06 Onstage!

6 Onstage! Will led Jack and Annie through a door into the back of the Globe Theater, Then he led them up a dark stairway. As they headed upstairs, Jack heard laughter coming from the audience. His legs felt like jelly. “ This way, " said Will. He led Jack and Annie into a crowded, dimly lit room. Actors were rushing about everywhere. Each seemed to be in his own world. One was pulling on a cape. Another was tying a rope around his waist. A third was whispering words to himself.

" I'll find your costumes, " said Will. As Will dug through a large basket of clothes, Jack and Annie looked around the costume room. It was crammed with fancy gowns, purple and blue capes, gold and silver wigs, stacks of hats, and masks. “ Cool, ” whispered Annie. She touched a donkey mask and a lion mask. “ These would make good disguises, huh?" Jack was amazed she was acting so calm. Didn't she know they were about to stand in front of three thousand people? The thought made him break into a sweat. His stomach felt fluttery.

“ Here! ” said Will. He handed them green tunics, hats, and slippers. “ Put these on! No time to dally! Your parts come up soon! " Jack and Annie slipped behind a curtain and changed into their costumes. As they put on their hats, Annie hid her pigtails. When they came out, Will handed them each a small scroll. “ Here are your rolls, " he said. “ They have only your lines on them, no one else's. ” Jack unrolled his scroll. He had two long speeches to read. “ Wait a second, " he said. “ I thought I just had a few lines. I didn't know I had a ton. ” “ Don't worry, " said Will. “ Just remember-speak very clearly and with feeling. And above all, act natural. "

Act natural? thought Jack. How do you act natural when you're about to have a heart attack ? Just then a short, chubby man burst into the costume room. He had curly hair and bright red cheeks. He was dressed all in green, too. “ For goodness' sakes, Will! ” he said in a frantic whisper. “ What will we do?” “ Don't worry! Look who I've found! They both can read! " said Will. He pushed Jack and Annie forward. “ Jack and Andy, meet Puck, “ merry wanderer of the night. He'll take you to the stage. Good luck! ” Annie smiled. Jack groaned. “ Come, boys! ” said Puck. “ Follow me! ” Puck led Jack and Annie out of the costume room into the hallway. Then he guided them to a dark area at the back of the stage.

Actors stood silently nearby, waiting to go on. One wore a beautiful white gown. Others wore tattered brown rags. Through an arch, Jack saw the roof of the stage. It was blue with stars and a moon. A huge crowd stood directly in front of the stage. More people watched from the galleries above. Every single person in England is out there! Jack thought with horror. How did I let Annie talk me into this? “ I'll take you onstage first, ” Puck whispered to Jack. “ When I say, 'How now, spirit! Whither wander you?, start reading your lines. Understand?” Jack barely nodded. His mouth felt dry. He tried to swallow, but he couldn't. Puck turned to Annie.