#it sounds very soprano until i sing along and realize it's definitely not and i could mix that with no trouble at all

[clotpolesonly]

i’m having a weird realization about my vocal range, lol. i’ve always sung primarily in a blended tone, something that’s not belting but not head voice but covers everything from below middle C up until the top of the regular staff very smoothly. i don’t have to switch registers until E-F range, depending on the vowel.

and apparently that’s fucked up my perception of what qualifies as “soprano” by musical theater standards, cuz like.....i’m looking up “soprano songs” and they’re.....not high??? i could sing the entirety of most of the songs that are coming up in this search without ever even flipping into head voice.

i’ve never thought of these as soprano songs before, but apparently anything that isn’t a belting role is a soprano role, lmao. i would’ve classified them as mezzo, if pressed, but i guess it’s determined by the tone they want used? cuz the range for these songs is actually smaller sometimes than a lot of the belt songs i know, but they’re meant to be sung in a less brash, more pretty way. the “soprano” ones, more classical, even if the range is conservative.

i’m looking for audition songs for a show i’m hoping to do that’s much more operetta-style than i’ve done before, and the part i’m going for is definitely a soprano. and my mom suggested an audition song that barely touches an F5, and i was like “um....the role sings literally almost an octave above that, i feel like i should show off more range for them to prove i can hit it” lmao.

idk, it’s just weird. searching for soprano songs and getting things that top out at an E and i’m like “no, that doesn’t count, i want REAL soprano”

[love-little-lotte]

15 Musical Theatre Duets That Make Me Believe In Love Again

Hi! This is a follow-up on my other list: 15 Musical Theatre Female Solos That Make Me Feel Things. This time, I’m going to talk about 15 musical theatre duets that make me believe in love again (obviously, as the title suggests). Love songs are beautiful and special, and I always love listening to them. You don’t even have to be in a relationship to really enjoy them. You just have to listen and feel the music and lyrics. 

Musical theatre love songs are a whole different story. I find them more meaningful because they’re part of a story. They help the story progress, as well as provide insight to the characters’ personality. And probably most importantly, these songs help make the audience understand the love these characters feel for each other. 

The following songs are my favorite romantic duets in musical theatre. Romantic duets are love songs sung by two people — usually, it’s sung when they profess their love for each other. I love them to bits, and I love how they made me feel. They’re also fun to sing along to! These songs are, in my opinion, incredibly romantic. They transcend me to a different place, and yes, they do make me believe in love again. Also, let me just remind you, that this is my personal list, so if you don’t agree, well then, you can always make a list of your own. 

(Disclaimer: I arranged these songs randomly to avoid favoritism, so this is not exactly a “ranking” list.)

1. Sun and Moon - Miss Saigon 

I was initially confused which song I would choose from Miss Saigon — this one or “The Last Night of the World.” I eventually chose this one because I liked the lyrics more. They’re so simple, but you can definitely feel the love between Kim and Chris with each word. 

This song is sung early on the show, where everything was going perfectly for the both of them. After spending the night, Kim and Chris fell in love unexpectedly while there is an ongoing war. He’s a soldier; she’s a prostitute. They come from a different world, but they found each other. It’s the perfect love song for them. 

Most memorable lyrics: How in the light of one night / Did we come so far?

2. Tonight - West Side Story

Just like Kim and Chris from Miss Saigon, Tony and Maria from West Side Story come from a different world. He’s a Jet; she’s a, well... Shark by relation? Anyway, this song is also an absolute favorite of mine. The music, the lyrics... are oh-so gorgeous. Even though they’ve only met one time prior to this song, they fell in love at first sight — and they fell hard. Both Tony and Maria were ready to risk their relationship with family and friends to be with each other.  

But before the story went into chaos, this song perfectly described the love they feel for each other. It’s a delightful song, and I love it to bits. I look forward to the day I sing this to a special someone who’s ready to defy everyone just to be with me!

Most memorable lyrics:  But here you are / And what was just a world is a star / Tonight

3. Ten Minutes Ago - Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Ever wondered what it feels like to fall in love at first sight? Well, Ella and Prince Topher can tell you — or rather, sing it for you. This song is just as beautiful as the costumes of this Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella production. Seriously, this is unrelated, but you really need to check out the costumes for this show. It’s to die for!

Anyway, this song is the first duet of Ella and Prince Topher. The music is soaring; the lyrics are romantic; and the choreography is memorable. This song is absolutely marvelous and perfectly encapsulates the feeling of falling in love at first sight (one of my favorite musical theatre tropes). Also, you need to check out the Tony Awards performance of this song! 

Most memorable lyrics: In the arms of my love I’m flying / Over mountain and meadow and glen

4. Take Me As I Am - Jekyll & Hyde

Unlike most of the songs in this list, I haven’t delved into this musical as much as I want to. Nevertheless, I fell in love with this gorgeous song. I have a weakness for sopranos, so of course, this song caught my attention. Christiane Noll, who played Emma in the OBC recording, sounded so, so heavenly. 

Through this song, I got to know Emma and Jekyll’s love for each other. They’re professing their love for each other, promising that they would be on each other’s side no matter what happens. It’s a song that teaches us acceptance and love really go together. Truly one of my favorite romantic song ever. 

Most memorable lyrics: And when despair / Tears me in two / Who can I turn to but you?

5. I’ll Cover You - Rent

This particular song is more carefree and upbeat compared to most of the songs in this list. But that doesn’t make it any less romantic. This song sung by my favorite couple in Rent is the absolute best. When all the other couples are fighting, Angel and Collins just continued loving each other and enjoying the little time they have. They are so sweet, and I totally love their relationship. And this song is a huge testament why. 

It’s a song that tells the audience that Angel and Collins just love being together and that they truly love one another. They were together through thick and thin, through Angel’s sickness until the very end. They weren’t kidding when they sang “I’ll be there and I’ll cover you.” And yes, the reprise version of this song is the definition of pain and sadness. 

Most memorable lyrics: But sweet kisses I’ve got to spare / I’ll be there and I’ll cover you

6. As Long As You’re Mine - Wicked

Whenever I listen to this song, I always describe it as “sensual and intimate.” This song may not be promiscuous or anything like that, but it’s so passionate and sexy in an innocent way. It’s a beautiful love song, and when performed right, truly make me fall in love. The lyrics are perfect for what Elphaba and Fiyero are going through, and the music is beyond catchy.

When they do release the movie version of Wicked — which is probably never at this point — I hope they cast actors who have amazing, off the roof chemistry. This song is one of my favorites, and I would love to see it done well on the big screen. Elphaba’s cheeky last line “For the first time, I feel... wicked” is probably my favorite line in the show. 

Most memorable lyrics: Borrow the moonlight / Until it is through / And know I’ll be here / Holding you / As long as you’re mine

7. Only Us - Dear Evan Hansen

One of the purest romantic songs ever. Though Evan may not be your ideal perfect guy, you can’t deny that this song is plain sweet. This duet between Evan and Zoe is cute and relatable — anyone who fell in love before can identify with the lyrics. And even though you’re not a fan of musical theatre, I’m pretty sure you’re still going to like this fan favorite.

This song is one of my favorite song in “new” musicals. It’s sung by teenagers in the show, but the lyrics and music are perfect to attract younger audiences. It’s a good song to sing along to, and probably a good dedication song for your significant other.

Most memorable lyrics: You and me / That’s all that we need it to be / And the rest of the world falls away

8. Seven Wonders - Catch Me If You Can

The first time I listened to the musical, I was in high school. I didn’t know it was based on a movie. I didn’t know who Frank Abagnale even is! The reason why I even cared about this musical is because of Aaron Tveit, which made me listen to the cast recording, then watch the movie (which is really good). I fell in love with this song the first moment I listened to it. It’s catchy and pure and beautiful. 

The duet is sung by Frank and Brenda in the musical. The lyrics (and Aaron Tveit) are probably the highlights of the song for me. It’s hilarious and, at the same time, really sweet. Imagine having a guy you like say that you couldn’t compare to all the beautiful places in the world because you’re perfect! And then imagine Aaron Tveit singing that to you. But seriously speaking, this song is goshdarn cute and romantic. 

Most memorable lyrics: I’ve been a lot of places / Yes, I’ve traveled near and far / But now I know that home is where you are

9. Happiness - Passion

This is the first song of the musical, and from there, I’m already in love. Giorgio and Clara’s song is simply enchanting. It tells the story of two people just being happy in each other’s arms. We don’t know who they are — as the musical only started — but we just know that they’re completely in love with each other, satisfied and contented.

Indeed, this is one of my favorite love songs ever. It’s warm, delightful, and deeply sensual. Giorgio and Clara’s love story may not be perfect (as we realize later on the show), but this song is perfect for their relationship in the beginning. 

Most memorable lyrics: Some say happiness / Comes and goes / Then this happiness / Is a kind of happiness / No one really knows

10. Say It Somehow - The Light in the Piazza

This musical has one of the best scores ever. It’s astonishingly pleasant to the ears. This particular song, on the other hand, is one of the best love songs I’ve ever heard. In this song, this is when Fabrizio (spoiler alert?) professes his love and proposes to Clara (a different one from the previously mentioned musical). 

Who does not want a declaration of love with a song like this? It’s everyone’s dream — or rather, my dream. It’s a gorgeous song with flawless music and lyrics. And I know you’re getting tired of hearing it but yes, this is one of my favorite songs.

Most memorable lyrics: Say it somehow / Anyway you can / You know me / You are good

11. Something to Believe In - Newsies

The first few notes of this song is already set to make me fall in love, and it succeeds. This love song is amazing and fun to sing along to. It’s catchy (especially the chorus) and above all, romantic. Jack and Katherine are not only friends, but they also know how to work together and that’s important in any relationship. 

Needless to say, this song is the perfect for the both of them. Jack and Katherine truly believed in each other. They’re one of my favorite couples in musicals, so I’m pretty happy that they got a really good song. It’s also one of those songs that you can play for your friends who don’t often listen to musicals. 

Most memorable lyrics: And if I’m gone tomorrow / What was ours still will be / I have something to believe in / Now that I know you believed in me

12. One Second and a Million Miles - The Bridges of Madison County

Honestly, I’m not sure if this is an “actual” love song, but what the hell, I love this song and I’m making the list so I’m going to include it. The entire musical is heartbreaking, but oh-so romantic and beautiful. The songs are exquisite and gorgeous, especially this big song in the second act wherein Robert tells Francesca to leave everything and run away with him. 

It’s a song of reassurance, that whatever the risks they’re going to take, it’s enough because they love one another and they’re going to be there for each other. It’s an incredible song and no matter how many times I listen to the cast recording, Kelli O’Hara and Steven Pasquale’s vocals give me chills every time. 

Most memorable lyrics: And you and I are just one second / Spinning by in just one second / You and I have just one second / And a million miles to go

13. All I Ask of You - The Phantom of the Opera

My. Favorite. Duet. Of. All. Time. I mean, I think most of my followers here are from the “Phandom” so you just know that I have to include a song from this musical. This song is the absolute best, which of course, truly made me believe in love again. It’s beautiful. Raoul and Christine’s relationship is the best, as the both of them love each other very much.

In this song, Raoul promises Christine to be there for her all the time no matter what. He promises his love for her and more. It’s a wonderful and romantic song that has been covered endless times by popular artists outside musical theatre (my favorite would’ve been Josh Groban and Kelly Clarkson’s version). And I swear, if I ever get married in the future, this will be the song that I would play on my first dance with my husband.

Most memorable lyrics: Say you’ll share with me one love, one lifetime / Say the word and I will follow you / Share each day with me, each night, each morning / Say you love me / You know I do

14. All I’ve Ever Known - Hadestown 

Anaïs Mitchell originally wanted this to be a solo for Eurydice, but I thank the gods everyday that she turned it into a duet. It’s my favorite song in the musical, and it’s absolutely wonderful. For a really long time, Eurydice was on her own and very independent. She didn’t trust anyone. But now, she was ready to open up and love Orpheus with all her heart. 

Furthermore, the choreography in this song is absolutely amazing. It showed the intimacy of Eurydice and Orpheus’ relationship through their dance. It went perfectly well along with the song as well! I love this song very much, and it’s on repeat. 

Most memorable lyrics: All I know is you’re someone I have always known / And I don’t even know you / Now I wanna hold you, hold you close / I don’t wanna ever have to let you go

15. I Have Dreamed - The King and I

Tuptim and Lun Tha are only supporting characters in their musical, but their songs are my absolute favorites. This and “We Kiss in a Shadow” are two of my favorite songs in the musical. Their songs, especially this one in particular, left a long-lasting impression to me. Even though I’m not in love, this song makes me feel like I am. 

My first version of this song is Lea Salonga and Peabo Bryon’s version (which you should really check out if you haven’t!) Their rendition of this song is super good — it’s like you’ve died and gone to heaven. The lyrics are amazing and perfectly written. To top it all of, this song is very romantic, and I love it so much. 

Most memorable lyrics: In these dreams, I’ve loved you so / That by now I think, I know / What it’s like to be loved by you / I will love being loved by you

_________________________

And that brings us to the end of this list. These 15 songs truly made me believe in love again, and I suggest you give them a listen! Who knows, maybe you’d like them as well. 

[introvertguide]

Singin’ in the Rain (1952); AFI #5

The next movie on the AFI list is perhaps the most popular musical in American Film, Singin in the Rain (1952). This film is far and away the highest ranked musical on the AFI list. It is a comedy set in early Hollywood when movies switched from silent to having sound. A lot of actors were suddenly exposed as talentless with a pretty face and the old vaudeville performers suddenly regained popularity. A film that didn’t hold any punches as to the difficulty Hollywood had with understanding this new aspect of movie media, this is definitely worth checking out. I want to go over story details before addressing the behind-the-scenes aspects, so...

SPOILER WARNING! THIS DESCRIPTION COMPLETELY SPOILS THE STORY SO WATCH THE MOVIE FIRST!

At the premiere of his latest film, The Royal Rascal, Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) tells a gathered crowd an exaggerated version of his life story, including his motto: "Dignity, always dignity." His words are humorously contradicted by flashbacks showing him alongside his best friend Cosmo Brown (Donald O'Connor) working all the undignified jobs involved with acting. He is with his shallow leading lady Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen), who turns out be very screachy and stupid. The new movie is a hit and Don leaves with Cosmo to the producer after party when the car breaks down and Don is recognized. To escape from his fans, Don jumps into a passing car driven by Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds). She drops him off, but not before claiming to be a stage actress and sneering at his "undignified" accomplishments as a movie star.

At a party, the head of the studio, R.F. Simpson (Millard Mitchell), shows a short demonstration of a talking picture, but his guests are unimpressed. To Don's amusement, Kathy pops out of a mock cake right in front of him, revealing herself to be a chorus girl. Furious at Don's teasing, she throws a real cake at him, only to accidentally hit Lina in the face. She runs away. Don is smitten with Kathy and searches for her for weeks. While filming a love scene, Lina tells him that she had Kathy fired. Don finally finds Kathy working in another Monumental Pictures production. She confesses to having been a fan of his all along.

After a rival studio has an enormous hit with its first talking picture, the 1927 film The Jazz Singer, R.F. decides he has no choice but to convert the next Lockwood and Lamont film, The Dueling Cavalier, into a talkie. The production is beset with difficulties, including Lina's grating voice and strong New York accent. An exasperated diction coach tries to teach her how to speak properly, but to no avail. Don is also given diction lessons which turns in a great tap number with Cosmo to Moses Supposes. The Dueling Cavalier's preview screening is a disaster; the actors are barely audible thanks to the awkward placing of the microphones, Don repeats the line "I love you" to Lina over and over, to the audience's derisive laughter, and in the middle of the film, the sound goes out of synchronization, with hilarious results as Lina shakes her head while the villain's deep voice says, "Yes! Yes! Yes!" and the villain nods his head while Lina's squeaky soprano says, "No! No! No!"

Don, Kathy, and Cosmo come up with the idea to turn The Dueling Cavalier into a musical called The Dancing Cavalier, complete with a modern musical number called "Broadway Melody". The three are disheartened when they realize Lina's terrible voice remains a problem, but Cosmo, inspired by a scene in The Dueling Cavalier where Lina's voice was out of sync, suggests that they dub Lina's voice with Kathy's. R.F. approves the idea but tells them not to inform Lina about the dubbing. When Lina finds out, she is infuriated. She becomes even angrier when she discovers that R.F. intends to give Kathy a screen credit and a big publicity buildup afterward. Lina threatens to sue R.F. unless he orders Kathy to continue working uncredited as Lina's voice. R.F. reluctantly agrees to her demands, as a clause in her contract states that the studio is responsible for media coverage of her and she can sue if she is not happy with it.

The premiere of The Dancing Cavalier is a tremendous success. When the audience clamors for Lina to sing live, Don, Cosmo, and R.F. tell her to lip sync into the microphone while Kathy, concealed behind the curtain, sings into a second one. While Lina is "singing", Don, Cosmo, and R.F. gleefully raise the curtain, revealing the fakery. Lina flees. A distressed Kathy tries to run away as well, but Don proudly announces to the audience that she's "the real star" of the film. Later, Kathy and Don kiss in front of a billboard for their new film, Singin' in the Rain.

I really enjoy the movie, but I have to admit a couple things that I have noticed over the years on different viewings. One thing is that the acting is not very good. It is all very hokey and I like to believe that this was done on purpose, but I have seen other productions from these actors and the acting from all three is  pretty similar. Another thing is that the pitch for the “modern number” that turns out to be the Broadway Melody was just shoved in for timing reasons and it comes out of nowhere and goes nowhere. I noticed that Rita Morena is in this film and she is a complete triple threat, but a 19-year-old Debbie Reynolds got the lead.

There are some very well known behind the scenes trivia notes that are pretty general knowledge to American movie fans, but I will go over a couple things. The Singin’ in the Rain number was set up but Gene Kelly was very sick with a fever so he did a practice take and went home. They continued filming the next couple of days but most of what is in the movie came from that initial sick take with fill shots from the other takes. 

Debbie Reynolds was not a dancer or a singer, but a gymnast. She had to be taught how to dance and you can see in her face how hard she is trying. Strangely, the speaking that she put in for Lina Lamont was actually the actress Jean Hagen (who played Lamont and was nominated for best supporting actress) who did not have that high pitch voice but a deep smoky voice. The singing that was dubbed over was not Reynolds either, but a professional singer named Betty Noyes. 

The film had a lot of difficulties as takes had to be redone because the crew did not really know what they were doing. There were episodes where the mic was poorly placed on the actor’s body (Debbie Reynolds) and there was difficulty getting clean takes, including an episode when the mic picked up her heartbeat. Donald O’Connor had to do the Make Em’ Laugh number twice because the cinematographer left the lens aperture open and the film fogged over. A lot of numbers actually had to be redone because of a fire. 

None of the other actors in this film ever reported working with Gene Kelly as a positive experience. Kelly had a very high standard and a very specific style which could be difficult as Reynolds was not a dancer. Kelly also had just come off of filming the previous year’s best picture, An American in Paris, and really wanted the movie to do just as well. He was mean to Reynolds and made her cry. He also had her do the Good Morning number over and over until vessels broke in her feet and she started to bleed all over the stage. O’Connor did not like the way the Kelly pushed around the other actors and referred to Kelly as an aggressive control freak. Gene Kelly admitted later to being far too hard on his fellow actors during this filming and both O’Connor and Reynolds forgave him suggesting it was a learning experience. It still sounds like pretty awful working conditions to me (edited)

Only two of the songs in the film were original for the movie, Moses Supposes and Make Em Laugh, although the former was based on a children’s rhyme and the latter was very similar to Be A Clown by Irving Berlin. This was actually the seventh movie that had Singin’ in the Rain as a feature song. It seemed like an homage to the popularity of the Follies in the 1920′s, using all of the popular notes of the year to commemorate the past. 

So should this film be on the AFI List? Absolutely, although I don’t know if I would have put it in the top 5. It is a lot of fun, it is very well known, it is still mentioned frequently in current popular media, and the actors really put a lot into the production. However, I wouldn’t put it above movies like Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz. That is a little much. And would I recommend it? Of course! This movie is a lot of fun and one of those movies that the pace pulls you through without ever needing to check the time. The dancing is fabulous and the show of the misunderstanding of sound in movies by the characters is truly hilarious. It is 100% certified fresh an Rotten Tomatoes and I completely agree. 

[joyandeggs]

For the headcanon ask (I'm sorry I'm so annoying): Shoot, Killua, Kite, Flash, and Metal Bat!

Oh my gosh, Meve! You are not annoying at all. You encourage me to do these everytime! ❤ Also, I did not realize how difficult these questions were going to be, even if I know the characters well. The music one really got me stuck since I kept thinking of my favorite songs for them. There are probably way better answers others can come up with, but I had fun writing all of these! A little too much fun, actually. 💌

Shoot

2-4 songs that are probably on their i-pod: I did not realize how difficult this question was going to be for me. I always think about music that reminds me of him, and songs I associate with him through music I love, but what he would listen to... Hm. I honestly feel like he would love a variety of music, especially 80s rock and pop. Both Japanese and English! Hotel California Okay that one is a joke. Songs like Always Something There To Remind Me by Naked Eyes, and Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Tears For Fears, he would enjoy songs with a good beat to bob your head to, or softer songs that are perfect for relaxing. And love songs! This is just me being self-indulgent, but I think Shoot would really like love songs. Songs like I Love You So by Junko Ohashi, especially. A lot of those old 80s and 90s Japanese songs I think he and Knuckle both would like a lot.

The one place they sometimes end up falling asleep -- where they're not supposed to: This question makes me think of drunk Shoot. Whenever he goes drinking with Morel and Knuckle, he tends to get very sluggish and sleepy, so he'll fall asleep if he's not careful. But he will pass out on the floor, on the couch, anywhere he can lie down when they get home. I can imagine Knuckle gets up in the morning still half asleep, and he just trips on Shoot's dead body to land face first on the floor with him. Knuckle tries to make sure he's at least in a bed or on a couch before he leaves him be after that.

The game they'd destroy everyone else at: Hm... I feel like with any sport, specifically volleyball and baseball, he would be incredible at. Shoot has those hands though, so he's a bit of a cheater. 😛 But he is really good at physical sports. Volleyball, baseball, and even tennis he would be great at. Even when he doesn't use the extra hands he has.

The emoticon they'd use most often: Would Shoot use emojis? Hm... I think he would rarely. Maybe if he couldn't send a full text to Knuckle or whoever, he would do a thumbs up. He would send a simple smiley face every now and then, or some silly ones if he were feeling playful. He just wouldn't use them all the time.

What they act like when they haven't had enough sleep: Shoot can be a bit annoyed, but really he is just out of it. Compared to Knuckle, he wouldn't be as irritable. Trying to wake up, he'll just be a bit sluggish and sleepy. He's probably use to it though since for work who knows how much time he has to spend awake and doing something.

Their preferred hot beverage on really cold nights. or mornings. or whenever: Green tea, or a nice coffee! I've always had this idea in my head that he enjoys matcha, I don't know why. But Shoot would always be down for coffee. Always down for a cup of coffee. ☕❤

How they like to comfort/care for themselves when they're in a slump: I can honestly see Shoot just...sitting on the couch under a giant blanket reading a book or watching tv. Maybe even taking a nap. If he's in a slump and doesn't want to go anywhere nor do anything, he'll just want to stay home. Doing chores and cleaning also helps. There are times he'll just jump up and get out of the house to clear his head. Go for a quiet walk for some fresh air. And he would definitely not mind at all if a good friend or a significant other wanted to try and cheer him up, or just keep him company when he's not feeling his best. Shoot may come off as cold when he's not in the best mood, but he is nothing but thankful. Honestly, he enjoys that more than just being down in the dumps alone. There's no reason to be that way.

What they wanted to be when they grew up: I always think about possible backstories for both Knuckle and Shoot, and why they wanted to become hunters. I kind of have an idea in mind for Knuckle, but what about Shoot? I think...whenever he was young, he wanted to be stronger. So in order to become stronger, along with trying to have a better life, he decided on becoming a hunter. Really, he was curious on exploring and traveling the world. He didn't know about becoming a hunter until he was older, like how I imagine Knuckle went about it.

Their favorite kind of weather: Shoot seems to enjoy both the cold and the hot weather. I feel like he would enjoy the cooler weather, especially when it's fall, when he doesn't have to worry about getting too hot in his clothing and pouring sweat while out and about. Wants to be comfortable bundling up a bit for the cold rather than barely wearing a thing if it's hot. He would definitely enjoy the lovely sunny days during the summer though! He likes the fresh air and sunshine. I could also see him love the cold and soft rainy days though, without a doubt. It is incredibly relaxing.

Thoughts on their singing voice (decent? terrible? soprano? alto?): Y'all have literally no idea how much I think about Shoot singing. 💞 So...I listen to Yuuji Ueda all the time, and of course my mind always wonders back to Shoot. Shoot's voice is naturally deep, so I imagine that he sings lowly, but he can get his voice higher if he wanted. I can't imagine Shoot singing out loud or in front of others, he seems too shy for the idea. But one song I definitely hear Shoot's voice in is Lost. Ueda's voice in that is so...lovely. It sounds so romantic. And this is so silly, but I do think of Shoot in songs that Ueda sings higher in, like ヒヤシンス (Hyacinth) or...Next Door. Ahhh, don't even get me started on the Tokimemo games he's been in. I still lose my mind over how he sang songs and voiced characters in those games. There's also Daydream, which is a softer song. It's so...lovely. It sounds romantic. This is one of the first songs I ever listened to when I discovered that he was a singer. I still love it to this day a year later. 💓

(I apologize for rambling an answer out for this. If I have any chance to take time and gush about Yuuji Ueda, I absolutely will. I love him so much. I still can't believe he voices Shoot, like what a dream. I'm happy I got the perfect opportunity to gush about him. ❤)

How/what they like to draw or doodle: Whenever I first read this question while writing, I imagined Shoot doodling flowers. Oh, maybe stars! When he's working on the computer and having to write, he'll just doodle some stars in the margins of his paper while he works. Now all I can see is him drawing hands. Could you imagine?

Killua

2-4 songs that are probably on their i-pod: I think Killua would enjoy rock music a lot! As for specific songs though... Hm. I'll have to look some up. He seems very 2000s alternative or rock to me, like Basket Case by Green Day, or The Great Escape by Boys Like Girls. Songs with that particular sound. The Blue Hearts by Hito ni Yasashiku is his style of music. Just the way that it sounds, and the best that it has.

The one place they sometimes end up falling asleep -- where they're not supposed to: Killua could sleep in a desk chair at home, or sleep on a bench somewhere in the park. He could literally fall asleep anywhere if he were tired enough.

The game they'd destroy everyone else at: Oh, Smash Bros.! He would definitely love playing a fighting game like Smash, even though Gon would definitely destroy him at it.

The emoticon they'd use most often: The two emotions that remind me of him are 😈 and 😸. The cat emojis definitely. I can see him using a lot of the cat emojis if he were texting Gon or Alluka.

What they act like when they haven't had enough sleep: For Killua, he would be just plain grumpy. Just grumpy, grumbling about how tired he was, and wishing that he was in a bed instead of awake.

Their preferred hot beverage on really cold nights. or mornings. or whenever: Honestly, a mug of hot chocolate would be perfect for him on a cooler day. Coffee is too bitter, so of course he would love a hot chocolate.

How they like to comfort/care for themselves when they're in a slump: When he isn't feeling the best, he escapes from everything to walk somewhere secluded and quiet to clear his head. Training, or even fighting/sparring would help him as well to get his mind off of his bad mood.

What they wanted to be when they grew up: This is difficult for me to answer. Growing up in the family he was in, and even when he took the exam in the beginning of Hunter x Hunter, I'm pretty sure he really wanted to be something other than an assassin. So in order to kind of sway away from the family business, he decided on completeling the hunter exam, and he figured he would go from there to figure out what he really wanted to be in life. He's still young. He has plenty of time to figure out everything.

Their favorite kind of weather: He enjoys the summer and spring! He doesn't mind the cooler seasons, but when he can be out and about in the fresh air of summer or spring is his favorite time of the year.

Thoughts on their singing voice (decent? terrible? soprano? alto?): I actually looked up his character song to listen to it, and I love it. Killua has a nice singing voice! If I had to be specific, he is very inbetween high and low. His voice doesn't go too high nor too low.

How/what they like to draw or doodle: I can imagine his doodling lightening bolts, different shapes and squiggles, little things like that.

Kite

2-4 songs that are probably on their i-pod: Even though he is acquainted with a little technology, this man doesn't have a music player of any kind. But he would love quite a lot of music. Classical, jazz, instrumental tracks are his favorites since they're so soothing.

The one place they sometimes end up falling asleep -- where they're not supposed to: In trees! Even on random tree logs around, or just in a patch of grass. He could fall asleep in a patch of flowers. Sad to say that he has fallen asleep in many different places he really shouldn't have, but that's what happens when you're constantly traveling and on the move.

The game they'd destroy everyone else at: Hm... I was trying to think of a video game, but do you think this man has ever played a game in his life? I could see him being good at different card games, if he played with playing cards. Or playing something like chess or shogi. If he tried to learn it all, I bet he would enjoy it.

The emoticon they'd use most often: I'm not sure if Kite would use emoticons of any kind. I could see him as one of those people who doesn't use smiley faces or text launguage at all, even though he'll do the occasional ":)". It would be very rare.

What they act like when they haven't had enough sleep: Kite is just quieter than usual, trying to get himself to not be so sleepy. If someone tries to poke fun or talk his ear off or anything, then he will get a bit snippy. He's an old man, he needs his sleep.

Their preferred hot beverage on really cold nights. or mornings. or whenever: Coffee. He really enjoys a good cup of black coffee, maybe with a bit of milk. He would enjoy a hot cup of black or oolong tea though, too.

How they like to comfort/care for themselves when they're in a slump: A really long, warm soak in the bath or in a natural hot spring. Something about a bath really makes your troubles melt away.

What they wanted to be when they grew up: I think Kite really wanted to become a hunter growing up. Since he never really had a solid home to go to, along with always running around with nowhere to really be, he was meant to explore. He was meant to become a hunter and keep going. His curiosity of the world helped in that.

Their favorite kind of weather: I feel like he's easily cold, since he's always wearing a hat, a long sleeved top, and sometimes the occasional cover up. He likes the summer, especially on warm and breezy days. Absolutely would love the summer just because of how lovely the early sunrises are. Not too cold, not too hot.

Thoughts on their singing voice (decent? terrible? soprano? alto?): The heartbreaking thing about this question is that Shuichi Ikeda has never sang any songs before. 💔 Which is a real shame because his voice is really nice. However, going on how nice Kite's voice sounds, he would have a lovely singing voice. He may be off key or not get certain notes right at first, he has fun singing or humming to himself. No one else has heard him sing.

How/what they like to draw or doodle: Kite is an artist through photography, not as much as drawing or doodling. I could see him trying to sketch out various animals and creatures he comes across during work after snapping some photos. Even doodles of some bugs, despite not being a big fan of them. The bugs, mostly.

Flashy Flash

2-4 songs that are probably on their i-pod: Flashy Flash is probably into a lot of classical music as well as traditional Japanese music. I honestly don't know of any specific songs he would have on his phone or anything.

The one place they sometimes end up falling asleep -- where they're not supposed to: I could see him accidentally dozing off during an HA meeting, if it was particularly boring. Other than that, he would fall asleep in a really high up branch of a shady tree.

The game they'd destroy everyone else at: Fencing! Oh could you imagine him in a round of fencing? I think he would be pretty good at it. He is a very talented swordsman.

The emoticon they'd use most often: He definitely reminds mr of the sparkle emoji. He might use that one from time to time, dare I say if he was feeling flashy. ✨

What they act like when they haven't had enough sleep: Flash can be very stoic and groggy. He may be use to working and training for long periods of time, but his mind will feel blank and his body will feel heavy. If you try speaking to him when he's this way, he may or may not hear you right away.

Their preferred hot beverage on really cold nights. or mornings. or whenever: He enjoys a cup of tea with honey. No matter what tea, he will drink it.

How they like to comfort/care for themselves when they're in a slump: I could see him meditating to ease himself and calm his thoughts. Maybe underneath a waterfall, or in a secluded forest away from civilization.

What they wanted to be when they grew up: From what I know about Flashy Flash, he seems like he wanted to become a hero in order to get away from the village he grew up in. He just wanted to live better.

Their favorite kind of weather: I can see him really liking the spring and summer seasons. When it's starting to get warm and sunny, with some nice rainy days, he enjoys the beauty of it.

Thoughts on their singing voice (decent? terrible? soprano? alto?): I'm actually going to look up his voice actor really quick, I don't remember who voices him. Oh Kousuke Toriumi is a singer! Oh my gosh, his singing voice is super smooth and nice, I like it a lot. Flashy Flash would definitely have a smooth singing voice. He never sings out loud, but if he's listening to any music, he will hum and sing notes to himself with it.

How/what they like to draw or doodle: He doesn't seem like the type of person to doodle to me. I'm honestly not sure if he would.

Metal Bat

2-4 songs that are probably on their i-pod: I feel like Metal Bat is just a younger version of Knuckle honestly, so he would definitely love listening to a lot of different music. All of it is upbeat, most of it being love songs and 80s or 90s music. I feel like he would be a huge sucker for love songs. I'm actually going to put I Give You My... and 明日の篝火 by Wataru Hatano. I honestly see Metal Bat's style in the way that he does his music, and I love it way too much. ❤ Other songs... I definitely see him listening to songs like Hard To Say No and Sexy Socialite by Chromeo. They are absolutely his style, one hundred percent. 💓

The one place they sometimes end up falling asleep -- where they're not supposed to: He has probably fallen asleep during an HA meeting if it were just that boring enough. Has also fallen asleep during his classes. He doesn't mean to though. How is he suppose to get decent sleep if he keeps getting calls in the middle of the night?

The game they'd destroy everyone else at: Baseball! Of course he would be perfect at it. And he would be great at video games, too! Smash Bros., Mario Kart, the SNK series, all of those multiplayer games. Even something like Pokemon. I think he would appreciate video games when he had the free time. He rarely gets to play them. Even Zenko will play games with him.

The emoticon they'd use most often: I think he would enjoy using a lot of them, especially when he texts Zenko. He send her little hearts, and smiley faces. Him and her would send some back and forth by themselves, too.

What they act like when they haven't had enough sleep: This makes me think of the OVA! Aw, he would be just a little sleepy and grumpy. More than he usually is since he would be a little out of it. He just doesn't like mornings!

Their preferred hot beverage on really cold nights. or mornings. or whenever: Give this sweet boy a hot chocolate. I think he would enjoy coffee and tea both, but his coffee has to be with sugar and cream.

How they like to comfort/care for themselves when they're in a slump: He seems like the type of guy to want to go out and practice batting to clear his head. If at the house, he'll just sit around and relax or something. Maybe take a hot bath, or cook if he's hungry. Little things.

What they wanted to be when they grew up: I think he really wanted to be a hero growing up, even though he never thought about it until he did get older. He had a rough time growing up and having to care for his sister as well as stay in school, he needed to support her and himself. Maybe he went through the same things as Saitama? He couldn't find a job, so maybe he took a chance and was like "Hey, this isn't so bad!" And he pretty much was experienced in fighting and everything since he's a delinquent. This all sounds like a mess, but really, all he wants to do is be tough and take down people for justice.

Their favorite kind of weather: I think Metal Bat enjoys cooler weather. He's always wearing his turtleneck, and that's better to wear in the fall and winter anyway. He seems like someone who really doesn't enjoy sweating all too much. He would love the change of the colors on the trees, the coolness of the air around him, and being able to bundle up instead of struggling with less clothes.

Thoughts on their singing voice (decent? terrible? soprano? alto?): So...I have always thought that Metal Bat would have a lovely and sweet singing voice. I listen to Wataru Hatano's music all the time, and I never not think about him when I hear him. The first song I discovered of his was King & Queen, and...Metal Bat would sing just like that. He would sing just like every song he does.

How/what they like to draw or doodle: Would he doodle? Hm. Oh, like sitting in class or trying to occupy himself, he would doodle little hearts or cats. I'm literally just guessing because I have no idea honestly. If he had a crush, he would absolutely write their name and doodle hearts because of them.

[gramilano]

Q&A

Gregory Reinhart

When did you start singing?

As a child in Upstate New York, every Sunday I was taken to Mass. I loved hearing the songs in Latin, and hearing the choir. I wanted so badly to sing along, but was told by the organist I’d have to wait until my voice changed!

At school I was definitely noticed at an early age, and encouraged. This year, my home town of Pavilion NY honoured me as an outstanding alumnus of the High School.

For the award ceremony in June, I had a little film made, as a thank you, which I managed to have projected there at the Fire Hall, a sort of résumé of what I had become since those days.

I named the film Magnum Opus:

Why did you start singing? Here’s what did it: I would stand spellbound at eye-level with the keyboard, listening to my grandmother sing and play her wonderful upright piano for me, and this was heaven, the revelation of my life’s passion. Following a period of pleading with my mother, she bought my piano (an amazing used Wurlitzer spinet she purchased with her first pay-check) and I began lessons at age nine or ten.

I know that after seeing Oklahoma on the large screen, I sang “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” by heart the next day! Bicycling along country roads, I sang my heart out when no one could hear me, with all the songs I knew. Makes me realize now, we can’t over-emphasize the importance of surrounding children with good music, and art in general.

Fliegende Holländer, Paris

Which singer inspired you most when you were young? One day in our local music store I picked from the display rack a 33 RPM of Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau singing Brahms Lieder. The only word on the cover I could understand was Brahms, but I knew I had to buy it! His singing, his use of varied colours and timbres immediately appealed to me. I memorized every song. Likewise, Barbra Streisand opened me to phrasing and an independent way of thinking vis-à-vis the printed music.

Soon, at age 16, I was taking professional lessons in Rochester from a retired singing teacher. He diagnosed that I had perhaps one note in place (I still don’t know which note!), but I nevertheless had a voice “worth a million dollars.” I believe I already possessed a long, flexible voice, which years later acquired a true bass timbre. Mr Ahern taught me many of the values I honour today: to be prepared, to “always be a gentleman,” and to mark everything in the score – breathing, word stress, dynamics… I don’t know how kids today remember any cues from a rehearsal or a lesson, if they have only their tablets for a score!. I can open up sheet music from 30 or 40 years ago and find the precise notes and indications that are so essential to an interpretation.

Later I had the joy of hearing Eleanor Steber countless times in Boston, and participating in her Master Classes. She inspired me by her impeccable musical preparation, her shimmering sound, and her love of singing.

Which singer do you most admire? Anna Netrebko. Fascinating evolution, I heard her years ago at the Met as an agile young soprano. She continually makes her priority the beauty of singing, with lots of hard work and discipline behind this. Besides, she moves so well, and she articulates the music so effectively.

Don Quixote, photo by Heloisa Bortz ©2016

What’s your favourite role? Sarastro, where I can demonstrate nobility and Mozart style. Also Gurnemanz, not only for the beautiful writing of Wagner, but for his vision and wisdom. Don Quichotte, for his folly and lack of self-consciousness, with some of Massenet’s most inspired music! And Seneca, for his practical, stoic adaptation to death, and for the incredible beauty of Monteverdi’s universe.

What role have you never played but would have liked to? None, really. I’ve studied Die Winterreise all my life, and do regret never having made a point of performing it… And all those Brahms songs!

What’s your favourite opera to watch? Nabucco! I revel each time in it’s shameless, over-the-top operatic Kitsch!

Who is your favourite composer? Beethoven.

Billy Budd, Toulouse

Who is your favourite writer? Oscar Wilde, for many reasons. Love reading his short stories, such as The Happy Prince, love the prolific genius of his plays, and concerning The Portrait of Dorian Gray, I had the privilege of creating the role of Basil Hallward in the premiere of the opera by Lowell Lieberman in Monte Carlo. Unforgettable and enriching experience!

Who is your favourite theatre or film director? Orson Welles.

Who is your favourite actor? Robert Hirsch. The greatest living actor.

Who is your favourite dancer? Ivan Vasiliev! Or Nijinsky! Or Fred Astaire! I saw Mikhail Baryshnikov perform many times in New York when I was a student, so he’s a favourite, too.

What is your favourite book? Sexual Personae by Camille Paglia. I’ve sent it as a gift to countless friends. She takes you, at breath-taking speed, back and forth through a résumé of Western Civilization! I’m a fan, and would love to meet her someday.

What is your favourite film? The Band Wagon, 1953. The high point of American culture (Fred Astaire again!).

Which is your favourite city? Paris of course, because I live here since 1978!

What do you like most about yourself? My optimism.

What do you dislike about yourself? My scepticism.

Perti’s Gesù al Sepolcro in Nancy

Backstage before final curtain calls, Sao Paulo

What was your proudest moment? Artistically speaking, having survived performing the last scene of Don Quichotte in Rio de Janeiro. After the exhaustion of the high-wire solo performance of five very demanding acts, just for getting through the emotionally draining death scene, and getting the words right!

Someone (my wonderful director Jorge Takla, actually) took a candid shot of me in the wings, waiting for my final curtain call cue, stunned: quite in character! The production was later awarded “Best Show of the Year, 2016” in Brazil!

When and where were you happiest? In Venice one night, in the wings of Il Teatro La Fenice during a performance, standing in my armoured costume by Pier Luigi Pizzi, watching the beautiful scenery changes and just hearing Les Indes galantes, which I love. It was in 1983, and I realized at that moment that by singing the rôle of Huascar there, I had already accomplished more than I had ever dreamed. Gratitude is part of my constitution, and that precise memory has followed me to this day.

On the cover of Italy’s L’opera magazine, 2016

What or who is the greatest love of your life? Many things, such as music and painting, but surely my partner Jacques, to whom I owe so much since 1980. Now, there’s a book to write someday!

What is your greatest fear? Living too long.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would have gorgeous, long hair…

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Surviving: sticking with a singing career despite tremendous odds, despite so many people in the profession who don’t really wish you well. I also am known to bake the world’s best butter pound cake.

What is your most treasured possession? My piano, and our rather large collection of signed photos of the greatest historic opera singers.

What is your greatest extravagance? Business Class.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Inventiveness.

On what occasion do you lie? A true artist is a born liar.

If you hadn’t been a singer what would you have liked to be? A lawyer or a politician: you get to lie, and doing so make lots of money!

What is your most marked characteristic? Gentleness.

Home in Linwood, New York

What quality do you most value in a friend? Being there.

What quality do you most value in a colleague? Knowing their music, showing up on time, and good breath.

Which historical figure do you most admire? Abraham Lincoln. Leonardo da Vinci. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Which living person do you most admire? Perhaps Jimmy Carter. My father died during the election in 1976, and predicted Carter would be a great president. It took many years, but it seems true now.

What do you most dislike? The self-centred world we have engendered.

What talent would you most like to have? Excellent memory.

What’s your idea of perfect happiness? No unsolicited phone calls.

How would you like to die? Fondly remembered.

What is your motto? I love Sarah Bernhardt’s epitaph: Quand même! roughly: Nevertheless!

Placido Domingo with Gregory Reinhart in Washington DC after Samson et Dalilah

Gregory Reinhart as Arkël in Pelléas et Mélisande, Paris

As Seneca in L’incoronazione di Poppea in Oslo

Je suis le chevalier errant Don Quichotte in Sao Paulo

Gregory Reinhart as the Old Hebrew in Samson et Dalilah, Washington DC

Gregory Reinhart with Luisa Francesconi in Don Quixote, photo by Heloisa Bortz ©2016

  Gregory Reinhart – a biography

The gifted and versatile bass Gregory Reinhart has achieved a solid international reputation for strong musicianship, remarkable acting and a generous and beautiful bass voice, appreciated in the concert hall and yet especially effective onstage.

Gregory Reinhart’s credits in the US include the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Washington National Opera, the Santa Fe Festival and most recently Carnegie Hall, for a concert with the American Symphony Orchestra. He also sang many times as guest with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In Brazil, he now performs frequently with the Theatro Municipal of São Paulo. He has performed hundreds of times a variety of roles with the Paris Opéra (Bastille and Palais Garnier), also with the Châtelet, Champs-Elysées Theater, Opéra-Comique, as well as the National Theaters of Nice, Lyon, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, and has also performed extensively in Italy: Venice, Verona, Turin, Pesaro… as well as Germany: a frequent guest soloist over the years at the Handel Festival in Halle; and Britain, with numerous concerts in London and an engagement with the Royal Opera House. Recently he debuted with the Zürich Opera House and the Theatro Municipal of Rio de Janeiro.

He teaches and offers coaching with his former teacher Jacques Chuilon, in Paris.

Master of Music, 1977; Bachelor Diploma “With Distinction” 1974, New England Conservatory of Music, Boston

Keep up to date by visiting Gregory Reinhart’s website: www.gregoryreinhart.com

Mikado finale at the New York City Opera

Gregory Reinhart answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Singers’ Edition Q&A When did you start singing? As a child in Upstate New York, every Sunday I was taken to Mass.

[princessplantasaurus]

I warned y’all that I was going to write Julie’s Greenroom fanfiction

 “I can’t believe Ms. Wallace gave you the solo and not me.”

Years had passed since they were Greenies in Ms. Julie’s Greenroom. Hank, Spike, Riley and Peri were all in high school now, and Fizz was finishing up middle school. However, the five had all stayed close and remained very good friends to this day. Of course, it helped that all five of them now had interest in all factions of the dramatic arts, thanks to Gus and Ms. Julie, and they often found themselves at auditions and classes together.

It was the Wellspring High School’s Spring Choir concert, and Peri was back stage, helping Hank adjust the microphone that was now wired to his head. “It was a male solo, Peri.” The boy chuckled.

With a laugh, Peri added “I know, but I could be a tenor if I wanted to.”

“I know you could.” Hank promised “I’m surprised you didn’t get the soprano solo, honestly.”

“Well I couldn’t get all the solos,” Peri rolled her eyes dramatically, before taking a finger and gently bopping Hank’s nose “That would look like nepotism.”

“Nepotism?” Hank asked, raising an eyebrow “Awful big word, don’t ya think?”

“Thanks.” Peri smiled smugly “I got it from Spike’s word bank.”

“Figures.” The boy chuckled.

Back to adjusting her friend’s mic, Peri commented “Your hair is so scruffy.”

“I know, I know,” Hank laughed “I need a haircut.”

“No.” Peri countered, moving from the mic wire to run her fingers through the scruffy hair freely “I kinda like it. It suits you.”

“Thanks, I think.” Hank raised an eyebrow, thankful that she was currently leaning overtop of him, unable to see the pink flush of his cheeks due to the rising heat.

Peri let out a light hum before promising “Don’t worry. It was a compliment.” She went from stroking his hair to securing the mic once more, before pulling away and loudly clapping “Done! All you need to do now is turn it on!”

“Thanks, Peri.” The boy smiled genuinely.

With a light sigh, Peri tossed her hair “What can I say? I am ah-mazing…”

Hank had laughed along with his friend, but as the laughter ended, the newfound quiet of the backstage area made him a little uneasy. As he could hear the sounds of his choirmates performing on the stage, all of their wonderful voices blending together so perfectly... “Hey, Peri, can I ask you something?”

“You just did, silly.” She teased, giggling and shaking her head all the while.

Hank swallowed the lump forming in his throat, “S-seriously. It’s…kinda important. To me, anyway.” Sensing her friend’s discomfort, Peri immediately nodded, motioning for him to continue. “Do you think…do you think that maybe, the only reason I got the solo, is because….” He didn’t finish his sentence, as his eyes travelled down to this chair.

With a scandalized gasp, Peri cried “Of course not! Hank, you’re so so sooooo talented! You would’ve got the solo with or without the chair!”

“I’m not so sure…” he admitted, eyes still downcast.

“Haaannnkkk…” Peri’s voice sounded more like a whine as she moved to stand square in front of him, grabbing either side of his face with her hands, forcing him to tilt up and look at her. “You are the second best singer in the whole choir! After me, of course. And when I talk to you, and when you sing, I don’t even think about the fact that your legs don’t work. And neither does anyone else! You are…you are…” she paused, trying to remember the word of Spike’s word bank that she wanted use, before remembering “…immensely talented. And anyone in this choir would agree with me.”

“You’re just saying that cause you’re my friend.”

“So what if I am?!?” the girl cried, now throwing her hands above her head “Friends tell each other the truth, Hank. And you are one of the best singers I’ve ever heard. You deserve this solo.”

“You really think so?” he asked, voice dripping with both hope and uncertainty.

Peri nodded aggressively “Mmhmm. I know so. And in five minutes, you are going to knock everyone’s socks off.”

Hank smiled, once again expressing his gratitude “Thanks, Peri.”

“You’re welcome.” She replied, a little more genuinely, warmly, and humble this time around. She tilted her head to look out onto the stage, before turning to look back at her friend. She wanted to say…something…else, she just didn’t know how to word it. She was always great with other people’s words, but when it came to her own, well, sometimes things slipped out in ways differently than she had wanted them to. Like…“I heard Bethany Short asked you to the spring formal next weekend.”

Hank was a little confused by the sudden change of subject, but was also not wanting to pass up the opportunity to talk to Peri. They never really got to talk one-on-one like this anymore. “Yeah, that she did.”

“And I also heard you told her no.”

With an awkward laugh, Hank responded “That’s…that’s also true.”

“Was there any reason you said no? Are you not going to the dance?” Peri tried to sound casual as she pressed for this information, but Hank knew her better than that.

Hank shrugged, trying his best to sound casual, all while trying to figure out what wheels were turning in his friend’s head “She’s a nice girl, but not really my type.”

“You have a type?” Peri questioned. This was news to her.

Laughing and blushing, Hank replied “I, uh, suppose you could call it that. It’s more just…a…one girl, particularly.”

“Oh.” Peri’s tone was flat, and Hank wasn’t entirely sure what to make of that. “Do I…know, this girl?”

“Uh, yeah.” Hank nodded “Yeah, you do.”

Her tone coming off a little too urgent, Peri continued to inquire “What makes her special, then? What is she like? Why do you like her?”

“Woah, what’s with the interview, here?” Hank tried to joke, despite feeling very overwhelmed by all of Peri’s questions.

“I’m curious!” Was all he got as a reply.

Hank sighed, shaking his head, before confessing “She’s…she’s just…” he fought for a long time to find the right words, before eventually giving a little chuckle, and explaining “…well, she’s what you would call ‘ah-may-zing’. She’s very…intense, and passionate, about everything she does. But she’s also one of the sweetest people to talk to.”

“Hmm,” Peri shrugged “She does sound pretty amazing. If she’s so sweet, why haven’t you, you know, asked her out or anything?”

“She wouldn’t want to go out with me.” Hank replied, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. “She’s way out of my league. Besides, she’s the type of girl who’d want to slow dance at the formal…and…well…what girl would sit that out for a date in a wheelchair?”

“I would.” Peri replied, her voice small, and genuine. “And I bet, whoever this girl is would too, Hank. And there’s no way she could be out of your league, cause you’re really the best guy at this school.”

Hank was definitely blushing again, and he was also sure that Peri could see it. He had opened his mouth to respond, but was cut off by their stage manager, and he was sort of glad that he was, he wasn’t entirely sure what he would say. “Hank? You’re on in less than a minute”

As Hank nodded towards the stage manager, Peri quickly crouched down next to him, her voice low, and yet full of sincerity as she told him “Break a leg” and swiftly laying a featherlight kiss on the boy’s cheek.

He didn’t have time to react, as he heard his cue and immediately made his way to center stage. The spotlight did no favors in getting the warmth on his cheek to die down, and he felt it throughout the rest of the night.

In fact, it even persisted as the curtain closed, and the teens made their way back into the school choir room, gathering their things, as Peri’s curious nature had her putting Hank through the third degree “So, this girl, you said I know her, does she go to this school?”

Hank’s eyes darted around, embarrassed that Peri was asking him so loudly. “Yes, yes she does.”

“Is she in any of our classes?” she asked. The pair, along with Spike, were in all the same classes. Riley was in their English class, but was in advanced science and math courses.

Hank nodded “Mhmm.”

“Well, which ones?” Peri pressed.

Hank sighed “Peri, why…”

“Why won’t you tell me?” she whined, until she had what Hank would call a lightbulb moment “Oh my gosh, she’s in choir, isn’t she? That’s why you won’t tell me!”

“Well…yes. She’s in choir, Peri.” With a sigh, he finally admitted defeat, there was no turning back now. Besides, after everything that happened backstage… “She’s the best singer in the whole choir, in my opinion.”

“But I’m the best singer.” Peri argued. “I thought we agreed on that!”

Hank couldn’t believe it. For someone who talked about herself so much, she was really missing out on the conversation. “Well…yeah.”

“She can’t be the best singer if I’m the best singer…” Peri continued, as the point completely flew over her head.

“You are the best singer, Peri.” Hank tried to explain.

Her tone as dramatic as ever, Peri inquired “So then why would you say she’s the best singer?”

“The girl I have a crush on is the best singer in the choir. You’re the best singer in the choir.” Hank explained plainly. He couldn’t spell it out for her much more than that. He remained staring at her, waiting for her to put the pieces together.

The brunette had opened her mouth to confusedly protest again, when suddenly, the realization hit her like a snowball to the back of the head. First, she let out a quiet sounding “Oh” letting the sound fill the room for a moment, before letting out a huff and angrily asking “Well then why couldn’t you just say that in the first place?!?”

“Because you were asking about yourself!” Hank replied, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world “It’s embarrassing! No one wants to talk about their crush to their crush! Besides, it’s like I said earlier…you’re way, way out of my league.”

“I am not!” she huffed. “I’ve had a crush on you since we were Greenies. What have you go to say about that?”

“Since…” Hank blinked at her, a few times. “…since way back then?”

“Of course!” Peri cried, throwing her head back dramatically. “Why else did you think I was always trying to stand next to you during warm up?”

Hank wasn’t entirely sure what to make of this. “So…if I like you…and you like me…then, does that mean, would you like to go to the formal with me, then?”

With a determined smile on her face and toss of her hair, Peri simply stated “Eat your heart out, Bethany Short.”