Vallo Musical: Abi (Abi stares intently at the canvas as a smooth R&B intro she’s much too young to remember starts up. Even if she recognized Toni Braxton’s “Unbreak My Heart,” she would be too focused on her work to notice it. The painting just isn’t working the way she wants it to, and she’s only got a week before she has to bring it to class. She doesn’t even notice when she begins to sing.)
Don’t leave me in all of this paint It feels like my brush has a haint Nothing I try works out No matter what I do, it just ain’t
(NOW Abi notices that she’s singing, because that last note went way too low for her. Her eyes go wide, but she can’t stop what has begun. The song continues, STILL way too low for her.)
I need this work To come out right Get it together, this thing is due Friday!
(The chorus goes a little better - Abi’s not really a belter or an R&B singer, but this is at least in her range, and she is feeling the emotion.)
Unbreak my art! Make me an artist again! Undo these brushstrokes I made when I thought I’d decided the source of the light! Uncry these tears ‘Cause I don’t have all night Unbreak my art!
(Abi sets her brush in the water cup with the others as she gets ready to pace dramatically. Good thing she decided to paint outside today; there would definitely not have been space for this in her room.)
Take back that sad little line Bring back the joy to my life Don’t leave me here with these tears When I think of my critique I just can’t get The concept And execution to align This project is going to kill me
Unbreak my art! Make me an artist again Undo these brushstrokes I made when I thought I’d decided the source of the light! Uncry these tears! ‘Cause I don’t have all night Unbreak my art! (And now it goes way too high for her; Abi squeaks and is suitably impressed with the range of whoever is supposed to be singing this song. A Spanish-style guitar solo begins and Abi finds herself compelled to dance, a classic musical ballet break. Is she a ballet dancer? She is not, but she’s flexible enough that the magic can move her more or less as intended until it’s time to sing again.)
Don’t leave me in all this paint I should let it wash out in the rain! Bring back some skill for my hands–
(Abi is visibly startled as she launches back into the chorus without a verse to precede it.) Unbreak my art! Make me an artist again Undo these brushstrokes I made when I thought I’d decided the source of the light Uncry these tears! ‘Cause I don’t have all night! Unbreak my–
(Traditionally this song ends with an improvisational vamp and a fade, but this is a musical. Abi faces forward, arms out to fling her canvas aside, and belts out the last line)
Unbreak my art!
(Shocked and exhausted by this emotional number, Abi falls to her knees and realizes that Vallo must once again be up to something. She’d probably better tell someone.)