanks, Mac. you can douse the lights, I'll get the stage lights off when I leave. (Gerry's hand twiddles with the keys...an old song from Paris spills lightly from the piano.
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Gerry takes the bench, and plays the entire piece from beginning to end, and mouthing the words Je'Taime, a song he arranged for Colette.
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...it ends in a long lingering arpeggio...
He can see her face, her eyes, her voice, her breath...
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Slamming his hands down on the keyboard,
Gerard sighs and rises.
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He turns off the lights, ...
(to be continued)
Dear Readers:
I hope to be picking up the threads of all my stories on a more regular basis, now. Please refer to past stories by searching by character or title. I'll be happy to answer any questions about the characters, the settings, or story lines. I'm careful to deal with adult situations with children in mind and will ultimately keep everything PG and occasionally PG-13. I encourage all children and young adults to write and produce stories for their dolls...it is most rewarding and fun.
This story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this blog are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.
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