Published: November 11th 2023, 5:34:53 pm
Hello, my darlings! I’ve returned with another script preview of next week’s audio. This audio will be short and sweet - giving myself a temporary reprieve after the lengths of the previous two haha.
The audio features strangers to lovers in 1940s Hollywood. I was raised on old musical movies from the classic Hollywood era, and so I figured I might write something as a little love letter to the movies that were such a core part of my upbringing. I also plan to sing a little bit within the audio and put my music degree to work 😌
Had originally intended to have this out by Sunday or Monday, but the release may possibly be pushed back a few days due to an amazing opportunity that landed in my lap for Monday. I hope to one day be able to tell you all about it; the most I will say is that one of my biggest dreams is about to be realized, and I couldn’t be more thrilled!
Without further ado, here is a script preview of the lounge singer audio! The character speaks with a southern accent. Please note that the term “cher” is pronounced in a way similar to “sha.”
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*sighs, sitting down on the bar stool. she addresses the bartender* Whew - that song at the end of my set just gets me all tuckered out! Freddie, would you be a dear and whip me up a gin and tonic? Oh, you are just the bee’s knees. You know, I was telling Lucy just the other day - oh, hello. Need something, sugar? *pause, then teasing tone* Well! You hear that, Freddie? I have the voice of a siren! *laughs* I’m glad to hear you liked my singing, cher.
… you wanna buy little old me a drink? *laughs* It’s not every day I’m approached so politely at the bar with such a genuine sweet compliment, and a generous offer to boot. Well, I won’t say no to the kindness of a stranger, much less one so pretty.
No need to stand there like a stiff board - here, come sit down by me. Don’t be shy, I won’t bite! So you’re a fresh new face, aint’cha? I swear I’ve seen everyone come and go here, I know all the regulars. But you stick out like a sore thumb. …oh, I know. I noticed you while I was onstage. Yes, saw you right across the room staring at me while I sang, pretty as you please, and with such a steady, focused gaze. *pause, smirks* You sure are a charmer. Careful, all these compliments are going to go straight to my head. I might even start suspecting you of untoward advances. *giggles* I’m only teasing, cher. Advance all you like.
…You aren’t from here. Yes, it’s obvious. And the change of scenery was recent, I can tell. Heh, live here a couple of years and you get a sense of who’s been here long enough that they’ve assimilated into this society. That’s Hollywood for you.
So what brings you to the city of dreams?*pause* You’ve got a job writing for the columns here? A writer! Well, ain’t that the darnedest thing! I was just telling Freddie here the other day about how I’ve never met a writer. It’s true, scout’s honor! I’m not only saying that for your benefit. Vouch for me, Freddie, won’t you? *Freddie opts to do no such thing* Oh, you dog. This is why you can’t rely on a man for anything. *laughs*
So what kind of writing do you do, then? *pause* An advice column? Well, I’ll be. That sounds like a lot of responsibility. You must be able to read people very well. *jokingly* Maybe I’ll write in sometime, get you to tell me all I’m doing wrong with my life. *softer, more flirtatious* Or, at the very least, to stay in touch with you.
I’m sure you’re wondering what kind of dream a good southern girl like me is pursuing so far from home? Take a wild guess, cher, I’m sure it’ll come to you. *pause. laughs* Singing is definitely part of it.
*fervent* My dream is to be a star. Like the girls in the moving pictures! You’ve seen the pictures, right? My favorites are the ones with music. Aren’t they just marvelous? So many beautiful people singing beautiful songs… and all in technicolor now too! The first time I saw a musical picture I knew in my bones that that’s what I’m meant to do with my life.
*resolute* I’m going to be the next Judy Garland. This time next year, I guarantee; you’ll see me up onscreen singing my heart out. That’s what I tell myself. I was lucky to find a job working here, but it hasn’t been easy, and it’s harder still to make a name for yourself here. Despite circumstances, I will not falter until my dream is realized. …We are kindred spirits, you know, I can feel it. We won’t let this city gobble us up and spit us out, no sir.
…Of course it’s hard sometimes. Especially singing here at this club. I’m grateful to be able to sing, of course, grateful to work doing something that comes to me like breathing. But no one hears me, you know? Not really. If they notice me at all it’s to try to get into my skirts. Half the time I feel like everyone’s too much in their bubble to pay me no mind. Everyone in this town walks around in their own little bubble, you know? A bubble of ambitions and fear and hunger. I suppose I’m no different, really. This place here, for now, is my bubble, and the audience I pour my soul out to is nothing more than a mirage. Maybe they don’t even exist outside this building. But I sing for the people, rare though they are, who will hear me through the haze of smoke and lights. People like you. I’m just part of the decor to everyone else here, but you not only heard me, you saw me. Really saw me… just like I’m seeing you now.