All Part Of The Show (Open IC)

[Aoiroo]

The Beaudrie Opera House was considered by many a classical master piece in of it's self. Even after damages from past attacks by the Maestro, it maintained an elegant, grand, and cultured presence that was reinforced by it's elaborate and classical feel that sets frames the curtain and stage in a sense of complete wholeness. Behind the curtain however, not so much. Forty minutes before curtain rise, and the set looked like a post apocalyptic ancient Rome. Everyone, absolutely everyone was in a frenzy by proving Murphy's Law as far as the set and actors went. Carrie might of wondered how exactly this was suppose to become a fully functioning play if she hadn't already seen the exact same thing about three dozen times.

While several carpenters and other stage hands were fixing up any breaks and possible breaks in the set, she herself was busy chasing actors on a rolling chair with pins in her mouth and thread wrapped around her arm. As professional and important a lot of these actors weren't used to moving around in such long flowing garbs, factoring in the sharp points and edges they had to navigate to get to there make up mirrors as well as to the director and fellow castmates she had been saddled into helping maintain that all first act actors were rip free by curtain rise. Even if she was up to it, she was a bit irritated since this was much more then what she had anticipated when she was asked by a friend to help run the lights. Maybe she shouldn't of raised her hand when they asked if anyone there could sew.

Carrie was right by the curtain helping the actual costume designer to fit a fresh understudy for the nursemaid who was about two dress sizes smaller than the original actress when she heard the theatre doors open followed by the sounds of a couple hundred feet shuffling around and conversations some of which she could make out some key words and phrases. It sounded like a full house which was good news for tonights pay check, hopefully the talent was professional enough not to freeze up. It was around then when the director called everyone to center stage for some motivational speech about them doing their best for the critics on opening night. Carrie promptly disappeared and made her way to the tech booth, there was no need to go down and hear the director tell everyone to break a leg, especially since knowing her luck she probably would.

[Supercape]

Professor Quill brushed down his immaculate tweed jacket and adjusted a particularly splendid green bow tie that he mistakenly thought displayed a fashionable sense of colour.

"Time for a night off from heroics" he mumbled to himself, outside the theatre. And in he strode.

Being a relative newcomer to the city, he was alone, and didn't recognise anyone there. He went to the bar, and ordered a rather pleasant vintage of Pinot Noir. Expensive, but worth it.

He found himself striking up conversation with a rather tedious middle aged lady, an ex-actress who held on to her looks like they where a life raft. Unfortunately, the life raft had long since sunk. Her husband was a more amiable fellow, also a wine buff, and a theatre critic on top.

"This should be a splendid evening" he murmured to himself. And adjusted his bow tie once more.

[OmegaPlatinum]

Kurt surfed around the theater on an energy platform, inspecting how it looks, then landing right outside. He took out his cell phone and checked the time.

Hey! Early means right on time in theatre, doesn't it? Man, I haven't worked a show since college. I wonder what kind of set-up this place has... and I wonder how many supers are in attendance.

Sparky looked around the lobby and checked his ticket, walking towards the bar and asked for a simple glass of water. The ticket was expensive enough. He was low on cash.

He made himself a seat out of a small spark and sat down.

"I wonder how talented Freedom City's actors are... this should be fun." He thought aloud, before sipping his glass of water.

[Aoiroo]

Fifteen minutes until curtian up, and half the cast looked just about ready to jump off a building. Opening night jitters, it was common, but not entirely welcome in the acting world. There were several new faces on the scene, probably some fresh grads from FreeSa, as well as out-of-staters who came to give there careers a jumpstart before moving out to a bigger city. It wasn't really her concern as she climbed to the upper levels. Looking down onto the set she saw a few actors go over their lines, and she saw a few grips pushing the sets together, mostly though she saw the director with his hand on his chin listening quietly to his AD as she went over whatever small mishaps that probably occured while he was occupied with other tasks. He seemed confidient in the opening preformance, hopefully it would rub off on some of the newer actors because nothing ruins a play like stage fright.

[Supercape]

Quentin was not exactly rich, but he was well off, and he had chosen a good seat right near the front of the stage, second row. Finishing off his wine, and flicking through the over priced programme he had sworn not to buy (but did anyway), he wandered over to his seat. It looked like a busy night.

He didn't really appreciate the slightly loutish and drunken figure in front of his seat. Particularly as he was tall and had an unruly mop of hair that added an extra few inches of height. Just enough to irritatingly block his view. He was tempted to fry off a few inches of the fuzz, and perhaps would have, if he had more confidence in the accuracy of his powers. Instead, he just sat a little more stiffly and craned his head, waiting for the show to start.

[Heritage]

One of the first things Estelle de Havilland did when she moved to Freedom City a few years ago was reserve a dress circle box at the Beaudrie. It was near the stage on the right side, and gave you an impressive view of the performances both onstage and off; sometimes the blonde beauty liked to turn her opera glasses towards the boxes across the way, and she was frequently more entertained by the patrons than the show itself.

But tonight was something special; she had a date, and by far the most impressive one in the whole opera house! Things had been going well with Moira so far, though they were still in the first giddy months, and who knows how long it would last, since the living goddess had something of a reputation (not that Estelle would judge). For now it was still all terribly new and exciting, and the fun of coordinating outfits with another woman gave occasions like this a little extra sparkle. Plus this was the stunning redhead’s first trip to the opera, with all the pomp and glamor that came with such a special night.

For her part, the blonde heroine was wearing a white sequin dress with a white shoulder wrap to keep the cool breezes off the river at bay. Her hair was in a truly impressive arrangement some three feet high, all sliver combs and diamond brooches than complimented her elaborate diamond earrings. Her white open-toed shoes had three inch heels (her preferred height) and detailed with silver sequins. As always, she wore her datalink (which also stored her protective jumpsuit) on her left wrist, decorated with a snap-on faceplate encrusted with rhinestones.

The usher who lead them to their seats seemed to be having a hard time figuring out which of the ladies to stare at, though he naturally settled on Moira.

“Uh, so Miss de Havilland, Miss Morley, I hope you enjoy this evening’s performance. Please let me now if I can be of any, uh, further assistance.†:shock: :oops:

“Thank you, Stephan, I’m sure we will.â€

As she took her seat, Estelle was giddy with excitement as she leaned forward to whisper in Moira’s ear.

“This is my favorite part; the anticipation, the orchestra tuning up. Do you speak French? If not, I can give you a decent translation.â€

[OmegaPlatinum]

Kurt sat at the bar a bit longer, drinking one more glass of water before getting up and looking for his seat. His seat wasn't exactly close to the stage, though. Mezzanine seating, pretty high up on the balcony, but he was used to it. He had seen plenty of Broadway shows from similar spots.

This is really nice. I miss going to Broadway shows every month... but Master Lee and the hero business put a damper on going to New York for a day. Worst part is I have to come to this alone. I wish I had some comp... hey... is that Estelle? and Moira? Aww... they must be on a date... I hope they enjoy themselves!

Kurt smiled at the romance in the air as he sat back and waited for the curtain to open.

[Moira Morley]

Moira had never been to the opera, so this was going to be a night to remember. Estelle set her up nicely with a little black dress to compliment her white sequin dress. It had a big frill in the front! Though walking on heels was not a favored pastime for Moira, she would have to do so tonight. Even though they were uncomfortable she really didn't have to stand all night, so it was good. Her hair, while definitely not as grandiose as Estelle's, still was quite nice. What the hairdresser did to it was nothing short of miraculous. She normally had short straight hair, now it was full and wavy with a few decorations. Moira was never big on jewelry, but as always she had a small gold chain around her neck.

The set up was nice here. The usher was obviously to take in every inch of her. Though she did see him glancing over to Estelle too. This was par for the course for Moira, she took it in stride, though she wondered how Estelle was thinking. When they reached their seats, Moira took in the view from up here. It was nice. She understood about the anticipation part Estelle mentioned, she couldn't wait to see what was next. "[divine],[/divine]" Moira winked and lightly squeezed Estelle's hand, whispering back in the language, "[divine]

[Aoiroo]

As everyone got seated, and the music started playing for the curtian to rise Carrie set herself and gave stage directions for the techs about where to go. She hadn't seen this particular play before, though she had read a version of it in high school, apparently that was a more abridged version of the opera that was about to take place. Carrie herself couldn't say she was a big fan of opera, even if she had worked behind the scenes of several in college, but her opinion on it didn't matter as she got the signal from the stage director to pull up the spot light while the curtian began to rise.

[Heritage]

"[divine],[/divine]" Moira winked and lightly squeezed Estelle's hand, whispering back in the language, "[divine]

Estelle grinned and responded in very cultured French.

""

She leaned over to peer out of the balcony.

""

Returning to her seat, the blonde heroine tilted her head towards Moira and whispered.

"" ;)

[Moira Morley]

Moira listened with mock attentiveness as Estelle gave her silly run down. She snickered after they were over. When Estelle decided they get the usher all hot and bothered grinned,"[divine][/divine]" She knocked on the door and spoke with a cooing voice, "[divine]"Isn't that right Stephan?[/divine]" She snickered before he could stick his head in.

[Aoiroo]

The show went on as scheduled, and through the first act, everything seemed to be going fine. Carrie herself wasn't going to actually admit or say anything like that out loud, because that's just asking for trouble, but as the curtian fell for the first intermission she let out a light sigh of relief as she descended from the tech booth. Just as before, everyone fell into a hurried stride to get everything ready and change sets for the second act. The A.D. was making her rounds before calling off names in order while the actors were doing voice checks and the propmaster started to set aside everything needed for the next act. All and all, it was a bit of an organized mess as feet shuffled and people started to check there make up. Carrie wasn't called away to help sew up some loose ends again, so she grabbed a chair and let her feet rest for a little bit before she would have to stand for the next hour in the poorly ventilated tech booth once more.

Looking around her at the chaos her eyes glanced over the folding table that held the props. On the table was a folded shiny yellow piece of cloth on top of wax paper and a necklace to match. Leaning over a little at it, she more clearly the folds and pattern of the objects, they both gleemed in the dim light like real gold. Clearly the costume designer went all out on this, since it looked pretty authenic. Also, it looked a little familar as well, but she couldn't quite think of wear. Reaching out she tried to touch the fabric but was called out from behind.

"Lighting tech."

Looking behind her, she met faces with the actress playing the titular. The woman couldn't of been more then a year or two older then herself, but somehow seemed to command attention and respect with the confidence of a much older woman. It was probably why she was choosen for this role in the first place, because in the story even if she's bitter, the heroine always held herself well.

"It's almost time for the second act, you should hurry back to your post."

Looking quickly at her blocky watch she realized this was indeed the case and started back over to the ladder, but not before looking over her shoulder as the actress started to gaze over the prop table for a few seconds. Then like it wasn't there moved to her position on stage where her character was about to be sentenced to banishment. The whole incident in of itself wasn't strange, but something in the back of her head was nagging her about the whole thing.

The second act went for a little bit just as well as the first. The main actress was really quite good at adding a certian edge to the events. Even when her character shifted from the intense bitterness, to begging, and then to calming preparing to give poisioned gifts it all seemed very much in character. Though through the whole act, something in the back of her mind nagged about the whole thing. Looking over the railing as walked forward with the package in hand, Carrie couldn't help but glance down at the goldish robe once more. It was much deeper a gold then the robe used in the dress rehearsal, in fact, this one even seemed to gleam in the lighting like it was actual gold. Leaning closer, she went from the cloth to the actress herself. The name out in front of the theatre billed the actress Sherry Turner, a newer actor in the field who had been hand picked out of seemingly nowhere. This person didn't seem like she was that new to this though. Not with the way she had spoken to her before at least. Still, that was probably because she was a good actress. Backing away from the edge she got back into position. The small headset in her ear buzzed a sec as the head of the tech staff buzzed,

"Alright, get ready to hit the lights as the robe of Glauce changes hands and we move to the next act."

She was moving quietly to her position about to get the switch when something hit her.

Robe of Glauce, a golden robe that was said, ohh sh...

Her thought didn't finish completely as she dashed to the edge once more and peered down at the actress playing Medea. The robe had a fine lining at the bottom a bit hard to make out from so high up, but it covered her from touching it directly. It wasn't the same robe that was at the dress rehearsal, it wasn't part of any of the dozens outfits she had helped the seamstress tailor earlier. No one seemed to notice the change because everyone was so busy, and when she was about to touch it, well she didn't know if that was lucky or not that she was stopped but it still led to the fact that there was a serious problem. Telling the tech director wouldn't help anything at least not fast enough, and yelling would be pointless since she would be drowned out by the orchestra. Taking a quick glance around she tried to think about what she could use, she couldn't just toss some equipment, it was really expensive to replace plus she had witnesses. But what else was there.

Walking sideways against the rail following the actresses movements, she started to panic a little. Maybe she was being paranoid but crazy stuff doe...

Her thought was interupted again as her foot hit something hard and heavy. Looking down she saw a discarded sandbag just lieing there. Looking down, she tried to think of the height, and then at the concequences. What if she was wrong, and if it was just a really good duplicate, but what if she was right? She might seriously hurt the actress, but then again, that dress might get her killed. It didn't have to hit, in fact it probably wouldn't, but it would be a distraction, it would get her in trouble, but it didn't have to hit. Heaving up the sand bag took a good bit of effort, but she was able to get it up to the rail. Leaning on the edge she almost gulped as she leaned it forward and almost decided against it when the sand shifted by itself and fell forward. The surprise of the shift left her unable to take it back or catch it as it went down and started to plummet down towards the actress playing Medea about to hand off the golden robe.

[Aoiroo]

The sound of the falling bag caught her attention almost immediately. She knew which direction it was falling, and didn't even have to look up as she dropped the dressed and muttered the spell that took her from that spot to a few feet over completely out of harms way. The crowd fell silent over the action, not knowing how to react. However, Medea knew how, turning her senses to the only place that bag could of come from she scanned the source of the bag.

Carrie had been watching the whole thing, up until the part where the woman very promptly disappeared. However, unlike the crowd she was not in such a state of shock so that she was able to move from her spot. She wasn't nearly as interesting as the scene on stage, so she sprinted right past the techs to the ladder. She was about to jump when Medea appeared right on the very ledge she had grabbed the top of the ladder part and turned completely flat out of reflex. Her hands gripped the railing and she stopped breathing as she heard the steps of Medea in the booth.

It was hard to tell who had dropped the bag, there were about three people in tech booth she could sense. She walked over to the ladder and peered over the edge to find nothing. Scoffing quietly, she turned to the tech booth who were appropriately flabergausted by her appearance. With a quick gesture and spell, she turned the lot of them into beetles. Whoever of the culprits had tried to crush her, she would appropriately return the favor. The others, well it was just their misfortune to associate with someone who would try something so foolish. One of the beetles flew to the in ran in panic, only to stop at the edge. Medea walked there and smiled,

"Looks like we have a volunteer."

Carrie peered over the edge she heard some words she didn't understand, and in her horror watched as the booth techs were transformed. Looking at them crawl, she also saw Medea, standing there with a smug expression, she nearly gasped as she saw Medea lift her foot, moving at full speed she tackled the sorceress and sent them both over the edge.

What the?!

Medea couldn't understand how she had missed someone. There was no one their, and yet this girl managed to sneak up on her. As they fell, she tried to struggle out of the grip, but couldn't escape and with the floor coming fast she didn't have time so with a quick word, both of them disappeared midair and reappeared safely on the ground and unharmed, well mostly.

Carrie hated teleportation, so very much. Dizzy, she loosened her grip and let go of Medea almost the moment they reappeared. Falling back on the ground while disoriented, she continued to back away from the figure in front of her.

While it was unpleasant that the girl had jumped her teleport, there the letting go that freed her arms. Turning to the girl, she smiled,

"Now, what should I make of you?"

[Supercape]

Quentin was annoyed. He had been enjoying the show, and now it seemed everything had gone awry. Falling sandbags, fights amongst the production crew.

Hold on. Teleportation?.

Something was off here. He strained his extraordinary senses, but no abnormal energies. Not special effects? What was going on? What should he do?

For the time being, it seemed all he could do was remain in his seat and watch. If the situation became clearer, he could always nudge the odd atom this way or that.

[OmegaPlatinum]

Kurt looked around at the seats below him Empty seat... This will take a fraction of my cunn- NO. All of my cunning.

As intermission begins, the blue-green hero got up and left the mezzanine section rather quickly, taking what few things he had with him. He slowly snuck around the theater, going downstairs into the lobby, casually entering the floor seating section, and quickly creeping into the empty seat he had spotted from above. A much better seat than his previous one. Coincidentally, Kurt had sat down right next to Professor Quentin. "Hello there, sir. I hope no one's sitting here. The mezzanine isn't doing this play justice."

As Kurt got comfortable in his seat, Act 2 began. He noticed Carrie working back stage and smirked to himself Stealthy person working backstage for a theatre production... clever.

He was enjoying the show until the bag fell and the actress literally disappeared. "What the..." He spoke aloud by accident, but he was still confused as to the events transpiring.

Ok, actress can teleport. That was a surprise, but that doesn't seem so uncommon in this city, but why would someone back stage be playing with sandbags now? That doesn't make sense. It doesn't look like she was trying to hit her... in fact it looks like she was trying to grab it...but why would she put it on that rail in the first place. Further... why would an actress stop performing because a sandbag fell?! A professional actress wouldn't do that.

He nudged the gentleman beside him: "Excuse me, sir, correct me if I'm wrong, but Medea isn't supposed to teleport off stage during the performance, is she?"

[Supercape]

Quentin turned round to the young fellow. "Shhh" he said, reflexively, before realising that it was indeed a pertinent question to a very unusual situation.

"Sorry dear chap, force of habit in a theatre. I don't think so, no. Most peculiar. Haven't read the Greek tragedies for oooh a good decade though. Some of these modern productions do take liberties. "

He looked back to the stage. He wasn't persuading anyone, really. This didn't seem part of the show.

[Heritage]

Sadly Moira got an emergency voicemail from the pub and had to leave after the first act; she kissed Estelle goodbye and promised to call her later. So it was a very crestfallen Gossamer who watched the curtain rise on Act 2, her chin glumly resting on her folded arms as she peered over the edge of the railing.

Oh well, at least she seemed to enjoy as much as she was able to see.

However it wasn't long before things seemed to be going awry onstage; an errant sandbag lead to Médée's rapid departure from the stage, but there was no smoke or trapdoors involved. Estelle sat bolt upright, then grabbed her opera glasses.

That was not superlative stagecraft; that was teleportation!

Through her glasses she saw some bizarre sort of struggle going on between the lead soprano and a young stagehand, in full view of the audience. Clearly something was wrong, but she wasn't sure which side she should be rooting for yet. With a heavy sigh, she set aside the glasses and slipped off her shoes.

Looks like I'm going to be on the clock after all tonight. :roll:

Like a volcano erupting in slow motion, her hairdo unfurled, the various pieces of jewelry deposited in Moira's empty chair. Once it was floating freely about her head, she scooped up the pile of silver and diamonds, popped the rhinestone faceplate off her armband, and handed them all to the stunned Stephan just outside the booth.

"Hold these for me, will you?"

And with that, the barefoot Dr. De Havilland jumped to the edge of the box, wrapped a thick golden tentacle around the railing, and gently lowered herself to the floor below.

[Aoiroo]

I'm screwed,

Those words sort of circulated in her head as she watched the witch try to decide how her good deed should not be left unpunished. Nevermind that she probably stopped someone from being poisoned, in fact she was almost certian that the woman in front of her had had something nasty in mind for the actress who was going to be handling that dress. At least the other techs were still alive, even if they were beetles. That was reversible right? She'd probably have to find out first hand, especially since no one seemed to be doing an...

Her thoughts were cut off by what looked like a blonde wookie jumping down from the stands. She didn't recognize whoever this was, but heck she'd gladly take help from Counsin It against this greek age psycopath.

The look of horror on the young woman in front of her was befitting of her presense, she should change her that could still make that face. Probably not a bug, they have no real expression, maybe a smaller mammal, brown hair, a squirrel then. Preparing the spell she nearly spoke it when she noticed that the girls attention was no longer looking at her, but past her. Turning her head almost immedately she found herself face to hair with a mass of golden lochs attached to another woman,

"You look like you could use a hair cut."

Appearing before her two demons, not much taller then a human, but definitely more built appeared. They extended their claws and jumped forward at Gossamer claws extended to strike.

Carrie couldn't really decide what was stranger about the incident, that she was being saved by a mass of hair, or that she was actually lucky enough to get the woman to turn her back on her. She was sure some people were still looking at her, but once the demons came up, no one was as they were at them. Backing out of the spotlight, she felt the floor quietly and positioned and readied herself. Turning 2D she had to remember not to scream as she fell through the gap in the wood and into the under area of the stage.

[Heritage]

"You look like you could use a hair cut."

Gossamer stood dramatically with her hands on her hips and looked the faux-Médée up and down before arching a delicate eyebrow.

"Really? That's all you could think up on the spot? I could certainly-"

But then two nasty-looking humainds appeared out of thin air and leaped at the blonde heroine; her right hand reached for her armband to activate her powersuit, but she was too slow. Estelle was able to dodge one of the fiend's claws, but the other brute struck her face so hard she saw stars.

Good Lord, she's a real sorceress! :o

[OmegaPlatinum]

"Gossamer?" Sparksmith turned to his new friend with a serious look on his face. "I don't believe anyone would throw this much into a classic. You'll have to excuse me, sir. A friend's in need."

Sparksmith floated out of his seat. His blue-green aura shined brightly as six sparks flew around him. Each collided with a different part of his body, donning him in some-what appropriate armor (with symbol on his shield).

He flew at the demons quickly, with his spear pointing outward. "Get away from her!"

He skewered both demons, effortlessly felling them. After a quick wave and smile to Gossamer, Sparksmith landed and thrust the spear towards the sorceress herself.