karaoke (5/4/2002)

[The Cantina, Dining Area]
The dining room of the cantina, like the bar, is dark, with the light coming only from candles on the tables that surround the dance floor. A classical guitarist sits on a small stool on one side of the dance floor and a waiter moves from table to table quietly. You also see a karaoke list, a brass plaque, a waiter, a standing microphone, a small round table, a trash can and a karaoke machine.

Gwyneth Wahlberg exclaims, "Okay, Dexter, you're on!"
Gwyneth Wahlberg just applauded Dexter Riley.
Dexter Riley walks over to the classical guitarist and has a quick word with him.
Dexter Riley walks up the microphone, taps it, and says "Hello everyone" a little grin flashing across his face "I will be singing I collide, by Jars Of Clay" and then slowly tips his top hat down so you can no longer see his eyes.

Slightly off-key, Dexter Riley sings:

    "Open up your box of sunshine
     And smile as confetti comes raining down on you
     You feel a lot like the good guy, but do you know why
     Everything's so blue"

Dexter Riley takes the microphone from the stand, and slowly turns his back to the crowd.

Slightly off-key, Dexter Riley sings:

    "Well, love is fire and the coals are barely burning
     Cold fills the emptiness that fills this empty place
     I taught you the walk but then you ran away from me
     And that's not how it's supposed to be"

Dexter Riley quickly turns around and jumps up on a small round table while throwing a leg in the air and landing in the splits.

Slightly off-key, Dexter Riley sings:

    "I I collide, with love as an elusive state of mind
     I know there's something else it's supposed to be
     I, I collide with love as an elusive state of mind
     Something's killing me!"

Dexter Riley hops back to his feet and down from the table, and glances around the room looking for a friendly face to look into, and finding none he turns his back again quickly.

Slightly off-key, Dexter Riley sings:

    "Tearful confessions have watered down and broken down
     The chance for unrequited love to finally reach its wall
     You're waiting for the axe to fall
     Can't you see it lying on the ground?"

Dexter Riley again turns back towards the crowd and glances about with a nervous look upon his face.

Slightly off-key, Dexter Riley sings:

    "I I collide, with love as an elusive state of mind
     I know there's something else it's supposed to be
     I, I collide with love as an elusive state of mind
     Something's killing me!"

Dexter Riley finally breaks into a large grin and sings as loud as he can.

Slightly off-key, Dexter Riley sings:

"You could be the best one at cleaning up this mess
Be the best one, be the best one, be the best one"

Slightly off-key, Dexter Riley sings:

    "I I collide, with love as an elusive state of mind
     I know there's something else it's supposed to be
     I, I collide with love as an elusive state of mind
     Something's killing me!"

Dexter Riley replaces the microphone in it's stand and lowers his voice and sings a little quieter.

Slightly off-key, Dexter Riley sings:

"You could be the best one at cleaning up this mess
Be the best one, be the best one, be the best one"

Dexter Riley agains begins to sing loudly while bobbing his head to the music.

Slightly off-key, Dexter Riley sings:

    "I I collide, with love as an elusive state of mind
     I know there's something else it's supposed to be
     I, I collide with love as an elusive state of mind
     Something's killing me!"

Dexter Riley lowers his face to the ground as the music begins to die out.
Dexter Riley says "Thanks for listening to my terrible singing" flashes a small smile and says "I hope none of your ears are bleeding now"
Sebastian Benvenuto lets out a hearty cheer for Dexter Riley.
Sebastian Benvenuto lets out a hearty cheer for Dexter Riley.
Dexter Riley slowly returns to his place besides the bar.
Brannigan McGrade lets out a hearty cheer for Dexter Riley.
You applaud appreciatively at Dexter Riley.
Gillian Eldritch just applauded Dexter Riley.
Raelyne Snow applauds.
Pandora Rockwell applauds.
Gregor Popov blots at the red stains running from his ears.
Xander Morales gets an excited expression on his face and lets out a hearty cheer.
Gwyneth Wahlberg exclaims, "Did you all see that split? I could have sworn I was in the room with a Super Star! Let's hear it for Dancing Dexter Riley!"
Gregor Popov just applauded Dexter Riley.
Dexter Riley grins at Gregor Popov.
Gregor Popov grins.
Sinvri Kwenda just applauded Dexter Riley.
Gwyneth Wahlberg smiles, showing her dimple.
Sebastian Benvenuto gets an excited expression on his face and lets out a hearty cheer.
Gwyneth Wahlberg grins.
Gwyneth Wahlberg gets an excited expression on her face and lets out a hearty cheer.

Gwyneth Wahlberg exclaims, "Next up, is our defending Champion!"
Dexter Riley looks at you and suddenly starts crying!
You say, "Uh, okay..."
Gwyneth Wahlberg exclaims, "Put your hands together for Auguste!"
Gillian Eldritch applauds.
Raelyne Snow is applauding you!
Gregor Popov is applauding you!
Xander Morales applauds.
Sebastian Benvenuto looks at you and lets out a hearty cheer on your behalf!
Gregor Popov looks at you and lets out a hearty cheer on your behalf!
Pandora Rockwell is applauding you!
You say, "Hello. Today, I will be performing 'Sunset Boulevard' from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical of the same title. I admit that it might be in questionable taste after Mr. VonKrent's death but I couldn't help being reminded of the song by last week's events."
Auguste Delatour smiles nervously.
Sebastian Benvenuto blinks.
You take a sip of the French Chablis wine.
Auguste Delatour takes a seat a small table which has been moved onstage as palm trees shadows are projected on the back wall. The music starts softly, becoming louder and agitated as additional instruments join in after several bars.
Sebastian Benvenuto mutters under his breath, "And I was about to ask what happened to the movie crew..."

Slightly off-key, you sing:

    "Sure, I came out here
      To make my name
      Wanted my pool, my dose of fame
      Wanted my parking space at Warners'"

Auguste Delatour frowns, a disillusioned look in her eyes.

Slightly off-key, you sing:

    "But, after a year
      A one-room hell
      A Murphy bed
      A rancid smell
      Wallpaper peeling at the corners"

Auguste Delatour sings, a hint of bitterness in her voice.

Slightly off-key, you sing:

    "Sunset Boulevard
      Twisting boulevard
      Secretive and rich, a little scary"

Slightly off-key, you sing:

    "Sunset Boulevard
      Tempting boulevard
      Waiting there to swallow the unwary"

Auguste Delatour glances warily at the audience.

Slightly off-key, you sing:

    "Dreams are not enough
      To win a war
      Out here they're always keeping score
      Beneath the tan, the battle rages"

Auguste Delatour gives a patently fake smile.

Slightly off-key, you sing:

    "Smile a rented smile
      Fill someone's glass
      Kiss someone's wife
      Kiss someone's...
      We do whatever pays the wages"

Slightly off-key, you sing:

    "Sunset Boulevard
      Headline boulevard
      Getting here is only the beginning"

Slightly off-key, you sing:

    "Sunset Boulevard
      Jackpot boulevard
      Once you've won you have to go on winning"

Auguste Delatour angrily slams her nearly empty glass of white wine down on the table and leans towards the audience, glaring at the crowd.

Slightly off-key, you sing:

    "You think I've sold out?
      Dead right I've sold out
      I just keep waiting
      For the right offer:"

Auguste Delatour sings her list, the music punctuating each item.

Slightly off-key, you sing:

    "Comfortable quarters
      Regular rations
      24-hour
      Five-star room service"

Auguste Delatour stands and walks to the edge of the stage, addressing the audience a bit more calmly.

Slightly off-key, you sing:

    "And if I'm honest
      I like the fellow
      I can't help being
      Touched by his folly"

Auguste Delatour becomes agitated again for a moment.

Slightly off-key, you sing:

    "I'm treading water
      Taking the money
      Watching his sunset..."

You shrug.

Slightly off-key, you sing:

"Well, I'm a writer"

Slightly off-key, you sing:

    "L.A.'s changed a lot
      Over the years
      Since those great gold rush pioneers
      Came in their creaky covered wagons"

Slightly off-key, you sing:

    "Far as they could go
      End of the line
      Their dreams were yours
      Their dreams were mine
      But in those dreams
      Were hidden dragons"

Auguste Delatour angrily sings the next several lines.

Slightly off-key, you sing:

    "Sunset Boulevard
      Frenzied boulevard
      Swamped with every kind of false emotion"

Slightly off-key, you sing:

    "Sunset Boulevard
      Brutal boulevard
      Just like you, we'll wind up in the ocean"

Auguste Delatour becomes calm once again and smoothes the lapels of her perfect ivory suit.

Slightly off-key, you sing:

    "He was sinking fast
      I threw a rope
      Now I have suits
      And he has hope
      It seemed an elegant solution"

Slightly off-key, you sing:

    "One day this must end
      It isn't real
      Still, I'll enjoy
      A hearty meal
      Before tomorrow's execution"

Auguste Delatour bitterly sings the remaining lines.

Slightly off-key, you sing:

    "Sunset Boulevard
      Ruthless boulevard
      Destination for the stony-hearted"

Slightly off-key, you sing:

    "Sunset Boulevard
      Lethal boulevard
      Everyone's forgotten how they started"

Auguste Delatour sings the last line, holding the final note.

Slightly off-key, you sing:

"Here on Sunset Boulevard"

You curtsy.
Auguste Delatour ducks, apparently anticipating the possibility of rotten fruit sailing out of the audience.
Sebastian Benvenuto looks at you and lets out a hearty cheer on your behalf!
Sebastian Benvenuto looks at you and lets out a hearty cheer on your behalf!
Sebastian Benvenuto exclaims, "Woo!"
Gregor Popov looks at you and lets out a hearty cheer on your behalf!
Gillian Eldritch is applauding you!
Raelyne Snow applauds.
Gregor Popov is applauding you!
Xander Morales looks at you and lets out a hearty cheer on your behalf!
Brannigan McGrade looks at you and lets out a hearty cheer on your behalf!
You smile.
Dexter Riley applauds.
Pandora Rockwell is applauding you!
Gwyneth Wahlberg exclaims, "Amazing Again, isn't she? Give up for Auguste! Colonial Ave now, Sunset Blvd tomorrow!"
You chuckle.
Dexter Riley chuckles.
Sebastian Benvenuto chuckles.
Sinvri Kwenda is applauding you!

Gwyneth Wahlberg says, "Now, coming to you from..."
Gwyneth Wahlberg asks, "Um, where is it again?"
Gwyneth peers quizzically at Gregor.
Gregor Popov frowns.
Gregor Popov says, "Byelarus"
Gwyneth Wahlberg exclaims, "Yeah, Byelarus!! Gregor Popovstar!"
Gregor Popov bows.
Gwyneth Wahlberg lets out a hearty cheer for Gregor Popov.
Gregor Popov grins.
Sebastian Benvenuto lets out a hearty cheer for Gwyneth Wahlberg.
Sebastian Benvenuto chuckles.
Sebastian Benvenuto lets out a hearty cheer for Gregor Popov.
Raelyne Snow applauds.
Gregor Popov climbs on stage, blushing furiously.
Gregor Popov says, "Hello."
Gregor Popov smiles.
Gregor Popov clears his throat.
Gregor Popov recites:

"Hello, I saw a movie tonight that really affected me, then when I looked up the lyrics of the song in it, I saw that it was written by Nina Perrson! This is too much of a...erm.. coincidence..yes?"

Gregor Popov recites:

"So this is to honor one of Morada's own songwriters... and I hope she likes my rendition of it, and also I hope you like this, too."

Gregor Popov smiles weakly as he adjusts a pair of ill-fitting leather chaps.
Gregor Popov coughs.
Gregor Popov waits for the music to start...
Gregor Popov grabs on to the mic for dear life, and leans into it as the music begins...

Horribly off-key, Gregor Popov sings:

"The lonesome Texas sun was setting low...

And in the rearview mirror I watched it go..."

Gregor Popov smiles sadly with a faraway gaze.

Horribly off-key, Gregor Popov sings:

"I can still see the wind in her golden hair...

I close my eyes for a moment, I'm still here!"

Gregor Popov turns and stares directly at you.

Horribly off-key, Gregor Popov sings:

    "The bluest eyes in Texas

     Are haunting me tonight...

     Like the stars that fill
     The midnight sky

     Her memory fills my mind
     (Where did I go wrong?) "

Gregor Popov pauses, staring at the ground then lifts his eyes again to sing.

Horribly off-key, Gregor Popov sings:

"Did I wait too long?

Or can I make it right?"

Gregor Popov shakes his head.

Horribly off-key, Gregor Popov sings:

"The bluest eyes in Texas (the bluest...)

Are haunting me tonight!"

Gregor Popov taps his leg in time to the music, embarassed about what to do with himself while the lyrics are not being sung.
Gregor Popov takes a deep breath of air.

Horribly off-key, Gregor Popov sings:

"Another town, another hotel room...

Another dream that ended way too soon..."

Horribly off-key, Gregor Popov sings:

"Left me lonely way before the dawn,
Searching for the strength to carry on..."

Gregor Popov frown and a lone tear falls from his eye.

Horribly off-key, Gregor Popov sings:

    "The bluest eyes in Texas

     Are haunting me tonight...

     Like the stars that fill the midnight sky

     Her memory fills my mind (Where did I go wrong?)"

Horribly off-key, Gregor Popov sings:

"Did I wait too long -- can I make it right?"

Horribly off-key, Gregor Popov sings:

"The bluest eyes in Texas (the bluest...)

Are haunting me tonight, tonight..."

Gregor Popov points his finger at Sinvri.

Horribly off-key, Gregor Popov sings:

"For every heart you break -- You pay the price!"

Horribly off-key, Gregor Popov sings:

"But I can't forget the tears
In her blue eyes..."

Gregor Popov smiles sheepishly.

Horribly off-key, Gregor Popov sings:

    "The bluest eyes in Texas

     Are haunting me tonight...

     Like the stars that fill
     The midnight sky...
     Her memory fills my mind...
     (Where did I go wrong)"

Gregor Popov sings mournfully.

Horribly off-key, Gregor Popov sings:

    "Did I wait too long -- Or can I make it right?

     The bluest eyes in Texas,

     Are haunting me tonight...(tonight)"

Horribly off-key, Gregor Popov sings:

"The bluest eyes in Texas

Are haunting me tonight..."

Gregor Popov closes his eyes as the music fades out...

Horribly off-key, Gregor Popov sings:

"The bluest eyes, the bluest eyes..."

Horribly off-key, Gregor Popov sings:

"Are haunting me tonight ..."

Gregor Popov looks up with a small grin and a small bow.
Gregor Popov recites:

"Thank you.... the end."

You applaud appreciatively at Gregor Popov.
Raelyne Snow applauds.
Gillian Eldritch just applauded Gregor Popov.
Gregor Popov sidles off stage sheepishly.
Sinvri Kwenda chuckles.
Sebastian Benvenuto lets out a hearty cheer for Gregor Popov.
Sinvri Kwenda just applauded Gregor Popov.
Brannigan McGrade lets out a hearty cheer for Gregor Popov.
Gwyneth Wahlberg lets out a hearty cheer for Gregor Popov.
Gregor smirks at Dexter Riley.
Gregor Popov stands back up.
Gregor Popov coughs.
Gregor Popov strides to the back of the room to hide.
Gillian Eldritch grins at Gregor Popov.
You chuckle at Gregor Popov.
Gwyneth Wahlberg says, "Woowee!! Thank you, Gregor! That "haunting" song sent chills up my spine."
Gwyneth Wahlberg beams happily.
Gregor Popov grins at Dexter Riley.
Gregor Popov chuckles.
Xander Morales gets an excited expression on his face and lets out a hearty cheer.

Gwyneth Wahlberg exclaims, "Next up, named after a great Composor! Sebastian!"
Sebastian Benvenuto chuckles.
Dexter Riley says, "Or after one of the greatest rockers ever"
Gregor Popov lets out a hearty cheer for Sebastian Benvenuto.
Gregor Popov just applauded Sebastian Benvenuto.
Raelyne Snow raises an eyebrow.
Gwyneth Wahlberg giggles at Dexter Riley.
Sebastian Benvenuto says, "Thanks Gwyneth--it's not entirely deserved, I can assure you"
Sebastian Benvenuto smiles.
Dexter Riley says, "Who was in turn named after the composer"
Dexter Riley gets a distant look on his face as he ponders.
Gillian Eldritch just applauded Sebastian Benvenuto.
Gwyneth Wahlberg smiles at Sebastian Benvenuto.
Brannigan McGrade giggles.
Gregor Popov says, "Sebastian Bach"
Sebastian Benvenuto hops onto the stage and pulls up a chair.
Gwyneth Wahlberg aims her soda water tap at Dexter Riley and shoots. Dexter's all wet!
Sebastian Benvenuto says, "Johann"
Sebastian Benvenuto chuckles.
Sebastian Benvenuto gets a bardic Brian Boru lap harp with a large and bright sound to stir hearts and souls from inside his brown leather backpack.
Raelyne Snow grins at Sebastian Benvenuto.
Sebastian Benvenuto tests the harp for tuning.
Sebastian Benvenuto says, "Hi everyone--I'd like to sing something from a wonderful songwriter from back home in Canada...it's done with a guitar, but hopefully this harp will do it justice"
Gregor Popov asks, "stompin tom?"
Gregor Popov beams happily.
Sebastian Benvenuto chuckles.
Sebastian Benvenuto says, "Erm, not quite"
Gregor Popov says, "darn."
Sebastian Benvenuto begins chuckling at Gregor Popov.
Gregor Popov frowns.
Sebastian Benvenuto says, "It's a tune by Jann Arden..."
Sebastian Benvenuto begins playing a wistful tune on his harp.