I am the Entertainment Tycoon

Chapter 665: The Vanishing Act I



As the last remnants of daylight surrendered to the encroaching twilight, Yukihime High School's festival grounds transformed into a vibrant tapestry of evening festivities. The once bright and bustling areas were now infused with the softer hues of nightfall, casting a serene and anticipatory glow over the scene. The Theater Club was in the final stages of preparation for their most ambitious project of the festival: an original play that represented the culmination of their creativity and hard work.

The stage, which had been a focal point of classic and renowned performances throughout the day, now bore the weight of new expectations. The Theater Club members, with a flurry of focused energy, worked diligently to set the stage for their original production. The transformation from a bustling daytime performance area to a refined evening showcase was marked by an intricate blend of excitement and nervous anticipation.

The stage itself was a marvel of theatrical design. Draped in rich, deep blues and purples, it exuded an aura of mystery and enchantment. A grand backdrop featured a fantastical landscape, with a crescent moon suspended above an ethereal forest. Soft, ambient lights illuminated the set, casting delicate shadows that hinted at the play's otherworldly themes. The intricate set pieces, carefully crafted by the club members, were positioned with precision: a towering, ancient tree stood proudly center stage, flanked by enigmatic ruins and glowing, magical artifacts.

As the sun dipped lower, the theater area was awash with a soft, golden twilight. The audience, already seated in the rows before the stage, buzzed with anticipation. The seats, arranged in a semi-circle around the stage, were filled with festival-goers eager to witness the Theater Club's original creation. The crowd's murmurs created a low hum, punctuated by the occasional excited whisper or the rustling of programs. Theo and his friends, having managed to secure seats in the middle area, were well-positioned to enjoy the performance. Theo leaned forward in his seat, his eyes scanning the stage as he took in the final touches being made. "This is really something," he said, his voice tinged with awe. "They've put so much effort into this. It's amazing to see how everything is coming together."

Ayia, seated beside him, nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. I've heard this play is something completely new, created from scratch by the club members. It's impressive how much dedication they've put into it."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

As the Theater Club members made their final preparations, the scene backstage was a flurry of activity. The director, a student in his third year of high school, was a figure of calm authority amidst the chaos, moved with purpose. Armed with a clipboard and a headset, they oversaw the final adjustments to the set and lighting. The director's eyes darted from one task to another, ensuring that every detail was perfect. The actors, now dressed in elaborate costumes, rehearsed their lines one last time, their voices a mixture of nervous energy and practiced confidence.

In the audience, Theo and his friends continued their discussion, shifting focus to the other attractions available during the night. "After the play, we should definitely check out some of the other nighttime events," Max suggested. "I heard the Haunted Forest is supposed to be incredible. It sounds like it would be a lot of fun."

Sam chimed in, "Yes, and don't forget about the Nighttime Scavenger Hunt. We were so busy doing other things during the day that we forgot about it. It's supposed to be pretty intense, especially with the added challenge of navigating in the dark. It could be a great way to test our wits."

As Theo and his friends discussed their plans, the Theater Club members on stage carried out their final checks. The lighting crew made last-minute adjustments to ensure the ambiance was just right. The soft, ethereal glow of the stage lights bathed the actors in a magical illumination, setting the mood for the play's opening scenes. The sound crew performed a final test of the sound system, ensuring that the ambient music and sound effects would enhance the immersive experience.

Nearby, the stagehands made swift adjustments to the props. A shimmering curtain was adjusted to catch the light just so, while a set piece-a grand, ancient book-was repositioned for optimal visibility. The actors, now fully immersed in their roles, reviewed their cues and rehearsed their movements, their excitement evident despite their nerves. As the final moments before the play's start approached, Theo and his friends' conversation shifted from the other attractions to the play itself. "I'm really curious about what kind of story they've come up with," Theo said. "It's always exciting to see something new, especially when it's been created by students."

Sayuri agreed, "Yes, and the fact that it's an original play makes it even more intriguing. I'm sure it will be a unique experience. I hope it lives up to the hype."

Some people might be wondering what Theo and the other restaurant employees were still doing at the festival if the time for the restaurant to open already passed.

The answer for that was that Theo closed his restaurant in these two days that Aurora's School's festival was happening. He knew that if opened the restaurant, the time he had to enjoy the festival would be halved, so Theo didn't even hesitate to close his super popular restaurant this weekend.

That's why Theo, Ayia, June, and the others were able to enjoy and have fun without worries during this weekend.

The stage was set against a backdrop of dusky blue and purple hues, reflecting the nighttime atmosphere. The Theater Club had transformed the space into a theatrical wonderland, with intricate set designs that hinted at both the glamour and chaos of the theater world. The stage was adorned with richly colored velvet curtains, a detailed backstage area with cluttered props and dressing tables, and a grand proscenium arch that added a touch of classic elegance. As the audience settled into their seats, an air of expectancy crackled through the crowd. The seats were filled with a diverse mix of students, parents, and visitors, all eager to witness the Theater Club's creative effort. Theo and his friends found their seats in the middle area, their excitement mirrored by the general buzz of the crowd.

The house lights dimmed, and a soft overture began to play, setting a dramatic and suspenseful tone. The stage lights gradually brightened, revealing the first scene of The Vanishing Act: the bustling backstage of a theater just days before the talent show. The set depicted a scene of organized chaos, with students rehearsing lines, stagehands moving props, and costumes hanging in disarray. The realistic depiction drew the audience into the world of the play, creating an immediate connection to the unfolding story.