Over the Rainbow
Sally wanted so badly to be Dorothy. She had just found out that her school was auditioning for ‘The Wizard of Oz’. It was her favourite film of all time. She just loved the idea of finding a magical land on the other side of a cyclone. She adored the costume - that cute little dress and apron - the lovely red shoes. And of course there was Toto. She longed to be able to pick Toto up and walk along the yellow brick road, singing “Over the Rainbow”.
There was only one problem. Sally wore glasses. And she had braces. But she could sing better than anyone at school. She knew, though, deep in her heart of hearts, that she didn’t look like everyone’s idea of Dorothy. And that she wasn’t going to get the part.
“But you will audition, won’t you?” said her mother, anxiously.
“Why bother?”
“Because you have a wonderful voice. And you’re great on stage.”
“Mum, they’re not going to give it to me. Never. I don’t look like Dorothy.”
Sally refused to try out for the lead role. Nothing would persuade her.
But the chorus - that was different. She loved acting, and singing. The end of year show was the high point of the year. And so she tried out. She wanted to sing, so a winged monkey was out of the question. She decided to be a Munchkin. At least this way she could sing as part of the chorus. And of course she got the role.
Rehearsals began in earnest. They went on for months. Costumes were designed and sewn together. The sets were built. The cast practised their lines and their songs. Posters were put up.
Before anyone knew it, the week of the show had arrived. There was only one problem. The girl playing Dorothy was sick. She had caught pneumonia only the week before. And there was no understudy.
“Sally,” said the director, Mr Phillips, “I have a huge favour to ask…”
The next day, everyone congratulated Sally on her performance.
“You were the best Dorothy ever,” they said. “And to think, you took over at the last minute. Just brilliant!”
Her mother was proudest of all.
“Who cares about how you look?” she said, embracing Sally. “You have a wonderful voice. And you’re great on stage. That’s all that counts.”
As for Sally - how did she feel?
'Over the rainbow'
Quiz