Three Wise Men & Maggie - Chapter 1
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Three Wise Men & Maggie
By
JulieDCole
Synopsis : Maggi has been a successful stage performer who now lives as a woman and has realized she does not to be viewed as an aging drag queen. So she moves North where the public never have much opportunity to see the vast array of UK stars who frequent the London stages.
She persuades some investors to back her talents for producing and directing a musical show based on the show in which he had first starred. Maggi unfortunately loses her talented friend who was taking the lead role due to an accident and as much as she wanted she decides she can’t take the female lead as she would have like like she’d done before years ago.
So eventually, running out of time, she needs help from anywhere. She calls some old friends and they agree to support her as her core team and they are dispatched to find a replacement lead before the backers pull out and she loses the money she herself invested.
A shining star in the sky points the way for them to a place where they find a fresh talent.
Chapter 1 focuses on the background and history between Maggi and her three wise men and they follow the star after Maggi convinces herself that a new Queen of the stage has been born. Time is running out but she has faith in her friends.
No miracles just a modern real life story that hopefully will have a twist at the end now I got my life back to pick up the story again where I left off.
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Winter time was the favorite time of the year for Maggi because it was the time for musical shows and theatre, when she was at her happiest involved or watching shows and especially around Christmas time when Joe Public left their TV sets and the endless talent shows.
To Maggi there was nothing like live performance and inter action between audience and performer. She never forgot the joy it had given her and the opportunity it provided so that eventually she could be herself. This was when her skills came to the fore and she could entertain or just take charge of a show that would run all through the Christmas period and into spring.
She did summer seasons at various seaside towns and even appeared in New York and Las Vegas. She never quite became a super star because her history caused prejudice.
She was excited but nervous because this was her first opportunity to have full responsibility to put on a musical production and she’d earned the right through hard work and honing her skills on stage. As far as the production was concerned everything had been going along splendidly until her star celebrity had pulled out because of an accident. Her leading man was OK but she no longer had a beautiful female lead and at this stage most of the star performers were signed up for other productions.
Maggi couldn’t sleep with the worry. She couldn’t take the part herself as much as she wanted to. She in charge of the production and anyway she was now too old and a little too tall for the part Anyway who would want to come and see an old Drag Queen dressed as a young girl and she was losing confidence in herself so had decided for a career change into stage production. She didn’t want to be viewed as an old drag queen even though as a young man when dressed as a young girl she’d been quite stunning. As well has her looks she had the voice of an Angel. Often no one felt this was a man portraying a woman because she was so natural.
She sighed and a tear trickled down her cheek. Unfortunately like many aging stars the years were telling on her and she’d felt this would never happen to her. She was heading downhill towards forty and somewhere, sometime a crow had left feetmark over her face. She had expected to always be forever young and beautiful but now her once slim waist had filled a bit, the pert butt was sagging and needed to be supported and her cosmetic budget had had to be increased. She needed more make-up to hide the cracks and the blotches. Old age is not so nice.
But on the brighter side she was still able to turn heads and more important than that she now lived full time as Maggi, much to her delight. She had lots of friends in the industry and socially. She was treated like any woman of her age, courteously and with respect. She loved her life as a woman even though she had great times as a young man. Gay times became happy times.
She looked out of her large window at the star filled sky searching for inspiration and hoping she could soon hear back from the array of agents she’d contacted to look for a replacement. She had to rely on support rather than look out herself because she needed to work on scripts and coaching the rest of the cast and right now she needed to pick up the momentum with rehearsals. She would have to focus on some of the youngsters and back up performers who would be the under-studies for now.
She might have no choice but to consult her three experienced male performers, who she considered as business partners. They were her three wise men and she needed them to help her find a solution.
In the first meeting sessions they discussed options to find a solution. Ticket sales had been really good and the backers were wanting to switch to a bigger theatre. The guys were all of the view it was better to use one of the understudies and hoped she would benefit from the experience. But like many strong willed women of her age Maggi knew how to get her way. It wasn’t that she was strong willed. Quite plainly she didn’t agree so the understudy option was to be at best her Plan B. Her focus was on a new Plan A. Find a new star and do it quickly. Easier said than done. Anybody with talent was already booked.
She looked out of the window again for inspiration. It was certainly a clear night and the stars seemed especially bright because it was cold and frosty. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and these nights were common these days that was why she’d stayed in England and moved North away from London. No sign of Global warming it was freezing up here but far more healthy so it helped her voice maintain its sharpness. Now it was just a case of finding tricks to keep her looks to match the voice.
One good thing was done by her namesake Maggie during her reign over the Kingdom. UK industry had closed down and in the North the coal mines and dirty plants that emitted the smog, dust and fumes had all moved to the Far East who were now the bad guys harming the rest of the world. She was part of the generation that had caused all the problems now blaming China and demanding attention.
God help her if she’d had to expose herself to the fumes and asbestos that had taken her father before she’d reached the age of five. He’d never seen her perform and she was sure that as a pianist and pub singer he’d have been proud. At least that’s what her mother always told her.
The hills in the distance almost appeared white with snow. The village below her house was in darkness apart from the street lights because it was late and now it was almost 2am. She couldn’t sleep until she found a solution.
How she loved this part of England and she’d been accepted and had settled quickly. The people here were kind and accepted others and were friendly. There didn’t seem to be any jealousy. They treated her as any other woman and immediately accepted her as the woman who had always been inside. She had often told old friends who questioned her decision that any celebrity could extend their careers by moving North as she had done. She felt normal and appreciated and many Northerners never had the chance to see her perform live only on TV. She was almost a celebrity and was often recognized.
She could dance and sing as well as most of the female leads in the many London shows she’d seen but sadly every dog has it’s day and when she’d finally felt she had been heckled by some young guys who’d been drinking in what became her last season in the famous production of Chicago she knew it was time to move on.
At least the theatres in Leeds, Bradford and Manchester had accepted her as a star as did the Blackpool theatres in the summer season where she’d had liked the banter with the audience and honed her skills. To them she was a woman not a man in a dress. She dressed that way when not performing and she knew that by being accepted this had been her ultimate performance far better than those on stage.
Maggi thought about her three wise men and how they might help. The first male lead was an old friend Johnnie Walker with whom she’d starred many times and he still had his wonderful baritone voice but now he had a spreading waistline. He was determined to shed 20 pounds and so far so good since he had to fit his tin suit. He had played many parts over the years but this was his first time in this particular production. He said he wanted a beautiful girl to sing to and he was saddened by the loss of their female lead. She was his niece who he was mentoring.
Right now Maggi needed a big slice of luck, something magical even. The consequences of the show failing were severe. She could lose all her savings and her beautiful home and no doubt her partner and long-time lover Jack, who was playing the part of the scarecrow and was her musical director would leave her and head back to London. He had a lot of financial commitments from two failed marriages. He hadn’t invested.
Jack Daniels had in fact been quite famous in New York before treading the boards in London and had he not met Maggi and agreed to move to the North of England to help her extend her career. He could still have been in great demand in London but she promised him half of her share in the profits. It attracted him just as much as her new pert breasts had attracted him.
She involved him because he was very talented and played a great piano, so he was an entertainer at many of their joint parties and Maggi would appear in many guises as a surprise to their guests. She could be Celine Dion or Madonna or Maria Carey, with some padding in the right places and he would even go as far back as a glamorous Shirley Bassey and blast out Goldfinger.
Jack treated Maggi very well and was always very smartly turned out so the joke was on him to play the scarecrow in this production but to Maggi based on her ideas it was a key part. She even found a way to introduce his piano into two of the scenes.
The third of her wise men was James Bean. Dear Jim was a loveable Scot with a big red beard. He was a natural to play the lion as she formulated her plans. He was a bit on the lumpy and heavy side these days but then so was her idea of the cuddly old lion. He was another with a long association with Maggi. He was a typical Scot a booming voice much like Sean Connery her favorite film star since his days as 007. James too had played all the major theatres in London in a variety of parts and was a popular member of all the casts.
He was a natural orator, great for speeches and taking curtain calls and a ladies man for sure and he made Maggi’s heart race just like most of the girls who met him. He made her feel like a natural woman like in the song she used to sing and he had a twinkle in his eye and the gift of saying the things all women liked to hear. So young or old they were smitten immediately. He’d been married a long time but it never stopped him from charming the ladies. His wife accepted that was him, love him or leave him.
As she recollected some of the 007 films that Sean Connery had starred she knew she needed Jim to be a special agent for her right now. Jim knew his stuff and could spot talent as well as Maggi could. James Bean had always been a star and grew up on the stage from being a small boy in Edinburgh. He had such timing and great comic skills so he could hold an audience in the palm of his hand. She knew what she wanted him to do and she had plans to create scenes where he had chance to perform alone. That would ensure popularity and success. Jim was a true Lion King in her opinion and definitely one of his kinds. She decided that he was to take charge of the task in hand and lead the group to find a female lead.
But right now what to do?
Suddenly Maggi jumped almost out of her skin. Her attention was drawn to a bright shooting star that lit the sky. At first she thought it may be a shooting star. It couldn’t be a rocket at this time of night or an aero-plane or even a UFO. Anyway she was in Yorkshire and it’s well known that nothing exciting ever happens here. Mostly Yorkshire folk just accepted this and said nowt. As Jack once said “Don’t tell anybody or they’ll all come and spoil it. “ We’d laugh about it as he’d often say “Let them find out for themselves and buy their own programmes.”
The light in the sky stayed for a while and at its brightest it seemed to extend all across the hills towards York. As she remembered the nice times she’d spent in York it gave her an idea. Why not focus on York to look at the talent at the University or at the small theatre or in the streets where many students showed their talents to earn money towards living expenses and university fees. It would be convenient to send her three wise men there since it wasn’t so far by car and with luck she could join them if they struck lucky. They could be the advance troops but in any case she couldn’t afford the time with rehearsals underway. Who better to send in her place than three able men that she knew and trusted? Three men to do one woman’s’ work seemed about right. One job each with no multi-tasking needed.
So that was it. Now she could sleep soundly and 2 nights for Three Wise Men in York should be enough. She had friends there who ran a pub in the centre where she’d sang on their charity nights. She’d ring her old friend Len Broadbent and Kathy his wife first thing in the morning and seek their help. They ran a small hotel and had a bar with a wonderful cabaret where local talent sang or they’d have Karaoke nights. Maybe she could suggest a special audition night and set up her three wise men as a panel and maybe she would join them once they’d decided on a short list.
Why hadn’t she thought of this earlier? She might just find someone with local popularity that might attract the local community and then soon word would spread. Maggi knew this was her only chance so bugger Plan B. She was running out of time and all her years of hard work might come to nothing and she’d be out of a job before Christmas if she couldn’t convince her backers that she was still good enough to put on a top show and match the crowd in London who do it year after year.
As she reached to close the curtains she was surprised to see the bright light intensify. It was a bright star in the sky and the beam of light seemed to shine downwards as if it came from a giant floodlight. This star was bigger and brighter than any she’d ever seen before and the beam shone far over the hills into the distance.
She pulled the curtains back as wide as she could so the strong light lit up the entire bedroom. It was light enough that she could read her notes and scribble out her plan and instructions. As she looked out she knew this was her lucky star and she felt more and more confidence oozing through her body. She could sense that her savior was close on hand and that a star was waiting in the wings who was about to be discovered.
She could feel this person was close and very special. Not a Lady Gaga or a Britney but someone even more special who would appeal to all audiences. She wanted to find her and see if she was right. She wanted someone who’d not been influenced. Someone who could benefit from all her experience and eventually take London and New York by storm.
If only she could find someone young with raw talent who had not been exploited or influenced by modern popularity concerts and TV auditions and promoters looking to cash in. She wanted someone who could set new standards away from the fast buck brigade. Someone that might show that interaction with live audiences is better than being a pop star on TV. Maybe this person would become the daughter she’d always craved for to follow her and finally make her mother proud and happy after her disappointments of losing her husband and then Maggi who she’d rejected after moving in with her lover and deciding to live as a woman.
She stayed awake all night and eventually the bright star disappeared as daylight broke. Whilst she’d had no sleep, somehow she was full of energy like never before. She was full of ideas and her plans ware now set as she brewed her first coffee of the day. At 8am she was on the telephone to the Broadbent’s. The rooms were booked and the cabaret bar was available. Len would put out some circulars around York as well as in the University. Word of mouth in Yorkshire was faster than a bush fire in Australia and long gone were the days of messages tied to carrier pigeons. The internet contacts and Facebook were the modern way of broadcasting. Maybe even a favor to be had on local Radio would help.
Maggi briefed her lover once he’d stirred and then the other two special agents who she gathered for brunch after having briefed each of them by telephone. No time to delay they’d be on their way as much as she could in advance. Each was given a copy of their instructions and the overall plan they were to quickly pack overnight bags and leave that afternoon.
They all believed in her and were captivated. She knew nothing else but the entertainment industry but for the first time for many years she felt young again. She had always been in the theatre since she was a young boy and whilst she was timid and nervous in school and often ridiculed because of her lack of masculine features she was a something very special when she was on stage. She wasn’t always tall with long legs as now but at school she was quite petite. This was the reason that she had been persuaded to take the lead role of Dorothy in school production of The Wizard of Oz and as soon as she put on the dress and the red shoes her fellow pupils and school masters had been amazed at the transformation and it felt so natural.
The confidence that suddenly took over this quiet schoolboy was there for all to see. To Maggi it felt so natural to twirl and dance in these magical red shoes with their heels and she never stumbled once. She had no need to try to lighten her voice when talking or singing. It at never broken and even when she lived as a man she’d had to artificially deepen her voice and try to act in a masculine way. It was as if she was meant to be a girl and whilst in character she had everybody in awe of her. So in the following months Maggi gradually took over and her relationship with her girlfriend who became her wife was different and very special.
They parted a few years later but still kept in touch but had never spoken. When Maggi thought about it they’d married in middle age at twenty and now it was probably 17 or 18 years since they’d broken up. She shivered as it reminded her of her age again. Maggi’s mum had been devastated at the break up and was hoping for time with grand-children like most mums.
When Maggi left she had comforted Helen who told her that the marriage break up was more to do with pressures of work than Maggi’s dressing at home as a woman. Helen had accepted that because it helped their sex life but they argued a lot. Helen craved for a child but Maggi would have none of it and felt it was unfair and impossible. Domestic life became unbearable, especially if he dressed as Maggi for long periods.
Maggi was soon over the marriage split and she only thought of Helen as a former girlfriend to send Christmas and Birthday cards to. Last time she’d had a letter she saw she had moved to Richmond and it annoyed him since where did the postmen send the cards?
She wondered if Helen had watched her stage success and wondered why she never made contact or tried to call her at the theatres where she was appearing. Maggi knew she was equally guilty. A busy life and always under pressure but it was no excuse not to maintain friendships and care about someone who she’d married. Now she had her own life as a woman so the chances of them ever making a go of their marriage was low. He couldn’t have carried on trying to be a man.
To be continued…….
Three Wise Men & Maggi - Chapter 2
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1024x682.jpg" />Three Wise Men & Maggie — Chapter 2
By
Julie D Cole
Maggi sends her three men to follow the guiding star in search of a new lead for her show and they eventually find the Inn where an old friend has arranged a Karaoke night and the turnout is encouraging. But they need someone special and sometimes talent is reluctant to come out.
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Maggi sends her three men to follow the guiding star in search of a new lead for her show and they eventually find the Inn where an old friend has arranged a Karaoke night and the turnout is encouraging. But they need someone special and sometimes talent is reluctant to come out.
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Around 4pm later that same day the guys reached the turnoff on the motorway signposted for York. The roads were unusually busy and the traffic was very heavy and eventually it came to a complete standstill. The road was eventually closed due to an accident involving a large petrol tanker. Fuel had been spilled so the area was filled with police cars, ambulances and large fire tenders. This was going to mean a long wait or they could ditch the car and leg it into York.
The decision was unanimous and they managed to find a way down the inside of the traffic queue to pull into a lay by where they parked the car and locked it. They just took out their overnight bags and headed across a field to a country lane and decided that the worst that could happen was that the police would tow it to a compound. Unlikely before morning since the police would be fully occupied for hours yet.
At the small lane they had to decide which way to go ? It was getting dark and it was obvious when they looked back that the whole area would be grid locked for most of the evening and maybe all night . They looked up to the night sky to see the shining star and headed towards it.
Ten minutes later the found the main road to York and on an old stone marker it said 5 miles to the City of York. Jim quipped that this must have been the route that Dick Turpin took and maybe the sign was that old. A horse would have been most welcome at that point since no chance of a passing car to hitch a ride and even less chance of a service bus.
Johnnie Walker made the decision on their behalf. ‘Come on guys 5 miles is nothing to us Just let’s follow the road and even with our bags it’s an hour at most. ‘ . Jim struggled to carry his bag but since he needed to fit his tin suit he decided the exercise would do him good, so he strapped it to his back and led the way. Jack and Jim just smiled and looked at each other. They knew it was safer to fit a new body section the suit but there was time to do that in the next 2 weeks as rehearsals were going on. First priority was to find a new lead. No mean task but they couldn’t let Maggi down. .
Soon Jim was lagging behind at the back and he needed encouraging. Jack told him that Maggis friend Len would have a welcome for them at his pub that served the best beer in England. It was smooth and full of flavor and brewed in North Yorkshire where the tradition was to serve it with a creamy head that touched the lips like a maidens kiss. Jim was soon back at the front again and there was now a spring in his step.
Within 30 minutes they reached the city outskirts and were under the street lights passing small shops and quaint red brick houses and even a fish and chip shop that was open. It took all of Jims will power and thoughts of Maggi relying them to avoid a small snack just for energy. A sip of water was small consolation. At least now ahead of them they could see the outline of the old Roman wall so the destination couldn’t be far.
It was rather strange to walk in a city in England without much traffic on the road and they assumed the accident had meant that now lots of people had no choice. Within ten minutes they were standing at one of the old city gates in the wall called Micklegate. Amazing how far the Romans had travelled so far and one assumed they thought they’d find something of value. Beyond York there wasn’t much except Scotland and unless they had heard about men in skirts it was hard to think of a reason for heading there.
They felt the Romans must have liked this area of England just like the Vikings did and they’d made York a safe place to live by building this wall around the city. Both races had left their influence and also the accent in this part of England that must have had Scandinavian origin. It was different to say the least than London.
They saw a street map on the wall and looked to find the location of the small pub/bar come hotel that Len ran. Jim had wanted to use his GPS on his mobile phone but when he searched for ‘The Stables ‘the name wasn’t recognized for some reason. Still the street they needed was on the map and it was close to the Minster that was clearly visible ahead. Looking around them they noticed how many young people were about. It should be the perfect place to find a new Dorothy. The University was full of musicians, dancers and artists. They could hire a full production team if they were lucky and cut costs.
This was like a paradise by now with so many brightly lit shops and street entertainers and they got a flavor of what old England must have been like. Even without a GPS they finally reached their destination. There it was ‘The Stables Inn’ that was not a hotel at all. From the front it just looked like a small pub. As they stooped to go through the door Jim looked at the sign on the wall. ‘Licensed for Entertainment — Karaoke & Talent Nights Mondays & Thursdays every week. See Kathy at the Bar‘
‘Karaoke? - We’ll never find a Dorothy here. But Maggi had planned ahead as they well knew but nevertheless Jim said “ we haven’t anywhere else to go so we might as well go in.’ Well the beer was another reason so what the heck since Maggi couldn’t check on them.
It was amazing to see how big the bar actually was as they stepped inside. Through a double door they could hear someone arguing and shouting. Someone brushed past them almost knocking Jim over. The angry man was Len in his white bar apron with some strands of hair falling across his face. Not a happy bunny right now by the look of it. ‘Who are you lot then?’
As soon as he realized it was Maggis delegation he apologised and was pleased to welcome them but eveything had been last minute and very frantic. He apologized for his grumpiness and then he moved them back through to the bar to pull three pints of his best ale popping some pork scratchings in a dish for nibbles. That would keep Jim going for a few minutes.
‘You say Maggi sent you on a mission and you need my help.’ You were in luck until just now. I just counted and we have at least 50 singers coming tonight but my regular pianist just threw a tantrum and as you see he did a runner. He was trying to contact a friend to set up his Karaoke gear until the guys stepped in.‘
‘Well I’m sure we can help. Maybe this is your lucky night, how about the best light entertainment pianist in England to take his place? Here he is Mr Jack Daniels.’
‘I never heard of him and that’s a whisky anyway. Does he really play?’’
‘Len of course he does, he’s the man who made Maggi a star so who better. You know Maggi had a lot of success don’t you. Jack has been with her for a few years so just point him to the ivories and he’ll show you. ‘
‘Well I know Maggi wouldn’t suffer fools so I suppose you’re right. I’ve seen Maggi rise from the young man I met at stage school and we were best friends. Closer than that I suppose but then I met my wife Kathy and we grew apart. We’ve kept in touch but I didn’t realize she was in a relationship. I heard her marriage broke up that is natural I suppose .’
Jack answered for himself ‘Maggi and I came through a lot together and I never regretted a day. She is wonderful and we became friends when she tried to live as a man. She married but we stayed friends and I was there for her when her marriage eventually failed. It was a bad period of her life and if it wasn’t for the stage and the chance for us to tour together I dread to think what might have happened.’
The two seemed to have the same feelings for Maggi.. Jack had known she was friends with Len but he never just how close they’d been. At that moment Kathy arrived to Lens elbow so no more was said. After introductions she took Jack by the hand and showed him the piano and whilst he limbered up she gathered his pint of ale and placed it on top of the piano and as soon as he started to play a tune she knew he was a special talent.
Len joined them and had a broad smile ‘ That was great so who can better that. It’s a real pleasure to have you guesting. I’m sure tonight will bring out the best in everybody who turns up and I’m hoping we can help. Come on let’s get you all sorted and checked in. Who have we to put in the guest book then? Do you mind to share the one room since we are full this week and I had a job to fit you in.’
Len let out another large belly laugh after they had all signed in turn — Jack Daniels, Jim Bean and Johnnie Walker!! Ha Ha 3 whiskies and my favourite amongst them. How strange Maggi should choose you to come to York to find a star. Did you know that the three whiskies are together make a unique drink? It’s called ‘The Three Wise Men.’ HaHa Maggi sent the Three Wise Men to follow a star.
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After consuming the pints of ale Jack, Jim and Johnnie freshened up and then called Maggi to let her know they’d arrived and that Len had done a fantastic job to set up a talent night inviting some local acts that he’d seen pass through The Stables. None of them knew just how popular this venue was and how well respected Len and Kathy had become.
They didn’t realize that the University in York was famous for musical talent and lots of students earned cash busking in the streets and learned how to react to audiences. Maggi didn’t know either and it was certainly a stroke of luck that the star had shone so brightly and pointed the way.
They found themselves a corner of the bar to welcome the acts that wanted to sing and made a schedule for the first 20. With 4 minutes each and a 1 minute interval it was going to need organizing and so Jim took charge with Kathy assisting. Len moved away and took charge of the bar and before long the place was already full. His staff were obviously used to busy nights like this.
It was more like a Karaoke night than an audition or talent night and for a while the chances of finding some local talent looked grim. A few decent singers turned up amongst the fifty who had made contact. Some had no music so Jack had to use all his skill to bring out the best in them.
When they took a break at 8-30pm it wasn’t looking too good but Len said he was confident they’d find someone and he had somebody in mind and was trying to contact them. Someone he wanted them to see. At the moment he had no luck so had left messages but he was sure she’d be interested.
By 10-30 they had a short list to refer back to Maggi so it wasn’t a failure. But none would be ideal and the best singer was a little too plump and shy to play Dorothy in Jacks opinion. But they might have no choice and maybe she could go on a starvation diet.
As the last singer started Len’s phone rang. ‘Great just come as you are and get your ass over here. This is the chance of a lifetime.’
He persuaded the guys to wait and finally the door burst open on the stroke of 11 pm. The cutest looking young woman entered with legs to die for and the slimmest of waists. Her hair was half way down her back and whilst she wasn’t displaying much cleavage she was pretty hot and certainly likely to attract audiences. Jim cast his vote. Hopefully she could sing.
The girl was clinging to the arm of either her sister or maybe it was her mother. They looked alike. The elder one spoke. ‘Sorry Len we were performing at the club and didn’t see your message and we had a busy day in the salon so no time to go home if you tried us there.’
The spokesperson who in fact turned out to be the girls mother was quite beautiful and didn’t look old enough to have a daughter this age. Both were similar height and certainly they could have been sisters. The daughter had a certain look about her and Jim wished he was twenty years younger.
‘Dream on pal she’s out of our league.’
Johnnie stepped forward. ‘What’s your name dear and what are you going to sing?’
She was nervous ‘ Err my name is err Je… .’
Come on dear we don’t bite, what’s your name? ‘
‘ Jecis. It’s Jecis. ‘
‘’ Jecis. I never heard that name before Jecis what?’
‘Just Jecis will be fine thanks. ‘
‘’ Mmm strange name. But needs must so would you like to sing. What will you sing for us? ‘
‘I’d like to sing a song called Send in the Clowns if you know it.’
‘Of course I know it young lady it’s one of my favorite songs .’
‘How old are you? Are you still at school?’
Her mum stepped in ‘ She is old enough just give her a chance. Len knows all about her if you want him as sponsor.‘
‘What sponsor? No way I’m not a millionaire you know. Money doesn’t grow on trees you know.’
Jecis didn’t need to change and she was ready to since. The audience knew her and they went strangely quiet. She started nervously but with Jacks help she was back on track and she overcame the faulty start. You could have heard a pin drop if it wasn’t for the clanking of the ancient keys on the piano. The three wise men looked at each other as she gained in confidence and as her voice built in intensity the audience seemed entranced. Len turned to Jim and Johnnie with a satisfied smirk on his face as he polished an empty beer glass until it shone.
At the end of the song the place erupted and Jecis stood in awe waiting for some reaction from the three. This wasn’t exactly an X factor audition but nevertheless the accolades were appreciated. Jack stood up from his piano and applauded and then walked to her and took the microphone from her hand.
‘Ladies and Gentlemen we have a winner. This young lady has stolen the show tonight and I’d never have believed it if I hadn’t seen her perform with my own eyes. Absolutely fantastic well done. I’d like her to come for auditions for a stage show we are presenting soon. I’m speechless. This girl is something special and York should be very proud tonight. This is a show that has been organised by Maggi May productions.’
There was a look of fear on Jescis face ‘Sir, I’m sorry but I can’t. I do this for fun. I would love to but I can’t.’ She looked at her mum who said nothing and just covered her mouth not quite believing the chance that had come from nowhere.
With that Jesci ran towards the rear fire escape door and pushed it open heading out to the street. Her mother jumped up and immediately ran after her quickly followed by Kathy and then Jim.
By the time they caught her she was distraught and tears were streaming down her face. An out of breath Jim eventually arrived and managed to speak. ‘ Please Miss don’t worry we will help you if your frightened. At least come with us. You were brilliant so will you come and meet Maggi and give it a try.’
‘ No please I can’t, I can’t. it’s not possible. It was just fun. I do it for fun.’
Her mother took her in her arms and wiped the tears from her cheeks. She looked just as pretty even though the make-up was now spoiled. Jim tried again. ‘ Come on Jecis try for me please. Why can’t you audition , what’s wrong?’
Then as he looked on his chin dropped as he watched Jecis pull the wig from her head and speak. ‘Because my name is not Jecis it’s Jesus and I’m a boy not a girl.’
‘My God’it’s remarkable. Are you sure? You are beautiful and what a voice.’ How old are you. Please come with us. Bring your mother, bring your friends. Give me your address at least and a telephone number. Say you’ll change your mind. We’ll be waiting here at 9 o clock after we pick up our car.’
Jesci looked at his mum who smiled nervously held out her arms and nodded.
To be continued ……………………….
Three Wise Men & Maggi - Chapter 3
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Three Wise Men and Maggi
by Julie D Cole
Jesci has appeared in front of The Three Wise Men and they found their star at last. They hope. How to persuade her to go back to meet Maggi.
Posted on the day to celebrate the coming of the Three Wise Men.
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Jim stroked his beard as he looked at Jesci and shook his head. ‘Amazing.’ He turned to Kathy ‘Did you know?
‘Not exactly. ’
‘Did Len know? ‘
‘Well yes we both knew. But not at first Jesus turned up to a Karaoke night a few months ago and was introduced by a friend of his as a new student in town who had a unique singing style. Lots of students try out and think they can sing because they practised in the shower. Usually they are full of themselves but Jesus just turned up ordered a coke and then he walked up to the stage and just stood and sang. ‘
áou said he just stood and sang. Does that mean he sang in a normal voice or was he imitating somebody? ‘
‘Funny you say that. At first it was hard to tell if he was a boy or a girl and we came to the conclusion he was a boyish girl with a wonderful voice. We thought she may be embarrassed about her masculine features but her voice was that of an angel and when she sang it didn’t seem to matter if she was butch or lesbian or if she batted for the other side. ‘
‘So it sounds like you thought she was a girl and not a boy as she inferred tonight when she pulled off her wig. Tell me I wasn’t dreaming. She is a boy isn’t she?’
‘I’m still not sure but we are assured she is Jesus and not Jesci. She left us gob smacked though. She sang a Whitney Houston song so perfectly that nobody wanted her to stop and the usual practice of one night only and one song was quickly abandoned. What we saw later was that she, or he, can also sing with a deeper voice but she is at her best when Jesci is singing and as you saw she has all the feminine moves and mannerisms. If she is a boy I’ll eat Len’s hat.’
‘Do you think she’ll talk about it if we go inside since it’s important. I can hardly nominate a boy to take the lead role when the part requires such a demure and feminine character? ‘
‘Why not if she fits the part why not hire her?’
‘Well what if it came out and the audience felt duped? What if her voice breaks and she can’t reach the high notes? ‘
‘ Well life is full of if’s and buts but Jesci is a star so she wouldn’t let anybody down. ‘
‘How did you establish if it was Jesci like a boy or Jesus like a girl who was singing? ‘
‘We didn’t and even when Len finally established Jesus was his true identity and located his mother to verify it we were still uncertain. He seemed to have lots of female and male friends as Jesci but when he appeared one night as Jesus everybody thought it was some sort of drag act going on and word got around. I’ve never seen The Stables so full. The power of facebook I suppose. Suddenly Jesci was having to deny she was a drag act and her friends sorted her out. Jesci can put on quite a show when she is in full female attire and that night she was rigged out in a leotard, tights and man boobs were converted to fem boobs quicker than a sponge cake rises in the oven. ‘
‘So did that mean Jesci was the regular singer and Jesus took a back seat?’
á guess so for a while until Jesci confided that she wanted to get into theatre but she didn’t want to be known as a drag act. We agreed to help through some of our contacts. We agreed to send Jesci to a leading agent we know in Manchester and she turned up as Jesus so the audition fell a bit flat. The agent offered to sign him up but because of his shyness he wanted to put Jesus in a boy band that he’d formed. Jesus didn’t really fit so he gave a flat no. We found out later that one of the group didn’t like him and we concluded it was someone who used to bully him at school. ‘
‘So what happened?’
‘Nothing much , for a while at least. He just walked away from us and didn’t come back to The Stables. He was upset that he couldn’t get praise as himself and Jesci was so successful. I guess he was trying to fight off the jealousy so to make it easier he decided to focus on his education. The trouble is he was in the music and arts section so not much chance to avoid singing or performing and especially not with his tutor who encouraged his students to express themselves and be more extrovert. ‘
‘So why did you or Len invite him tonight? Why were you so sure he would turn up? ‘
‘Because even though he never sang he still came regularly to our place and Len was always trying to tempt him by playing his favourite numbers. We almost got him on stage last week so it was just a matter of time before he stepped out again and we saw Jesci back on stage. Well our little stage for what it is. It’s hardly the London Palladium is it? ‘
‘Well he certainly looks the part when he is in costume as we saw tonight. Why the dress and the make-up? ‘
‘Truth is he arrived in drag so to speak so I took him upstairs. The dress and the wig are mine and it didn’t take long to apply make up. She doesn’t need much. Anyway I did tempt her by saying I’d treat her to a Spa day if Jesci turned up but really it was the chance to show her skills in front of 3 professionals like you that clinched it. You don’t know what it’s like to be a girl but Jesus does and she likes it. ‘
‘ Whilst he wasn’t singing here it didn’t stop Jesci having her play time. Jesus started to buy his own girl clothes and behave differently that was noticed. Even though he turns up as Jesus sometimes people take him as female. As far as our regulars are concerned Jesci is a young girl looking for a break. He still studies as Jesus, but, with his mothers blessing Jesci appears as well. Sometimes even at college and especially if there is chance to perform in front of class. Jesus has also been working part time as Jesci at a hair salon where he can earn more money in tips than Jesus can earn filling up shelves at Tesco. Jesci is a natural and became very popular in the salon with customers and the owner too who is called Philip. I did wonder if something was going on and feared we had caused this. Although to be fair Jesci has a few close girlfriends and I know she has spent a few nights with Amanda who first brought her here. They seem well suited and Amanda watches out for her.
‘Does Jesci’s mother really accept Jesci then? Doesn’t she object to him living as female ? ‘
‘ Yes and no. As far as I am aware. His mother is keen for him to complete his studies and get qualified. He’s now in sixth form college, where as I said, he focuses on music and arts. We helped Jesus to persuade his mother to move here and she took a job locally at a travel agents. I understand she was a pretty good dancer and worked professionally before Jesus came along. Split up from Jesus’dad by all accounts and then got married to some brute of a man who used to beat Jesus until he drove him out. They lost contact till Len found her and when we told her that he’d been a sensation at ‘The Stables’she upped and within 24 hrs she was on our doorstep bag in hand determined to support Jesus and also to find a new life. So please help because they need a break even if it is a female part Jesci can do it. She is so keen to get a chance whatever she said earlier.’
á’ll do my best but it’s not all down to me. I’m just one of three wise men sent to find a star. Funny we were sent by Maggi. Maybe Jesus is our star after all and so rest assured if Maggi sees anything to develop Jesus or Jesci will be pushed all the way. So what about mum was she pleased with Jesci or sad to lose her so”?’
‘Look she’s been smitten ever since she saw him sing and when she realised she had a daughter as well as a son she was over the moon. She soon saw how happy it made him to be Jesci and that not only was he talented but he was very beautiful. If anything the make-up and wig make Jesci look a little too old and she doesn’t need props. Except for the bust of course that any girl would be proud of.’
‘Would she agree to Jesci coming for an audition? What if Maggi likes him and offers him a part?’
‘Well looking at her she seems quite relaxed about the situation and I know she worries for his future as Jesus because he’s too shy. She feels he is a different person and much more confident as Jesci. We talked about it a lot and she said it made him happy. I don’t think it was much of a surprise to see him dressed as a girl. ‘
Jim looked across at Jesci and her mother. They could have been sisters because his mother wasn’t so old. They both had the legs for show business and maybe Jesci had inherited this feature from mum. Looking at Jesus even without the wig he was as feminine as any other girl who’d auditioned. Whilst Jesus did look like his mother he also reminded him of someone else but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. If he could persuade her to audition maybe Maggi would know who it was. He just had to persuade Jesci to come with them and also the other two wise men for that matter.
By now Jesci seemed more relaxed and Jim smiled across at the pair of them and then stepped forward and took her hand. It was soft and slim. Dare he tell Maggi he’d found a potential lead who was a boy? Should he tell her up front Jesci was a boy or tell her after the audition? Maggi ought to understand more than anybody. But she might not accept it anyway since this was a big venture for Maggi and all her savings had been ploughed into it. Still first step was to talk with Jescis and his mum and to consult with his two partners. In the end he decided it was better for this to be a committee decision than to risk taking all the flack himself.
The music room was now half empty as it was mid-week and the stragglers were younger students. Len had announced two of the singers had been selected for auditions and said a third was checking availability. Jescis seemed to be his protégé so he wasn’t going to see him shy away from this opportunity even if the role was intended for a young woman or teenage girl.
Jack and Johnnie took all the contact details and the two girls selected went away very happy. They’d already called Maggi so it was out of Jims hands. They told Maggi they had 3 options for her and that one was very special and would be a sensation. Maggi was excited at last so she urged them to hurry back. Jack assured Jim that there had been no mention of Jescis being Jesus and as luck would have it they too felt was better left until she saw Jesci and the other two candidates. Johnnie knew Maggi had had some tough times and he felt she might not agree with them so chances were that this would be a failed mission. Jack was neutral but Jim was far more optimistic.
Whilst it was tempting to try they all concluded it was a bit much to expose Jescis to a lot of questions at such an hour but at least she’d accepted and it was agreed Kathy would go with them to help with dress and make up as Jesci’s mum was working. So another call to Maggi and everything was fixed for the morrow.
Jesci tossed and turned all night worrying about the audition and trying to decide if this was a wise course or a foolish one and wondering how she might improve her appearance and remove any male features. She didn’t want anybody to ridicule her and this was a chance to spend more time as Jesci and let Jesus be the one who only comes out now and again. She soon fell asleep trying to remember all the songs she’d heard when she saw the stage production of the Wizard of Oz. Her last thoughts were of what she might wear and if she had time to borrow something more appropriate from one of the girls.
To be continued ………………………………
Three Wise Men & Maggi - Final Chapter
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Three Wise Men and Maggi
By
Julie D Cole
Chapter 4
I edited the first 3 chapters for better flow and finished the story that I hope is improved and is suitable for Christmas.
Jesus is a guy who has the good fortune of being able to enjoy life also as Jesci. Maggi was born a man became an entertainer, female impersonator and lives as a woman. She was very successful but feels she is aging so she decided to sponsor and produce her musical show for the Christmas season and she invested heavily. She lost her leading lady in an accident and the three wise men, who are taking part in the show, go looking for a replacement but time was against them. Maggi insisted they followed a star shining brightly in the sky with the belief it was a sign and that they'd find the savior she needed. They head to York which is always full of surprises.
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Jesus went to bed late and woke up early. He needed the bathroom for sure but also he didn’t need any more sleep because, inside him, Jesci was far too excited. This was her big chance and she hoped she could make her mother proud along with all of her friends who had supported her both as Jesus and as Jesci. As she stooped over the toilet basin she looked in the mirror. Something had happened to her since there was no sadness in the face she saw just softness and a look of satisfaction.
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After a quick shower she took out her overnight bag from beneath her bed and packed a few essentials. She was going to meet this production manager and needed enough things for at least 2 nights. Most things around the flat were not practical for daytime wear as Jesci. She settled for her unisex clothes she wore for college even though it might not hide Jesus to strangers or passers- by. But she’d survived with girl-friends dressed like this and with a little re-styling of her hair she would easily gain access to any exclusive female area.
She managed some toast but that was all she allowed herself. She loved to be slim and she wanted to stay that way forever.
He was brought back out of his reverie by his mobile phone that was flashing a message to see if he was awake. It was mum so he called her to re-assure her and to say he would go and wished she was with him for support. His mum made all the mum excuses and the promises that she’d try her best but to rely on Kathy since she couldn’t afford the time off work. He promised to call her when he arrived and to keep her updated and he had once final attempt to get her to change her mind before he left to meet Kathy and these Three Wise Men at The Stables.
Mum looked in the mirror and burst into tears. She was so happy-sad and so pleased she’d left her bullying partner to support her son when he needed her most. He’d blossomed due to the support and attention he’d received and to her it didn’t matter if she felt more girl than boy and she would help him if he decided to live the rest of his life as her daughter. She was lucky in her mind because she had both. She would not rest all day but she had another reason not to go that she’d not told him and now was not the right time. One day soon she’d tell him.
Kathy took him aside as soon as he appeared at the pub. ‘Let’s make you a little more presentable young lady. Remember first impressions and all that count a lot. You will knock them dead. Len and I are going to help as much as we can so don’t worry. We’ll look after your mum, you just do us all proud young lady. When you get the job we’ll find you somewhere to stay whilst you practice and cover your costs back and forth to University. ’
‘But how can I repay all this kindness. I don’t know why I am suddenly so lucky after the last few years of hell.’
The journey took no time at all as the Three Wise Men laughed and joked and did a few songs they were practising for the show. Jesci snuggled up beside Kathy and joined in sometimes to sing a few bars of songs that she would be singing if she passed the test. Mostly they sang ‘follow the yellow brick road’ and ‘we’re off to see the wizard’ that they changed a little to incorporate Maggi.
Jesci couldn’t help but feel the other two candidates were not getting a fair chance so she thought she might talk to them and tell her she might not be able to take the role even if she won because she had to think of her mother and her target of qualifications to earn enough money to keep them both comfortable. When they met again she was surprised to find they had lots of friends and family with them for moral support.
Kathy just squeezed his hand and whispered ‘just think how privileged they all are. They are all going to see you before you become famous.’
Jesci smiled back and disappeared into Kathys barmaid size bosums. It made her feel a lot better and she would do her best.’
The guys disappeared to meet Maggi whilst Kathy decided to set to work on Jesci. She looked very pretty with the make-up and dress and she topped it with the same wig from the night before.’
Maggi chatted to all three of the candidates and said she wanted them to relax and not to assume a role would be offered because she was still scouring the area and in contact with agents and friends. The auditions were not formal and they could each sing whatever songs they wanted if they’d brought their music along. Jesci had no music. She’d never dreamt it was needed and Kathy kicked herself for not checking.
Jesci sent a text to her mum saying she couldn’t win now because she had not prepared herself. Kathy took hold of the phone. ‘ Too late young lady, you’re on next. Sing what you like and you don’t need music. Anyway Jack will pick up any tune on the piano. It’s his job. He’ll look after you. ‘
She stayed back to talk with her friend for a while to re-assure her everything was OK and then said she’d leave it on so she could listen to Jesci sing.
She was nervous and missed a few notes but Maggi just smiled and shrugged her shoulders. Jesci seemed to freeze and Maggi stood up and walked towards Jack and asked him to play ‘Somewhere over the rainbow.’ She passed the lyrics to Jesci. She knew the song from watching the film with her mum and it always made her mum cry.
She hit every note with perfection and Maggi was suitably impressed. Jescis mum was in tears again as all the salon had insisted she switch on hands free and had been listening with her.
Maggi shook her head and looked at Jack as he turned for her reaction.
‘My oh my oh my young lady. Where on earth did you come from. That was perfect. Please let me hear you sing a little more. Do you have a favorite song so I can check your range? Did you ever act or appear in shows?’
I do know ‘ My heart Goes on ‘ that I like. Jesci turned to Jack and asked if he knew it. He smiled and said ‘If you hum it and see if I know it. Celine comebody or other sang it didn’t she if I recall.’ Maggi smiled since it was her song.
If only Jesci could have seen her mothers face. The proudest mum in the world and enough tears to sink the titanic.
‘Jesci please you’ve got the job’ she said as she turned to the others with a look of apology.’ Can you start today?’
Jesci hesitatated. The phone was still switched on and her mum was shouting as loud as she could but she couldn’t hear. Kathy had propped it against the wall in front of a speaker.
‘Miss May I’d love to take the job but really I can’t. I’m not a girl.’
Maggi looked in surprise ‘ What do you mean not a girl?
Jesci pulled away the clips that held the wig and pulled it from her head. ‘I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come today. I shouldn’t be like this I’m a freak and an imposter.’
If only Jesci knew before she spoke she’d have realised this was not an issue. Maggi stepped towards Jesus and put her arms around him as he burst into tears and sobbed.
His mother just said ‘Oh no Jesus no.’
Maggi took Jesus to a seat in the corner whilst the others took a break. Kathy captured the phone to check if her friend was still on the line. She assured her everything was fine.
Maggi told Jesus all about her background and how she’d had the same challenges as a young boy and gone on to be a star. She offered to help him and said she thought Jesci was beautiful and should perform.
So that was that Jesci was there to stay and her mum was relieved, Kathy burst into tears, Jack, Jim and Johnny danced a jig and sang ‘the witch is dead’.
The two other girls got chorus parts and rehearsals were soon back on schedule. The next 2 weeks were a blurr. Maggi was in her element and worked everybody hard. The key investors visited and were impressed and ticket sales were more than satisfactory. Christmas was always a costly time so the show had to be perfect.
On the opening night The Three Wise men were simply magical but the sweet voice of Jesci brought total silence followed by cheers from a very appreciative audience.
There was a back stage presentation and Maggi was so proud of everybody, especially Jesci. She looked at her several times and then asked if her friends and her mother would like to join them at a party in York. They’d seen the show and were waiting outside for Jesci.
‘Yes they are outside. I hope my mum is there I didn’t find her in the audience. She promised she’d come and her phone is switched off.
Len and Kathy appeared so Jesci ran towards them. She looked every inch a young girl in the dress and red shoes.
‘Have you seen mum I can’t find her? Did she come with you?’
‘Don’t worry Jesci she saw you. She was so proud as we are. ‘
‘Where is she?’
‘She’s over there trying to hide away. Go drag her in please’
Jesci and her mum had a few moments together before they were spotted. Jack pulled them into the centre of the room and gave a short speech with compliments galour for Jesci and turned to her mum. ‘You must be very proud, does she get her talent from you?’
‘ No from her father not from me. I am so proud of her. I knew she had his talent and he's seen her now so I am sure he will be just as proud. I hope this means Jesci can see prejudices have changed and she can be who she wants. ‘
Jesci looked at her with a puzzled expression?
‘Mum don't say that. He hurt you. I don't want him in my life ever again. I hate him mum I hate him.’
‘No Jesci you don't understand. Not your step father, he's out of our lives forever whatever happens.'
The room fell silent and Jesci looked more even puzzled as mum fought back the tears and aided by a tissue from Jack and an arm for support she said ' I mean your father, I hope he can forgive me and help you.’
Maggi stepped forward and took her hands looking into her youthful face. Her hands were not as smooth as hers but her beauty was natural. She didn't need the make-up to cover the cracks like Maggi but both would turn heads anywhere. .
‘Helen! It’s you. And Jesci? Am I ? Is this? Can it be?’
‘Yes, surely you can tell. She is as talented and beautiful as you. Now she needs you more than me’
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‘Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue,
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true.’