by KM Cory
We are the Karaoke Girls –
[A little applause from the audience]
GIRL
Thank you. Well, this is going to be our first time to perform here, and we’re super excited –
[They receive a suitable handclap]
GIRL [pleased]
I would like to, first of all, introduce ourselves beginning with the person on my right.
[She hands over the microphone to her and]
GIRL [into the microphone]
I am KELLY and so happy to be standing in front of all the gorgeous people inside here!
[She receives moral applause as the microphone is passed to the left]
GIRL
Call me CHRISTIE, and I am also pleased to be with you here tonight! Thanks.
[A little round of applause and murmuring]
GIRL [cheerleader]
Know me as GIA!
[The audience claps in an obliging manner]
GIA
Are we ready to advance, Mc DADDY FLASH?
[The MC shows a green light to go ahead]
GIA
Okay, let us do this!
And then the karaoke machine produces out the sounds of Cheek to Cheek song known as ‘My Angel,’ and GIA is the lead singer on this tune. She puts on quite a presentation that wins her majority attention as she is joined by her colleagues on the chorus. The trio releases a strong vocal performance that is genial. Those who know the song cannot help but sing along with the Karaoke Girls as the colored lights keep on exposing their liberated confidence at karaoke until the climax of the song when be-fitting applause is received from the listeners.
GIA
Thank you!
[She leads her fellow colleagues off the stage and into the backyard as the inn-charge of the night party takes over]
Mc DADDY FLASH [surpassed]
I hardly felt at ease when the performance was going on!
[A few murmurs of an exaggeration]
Mc DADDY FLASH [upon looking backstage]
This is for only us. Who was the cutest of the three?
[Chorus-like answers arise through from the audience]
Mc DADDY FLASH [resolute]
Since we are not sure, I hereby decide that they are all cute!
[A few murmurs of agreement and disagreement]
Mc DADDY FLASH [profound]
I think we will be saved from that debate by inviting the next group on stage. And that group is—
[He unfolds the small paper from his pocket and reads it.
Mc DADDY FLASH
Did someone change the order of appearance?
[He looks at the paper again and decides]
Mc DADDY FLASH
I will have to follow the rules. There is a group of newbies, and they don’t have a name, but they are around, and I think they should be here by now.
Mc DADDY FLASH
Is there anyone who knows these newbies?
[There seems to be no reply]
Mc DADDY FLASH
I guess we have to cancel them out!
A few murmurs of agreement come through as we notice BOYO, wearing a colored hat to cover him from the light, ascending towards the stage and requests for a word with Mc DADDY FLASH, who doesn’t feel big and agrees. There is a rush of dialogue between the two strangers which hardly ends up in a lengthy speech and then
Mc DADDY FLASH [to the audience]
I have been informed that the newbies are not yet ready and—
[The audience objects, especially the drunk]
DRUNKARD
We need something new tonight, please!
[A cheer is heard]
Mc DADDY FLASH
Can we please have some order in here?
At this moment, we see LIHANDA, OBAN, and CASANOVA stepping on the stage, thereby accompanying their colleague BOYO to engage the evergreen-like MASTER of the night tonight. There follows a moment of chattering in low tones that cannot be heard and after that short conversation
Mc DADDY FLASH
Alright. Our new performers are ready!
[A few murmurs of appreciation and excitement]
[Mc DADDY FLASH hands over the stage to the students who are unknown to the audience at large and joins the moderator of the karaoke machine]
CASANOVA
We apologize for the changes and circus, please.
[The audience murmurs in acceptance]
CASANOVA
Standing right in front of you all, we are four friends, and this is our first time to do this. And we hope not to let you down.
[A little handclap is felt]
CASANOVA
I am CASANOVA –
[The women shout on hearing the name as]
CASANOVA
Thank you! Thanks. And the person standing on my right –
[BOYO speaking through the microphone held by CASANOVA]
And know me as BOYO!
[Again, the women yield a shout out]
OBAN [into the microphone; holding it]
I am OBAN and feeling nice to be here.
CASANOVA [passing over to the left]
And –
LIHANDA [into the microphone held by CASANOVA]
And I am Lin!
[The women cheer and also a few men]
CASANOVA
Being our first time, we are counting on you to be fair and kind to us since we want to do our best tonight!
[The audience adheres]
CASANOVA
I guess we are set, Mc!
[Mc DADDY FLASH confirms]
CASANOVA [to the audience]
Feel free to sing along with us, please.
[As soon as he has just finished exclaiming, the rhythm belt out from the karaoke machine and it is the version of Ricardo and Friends known as ‘Summer Holiday.’]
Owing to their undoubted friendship, it doesn’t fail to exhibit out by the dance moves ushering in the song in style, which squarely produces an impact on the audience to begin applauding the freshmen of Johnson’s People College who are now entertainers. And then, CASANOVA leads the vocals into the miming of the song.
He captivates the audience straight away, and when he gets joined by his colleagues to coo on the same microphone, the jubilation is aroused in the audience, including those who are high on beer already. There is hardly any struggle with the song, just like it was with the Karaoke Girls at first. There is an interlude of leading the vocals among these freshmen, which is quite sagacious! And when the song comes to the climax, there ensues a loud cheer than before and a fine moment that shows how the freshmen took time to select their karaoke song as they bow to show gratitude.
CASANOVA
Thank you all of you; we are pleased!
Revelers give them some little hard cash, and they walk away from the stage using the back yard, leaving it in control of the MASTER of ceremony who cannot believe what has just happened.
SCENE 3
[OUTSIDE VESPAR NIGHT CLUB]
[The area is getting bereft of any serious activity]
Our escapades, as well as freshmen, are now walking back to their domicile.
They are full of anxiety as a result of their colleagues’ unexpected behavior inside the night club and excitement for having experienced there first karaoke night in such a remarkable way. Some are talking about their ordeal inside the night club and willing to return as others praise the appearance and warm outfits of the MASTER of ceremony and the Karaoke Girls.
FEMALE STUDENT
He is such a guy to admire!
MALE STUDENT 1
I think he has had the best of intentions with almost all the ladies in that night club.
[His peers laugh]
MALE STUDENT 2
CASANOVA and your friends should have a name in case you are to shine like you did tonight.
CASANOVA
We shall think about that, buddy!
OBAN
And please don’t speak about anything to the st
udents to avoid being searched out!
[The cohort agrees as they turn off somewhere into a corridor and now, they are not to be seen, and their voices vanish with them]
SCENE 4
[BASKETBALL COURT]
[AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS]
[The day is just beginning to face the sunrise]
A few students are hanging out at this court as some are busy training hard to keep up their fitness for the college team. Among those who are picnicking at the court are some girls, including MODERN, and they are gossiping about the students in practice over the old court floor while laughing amongst themselves too. Just then, we see CASANOVA approaching from one end of the court, which is facing the freshmen class as well as the administration block, and immediately MODERN decides to disband from her cabin to link up with him. They both share a light handshake upon coming into close contact.
CASANOVA
You’ve been quite hard to find these days, girl!
MODERN
Really?
CASANOVA
Yes. Are you reading for the forthcoming exams?
MODERN [pulling CASANOVA aside]
I just wanted to avoid public eyes and regain my focus as well.
CASANOVA [as they both sit down]
I thought you were aiming at your academics.
MODERN [playing with her fingers]
That as well. And having passed the tests highly, I am free to walk but in the company of my friends as well.
CASANOVA
I appreciate your kind of efforts!
MODERN
How about you, boy?
CASANOVA
What about me, girl?
MODERN
You must be up-to something nowadays! And that’s why I called out for you.
[CASANOVA laughs a little]
MODERN
You’d better tell me all about it, CASANOVA.
CASANOVA [looking around]
Ever since I met you, MODERN, in the dining hall, you have never failed to read my mind. You are always finding me out.
MODERN [absorbed]
Because I got on the right side of you before anyone else did.
CASANOVA
I like that, MODERN.
[They high-five each other]
MODERN
Which is why I need to know what you’re up to?
[The question sounds august and real]
CASANOVA [reflective]
It is not something big or worth mentioning.
MODERN [staring at CASANOVA]
At least you can confide in me and tell me too.
[CASANOVA stares at MODERN and]
MODERN [wistful]
I am here for you; remember that when I was stopped from seeing you?
CASANOVA
Yes, I do.
[He becomes thoughtful]
CASANOVA
Well, it is about this little passion I have discovered recently within me, MODERN.
MODERN
And what could that little passion be, CASANOVA?
CASANOVA
Music!
[MODERN suddenly stares blankly at her friend]
CASANOVA
What?
MODERN
I didn’t expect that music would be. Is that what you’ve been up to lately?
CASANOVA
Yes, nothing else.
[A moment of silence as MODERN looks away]
CASANOVA
You seem disturbed about it all.
MODERN
Of course, very much! I cannot imagine you being in music. Neither have I ever imagined it. Never!
CASANOVA
What do you imagine me then to be?
MODERN
Someone professional or something unique. But not music, which isn’t at all unique and professional for someone like you. Yes, you might have the passion and the voice, but it is a wild world out of this place when you don’t get out strong academically! And that world can easily swallow you up with your passion, CASANOVA!
CASANOVA
I wonder why you would tell me all that, MODERN?
MODERN
Because I know you won’t be able to deal with all the demands of the music world! You know very well that our country is going through internal strife and the world is watching us all the time. All the revolutionists are turning to musicians, and they have faced hardships that have costed them. I don’t think you want to bet on that road, too, CASANOVA! It might cost your dear life even!
[She takes a breath]
MODERN [friction-like]
I know we might be of the same age and class, but we think and act differently when it comes to making tough choices in life. I wouldn’t support your path to music. Never. And even if you ask someone who wishes you well, you’ll receive the same reply like mine from them.
[She looks at CASANOVA, who is speechless and then]
MODERN
I don’t think you will just keep quiet now.
CASANOVA
I don’t know what to say to you!
MODERN
I just hate that statement coming from you; better somebody else who doesn’t know what to say.
[She lets in a moment of silence amongst them and then]
MODERN
You won’t speak to me now?
[CASANOVA only rises to his feet and]
MODERN [intercepting him]
I hope I’ve not hurt you, please.
CASANOVA
No, you’ve not,
[He retreats away from MODERN and exits the court as]
MODERN [quite audible]
Say ‘hi’ to OBAN and Lin from me!
CASANOVA
Alright.
MODERN keeps staring at CASANOVA until he is fully out of sight, and she decides to fall back to her fellow colleagues who cannot help but ask him about the conversation he has just had with CASANOVA.
MODERN [to her friends]
We were just saying hi to one another and also trying to make sure we form a discussion group since there is no time left.
SCENE 5
[VESPAR NIGHT CLUB]
[NIGHT]
Inside, the night house is already filled to capacity, and interactive entertainment is underway. The beloved Mc DADDY FLASH has just introduced a town-like girl onto the stage to karaoke, and she confidently holds the microphone as she tells the MASTER of ceremony that she is all set. The music is turned on, and she begins cooing to Heart’s 1986 song known as ‘These Dreams.’
She all of a sudden tries to sing but faster than the actual beat, and when she completes the song, a young man approaches and applauds her, thereby receiving another round of appreciation from the little jubilant crowd that is high on beer. As some people cheering her struggle to tuck money into her bra, while finding her way to a safe haven, Mc DADDY FLASH steps on stage once again and quickly summons out for the next performer of the night.
Mc DADDY FLASH
It is none other than Covina, and so please let us welcome her.
Covina is a brown-skinned girl but of African decency as she walks towards the small stage and positions herself right in front of the microphone on the tripod stand. She waves to the audience that is eagerly waiting to hear what comes out of her small lips. And then, when the MASTER of ceremony ensures that all is set and she is ready to showcase her vocal ability, the music is extinguished out from the karaoke machine, and it is the sound of Madonna with a pop song, known as ‘Papa Don’t Preach.’
Covina is more like the previous performer as she manages to strangulate her unwavy vocal ability onto the song. She ably tries to fight with the lyrics of the song, almost feeling like she is in a torture chamber. But she manages to reach the climax of the song amid cheering conduct from her followers already due to the exquisite beauty of her skin color, thereby receiving a few handclaps that are harder than the audience from those in her favor. Covina walks over and excuses herself from the stage. She is helped by one of her collea
gues, a male counterpart, as Mc DADDY FLASH gets back on stage.
[As silence regains some angle of control inside the night house]
Mc DADDY FLASH
At least we have had two curtain-raisers as you had requested me earlier on. So, I’m not adding any other person or group in that category.
[A few murmurs of acceptance and non-acceptance]
Mc DADDY FLASH
Yes, it is the order that has been handed down onto me from the manager of the place, and he is present –
Unless you want all of us to leave now, yet the night is still young.
[A few murmurs of acknowledgment]
Mc DADDY FLASH
Those who wish to have more of the curtain-raisers, we shall organize another night of only those who can do so. But that will be the manager’s decision. For now, I am cordially inviting –
[He looks at a small piece of paper in his fingers]
Mc DADDY FLASH [smiling]
They are back!
[He looks up and onto the audience]
Mc DADDY FLASH
Let’s give it up for the KARAOKE GIRLS!
There follows a moment of steep noise coupled with excitement from the men and youths inside the club as a sign of welcoming the talented girls’ trio. The trio is wearing similar bouffant over the heads, and their faces are filled with heavy make-up, and they are outfitted in low-cut spaghetti strap dresses that are of an orange color appearing to be common. They are already on stage in their Doc Martins shoes as they watch the warm welcome from their newly found fans until it drowns out and then
GIA [lofty]
Hello, Lantana people!
[The audience replies in a mixed chorus filled with excitement]
GIA [pleased]
It is a pleasure to see you again and us here tonight, in this same place.
[Those who are half-drunk joyfully appreciate]
GIA
And just to let you know, we love this place!
[The audience applauds in crusade]
GIA
Tonight, we are not doing the karaoke alone.
[The audience gets excited already]
GIA
Yes. We are going to be joined on stage by some of our new friends who told us that we share something in common.
[Some of the people express eagerness]
GIA
It is true. We share something in common. So, are we ready for our new friends?
[The crowd doesn’t hesitate to answer in the affirmative]
GIA
Let us welcome the ‘B-C-L-O’ family on stage!
