[Instrumental] [TITLE: Smile, Encore] ⸻ [Intro – Spoken, Lounge Singer MC] Ladies and gentlemen… Welcome back. Now don’t worry if you’re a little confused tonight. So am I. But that’s part of the charm of the place. For those of you just joining us— I’m your lounge singer this evening. First night… At least, that’s what tonight’s program says. Big moment for me. Management said this room has a long tradition of unforgettable performers. Now tradition says I acknowledge the acts that came before. There was The Curtain Call. There was The Last Revue. There was The Final Act— Which, as you can see… wasn’t. Great response though. Short engagements. Big shoes to fill. Some still have feet in ’em. But me? Oh… I’m just getting started. Management says if tonight goes well, I could be here a very long time. Which… seems unlikely, given the turnover. Oh—and before we begin, we do have a little house tradition. Nothing scary. Nothing sinister. Just a cute little demonic spell the room likes to hear. Keeps the lights warm. Keeps the velvet happy. Keeps the headcount… remarkably consistent. I’ll say Smile, you’ll hear Cut. Easy. You’ll feel better after. ⸻ [Chorus 1 – Orientation] Smile! That’s what you’re here for— Cut! Hold it till you hear the floor. Smile! Teeth out, shoulders loose— Cut! Don’t ask why. Just do. ⸻ [Verse 1] Spotlight hits, shoes all shine, Everyone says, “We’re doin’ fine.” Velvet’s soft, like grandma’s couch— Smells like dust… and formaldehyde. Crew learns quick when not to talk, Performers learn the lucky walk— Never say “good luck,” just shout, “Break a leg!” then don’t look down. Funny thing about this room— Every singer says the same: “Just one more run… then I’m done.” ⸻ [Glitch 1] —wait— Someone’s singing through the floor… Note still holding… No one’s there… Jesus… Sorry. ⸻ [Chorus 2 – Participation] Smile! Clap when I say now— Cut! Not too fast, not too loud. Smile! Eyes front, stay in frame— Cut! If it shifts, stay the same. ⸻ [Verse 2] Velvet’s dark and hides it well— Every stain’s a tale to tell. Cue card says pause for laughs— Doesn’t say what comes after that. Audience laughs— someone whispers, “Wait—” Usher smiles: “Sir… enjoy the play.” Clapping starts… then stops on time. That’s how you know you’re in the line. Every singer swore their run ended when the song was done. ⸻ [Glitch 2] —what the— Feet still tapping… No legs left… Count breaks… One… Two… Three… Whoa. ⸻ [Chorus 3 – Containment] Smile! Stay where you’re assigned— Cut! Don’t turn back. Don’t mind. Smile! If the floor feels thin— Cut! Please return to your seats— Ending intermission. ⸻ [Bridge – Spoken, Low] It’s not a cult. Nobody asked you to join. You just… kept getting encores. ⸻ [Verse 3] House remembers every step, Calls it “history,” calls it “depth.” Acts come through. The room stays fed. Applause rises where someone bled. If the velvet looks a little wet— That’s maintenance. Don’t get upset. Management never checks the complaint box. Funny thing though… Every singer announced retirement… Management renewed the contract. ⸻ [Glitch 3] —the hell— Curtain jerks… Takes the hit… Stays standing… Okay… Okay… ⸻ [Final Chorus – Completion] Smile! Wave like you belong— Cut! This won’t take very long. Smile! Take the bow we planned— Cut! Nothing ends unless we say it can. ⸻ [Outro – Spoken, Uneasy Cheer] Ladies and gentlemen… Thank you for coming tonight. It means a lot. Really. One last favor before you go— Please tell a friend about the show. Doesn’t matter what you say. Good… Bad… Confusing… Just tell someone. Because people who don’t… tend to stop showing up. ⸻ [Final Glitch – Encore] Oh… You’re all still here. Did I miss my cue? Encore? … Wait… Why are you all… looking at me… like that? … Management… told me… this was opening night. … Why are they lowering the curtain? … Wait… No… That’s not for the show— ⸻ [Blackout] [Trapdoor.]
