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Post by celticbear on Mar 8, 2012 22:01:06 GMT -5
Poor Ryan! Sad and sweet at the same time! Please don't keep Cori and Ryan apart for very long!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2012 22:26:26 GMT -5
Awww. Poor Ryan!
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Post by HburgEagle44 on Mar 9, 2012 1:33:56 GMT -5
Wow. So sad... so sweet. Thank goodness for George... Update!!
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Post by onyxfyrefly on Mar 9, 2012 18:56:32 GMT -5
When I started this story the last update I posted was the end. I had no idea that no one would even read the story let alone loyally comment. You guys have kept me going and I hope you like the next bit. Cori and Ryan still have several obstacles ahead of them and I hope you'll all stick around for the ride. ________________________________________________________________________________
The Fall tour was difficult for Ryan to put it mildly. He missed Cori so much that it was physically painful. They spoke on the phone often, e-mailed nearly every day, and Ryan had even flown out to see her for a couple of days before the tour had kicked off.
Still, the separation gnawed at him and he had to force himself to get through each day. When he would hear a funny story or see something interesting he still turned to tell her, his heart aching when he remembered that they weren’t even in the same state.
Emily had remarked that his costumes were in pristine condition and Ryan hadn’t revealed that he took extra care with the garments because he couldn’t bear to see anyone but Cori working on them. He knew it sounded crazy, but the image of her hunched over a mound of material with a dozen straight pins sticking out of her mouth was one of his favorites and always brought a smile to his face.
Usually Ryan was sad to see a tour come to a close but he was practically counting the days until this one ended. It was great to see the fans each night but without Cori he felt like a part of him was missing.
He was picking at his lunch, his appetite was nonexistent, when his cell phone rang. Looking at the screen he smiled. “Hello, beautiful.”
Cori laughed and the sound made Ryan’s heart skip a beat. “If you saw me now you’d quickly change your mind.”
Ryan smiled. “I doubt that. How have you been? I haven’t heard from in you in a few days and I was getting worried.”
“Sorry about that, things have been absolutely insane.”
“Anything I can do?”
“No, but thanks for the offer.” Cori was silent for a moment before she spoke again. “Actually, there’s a reason why I called you.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Well…I have good news and I have bad news.”
Ryan felt a little seed of worry begin to grow in his stomach. “What’s the good news?”
“We finally have a date for the showcase.”
“That’s great!” The date for the show had been changed more times than Ryan could remember and he knew it was driving Cori absolutely mad. “When is it?”
“December 18th.”
Ryan’s smile widened. “That’s perfect! That’s the day after the last show of the tour and we’re closing in Boston so I’ll be able to come and see it!” Cori didn’t reply and Ryan checked to make sure he hadn’t lost the call. “Cori? What’s wrong?”
“Well…the bad news is that the show is sold out.” Ryan felt the bottom of his stomach drop out at her words. “I was going to reserve tickets for all of you but they went so fast that I couldn’t. The only tickets I could get were for the investor. Ryan, I’m sorry.”
The singer sighed and tried to mask his disappointment. “It’s okay. It’s wonderful that the show is sold out, after all of the hard work you’ve put into it I wouldn’t expect anything less.” He took a moment to compose himself before he spoke again. “Can I still come and see you?”
“There’s going to be an after party and I would love to see you but I have meetings the rest of the week. Aside from the party we wouldn’t have a chance to see each other.”
Ryan’s head fell back and he scrubbed a hand across his eyes. “I’ll come for the party. I’ll see if Sharon will ship my luggage back home and I’ll take the train.”
“Ryan, I’m sorry. I wanted you to see the show and I had no idea the tickets would go so fast. You should have heard Rebecca, she was almost in tears because she wanted Keith to see her dance.” He could hear the slight tremble in her voice which meant she was trying to keep herself from crying. “This is my fault, I should have reserved them before they went on sale. I wasn’t expecting to sell out in a matter of hours.”
“Calm down, love. It’s okay, really it is. I would have loved to see the show but as long as I get to see you it’ll be more than enough .” From across the room he saw George tap his watch and he nodded to indicate that he was on his way. “Look, I have to get going but don’t stress yourself over this.”
Cori sighed. “You’re right. Take care of yourself, Ryan, and finish your lunch. Neil says you haven’t been eating lately.”
“Now you have spies?” he asked with a laugh.
“Well someone has to keep you in line since I’m not there to boss you around.” She chuckled then paused. “I miss you.”
“I miss you too but I’ll see you in a few weeks. I’ve gotta run but take care. I love you, Cori.”
“Have a good show, talk to you soon.”
Ryan hung up and ran a hand through his hair. He was pretty sure his day couldn’t get much worse.
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After the sound check Ryan went to find Sharon. “Do you have a minute?”
The producer turned and was shocked at the expression on Ryan’s face. “Of course. What’s wrong?”
“Cori called and her show is sold out, she said she wasn’t able to get tickets for any of us.”
Sharon put a comforting hand on his arm. “I’m sorry to hear that, I was looking forward to seeing it.”
“Me too. Anyway, can I ask for a favor?”
“Certainly.”
“I was hoping to take the train to New York after our last show in Boston. Cori said there would be a party after the show and I’d love to see her before the holidays. Do you think you can have my luggage shipped back to The Moy for me?”
“Of course and I’ll even get the train tickets for you.” She paused and smiled at the singer. “I’m proud of you, Ryan. I know these past few months haven’t been easy but you’ve handled them well. If you ever need to talk please know that my door is always open.”
Ryan smiled and nodded. “Thanks, Sharon, I appreciate it.”
“Anytime, lad. Now try and get some rest before the show.”
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2012 19:10:50 GMT -5
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Post by HburgEagle44 on Mar 9, 2012 20:38:14 GMT -5
Aww so sad but glad that Ryan's going anyway..... update!!!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2012 21:31:26 GMT -5
Not eating? Now, that's not good. Don't let grief get the better of ye!!!
Aw, the bit about how he couldn't bear to see anyone else fiddling with his clothes made me smile. ;D
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Post by celticbear on Mar 9, 2012 23:20:36 GMT -5
I liked the clothes bit also! Happy that Sharon is going to get the train ticket for Ryan and ship the rest of his bags back to the Moy! HOPE ALL GOES WELL WHEN RYAN SEES CORI AGAIN AND GOOD FOR HER FOR EMPLOYING NEIL AS A SPY!
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Post by onyxfyrefly on Mar 10, 2012 20:16:44 GMT -5
“Okay, lads and ladies, gather around!” called Sharon. They were standing on the stage of the empty theatre where they had just finished their last show of the season. “Instead of our usual wrap party I have something else planned.” She pulled out a poster and everyone leaned in to get a closer look.
‘C.J. Studio Presents: The Lost Christmas Eve.’
“Cori’s showcase?” asked Ryan, his heart suddenly racing. “But she said the show was sold out.”
Sharon grinned. “It is and it has been for weeks. What Cori failed to mention was that she was part of the cause of the sellout. She reserved a rather large section of seats for all of you.”
Ryan’s jaw hit the floor at Sharon’s words. Part of him wanted to strangle Cori for lying and making him worry about missing the show but the other part wanted to kiss her senseless. Luckily the affectionate part of his brain won out.
“So we’re going to the show?” asked Keith with a stunned expression. He had been heartbroken when Rebecca had called with the news of the sellout and was still trying to process everything.
“Yes. Cori and I have been working on this for ages. She wanted you all to be there and since we’re also the newest sponsor for her studio I thought it was only appropriate. She sent enough tickets for all of you, crew included, but please don’t lose them.”
Sharon passed out the envelopes, praying there were enough. Cori had thought of everything though and there were just enough tickets to go around. The group started to disperse when she stopped them. “Cori also included a message with the tickets. She said not to get too dressed up because there is going to be an after party to end all after parties and the first round is on her.”
“Sign me up!” said Paul before heading towards the busses.
As Ryan walked he slid his finger under the flap of the envelope. Most of the other envelopes had been blank but one had his name on it. Inside was a folded piece of paper and he paused just inside the stage door to read it.
Ryan,
By now you’ve discovered my little secret and I’m so sorry that I lied to you. I wanted it to be a surprise and I hope that I didn’t cause you too much stress. I hope you can forgive me enough to enjoy the show but I’ll understand if you’re still angry.
I didn’t lie about the week full of meetings and after the party I will have to head straight home. I wish I could spend more time with you but duty calls. I even considered visiting Ireland over the holidays but I will be in New Mexico with Melanie and her family. But let’s not think about that…
I miss you so much and I can’t wait see you in New York. Get some rest and I hope you like the show!
XoXo
Cori
Ryan smiled to himself and read the note again before slipping it into his pocket. He knew that Cori had wanted to surprise him and she had certainly succeeded. With a smile on his face and a spring in his step he headed towards the busses knowing that in less than a day he would finally get to see his love again.
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Post by celticbear on Mar 10, 2012 21:25:06 GMT -5
Onyx! Cori and Sharon sure know how to keep a secret! Good thing Ryan's affecionate side won out! This is going to be some show and party afterward! JUST WISH RYAN AND CORI COULD BE TOGETHER FOR CHRISTMAS!
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Post by HburgEagle44 on Mar 10, 2012 22:07:06 GMT -5
Aww that was sooo cute!! Good for Cori!! Now update so we can see the party to end all parties!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2012 22:18:56 GMT -5
Aw, Cori, you nasty lil fink! Oh well, least he gets to see her! So very excited for them to be reunited!
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Post by onyxfyrefly on Mar 11, 2012 15:50:06 GMT -5
The next night a row of black SUVs pulled up in front of the hotel and the Celtic Thunder cast and crew piled in. Cori and Sharon had pulled every string that existed in order to host the showcase in the famous Radio City Music Hall. Ryan still remembered how his ears rang for hours after Cori called him screaming with excitement.
Stepping out of the SUVs the group stopped in shock. It didn’t look like a dance show, it was more like a Hollywood premiere. There was a special red and white stripped carpet that looked like a candy cane running up to the theatre. One side of the walkway was lined with screaming fans while the other was lined with the press.
“Wow,” said Damian as he came to stand next to George and Paul. “Cori sure knows how to throw a party.”
“Did you really expect any less?” replied the Scotsman before heading down the carpet.
When the five singers came into the view of the fans the screaming got even louder. Apparently C.J. Studios was very popular with the Thunderheads. The guys were gracious, stopping to sign autographs and take pictures with as many fans as possible before being herded towards the theatre. Luckily Sharon was willing to stop and talk to the press so they could spend more time with their fans. Soon they were entering the darkened theatre and being shown to their seats.
Glancing around Ryan felt his heart swell with pride for Cori. The place was packed! He knew that Celtic Thunder could sell out a house but apparently Cori had no problem doing the same. Glancing up at the VIP box he saw a handsome man in his mid-forties wearing a very expensive suit. Ryan assumed that was the investor.
About twenty minutes later the lights dimmed and Cori walked out onto the stage to thunderous applause. Ryan’s breath caught at the sight of his love. She was dressed in a simple blue blouse with black slacks and Ryan could see her ever present heels peeking out from under the hem. Her hair was in several small braids that reached the crown of her head while the rest hung free in soft waves. A simple silver headband completed the ensemble and winked in the light as she spoke.
“Good evening everyone, thank you so much for coming. You have do idea how beautiful you all look from here. When I founded C.J. Studios I just wanted to give people the chance to dance. I wanted to create a place where it didn’t matter what your race, religion, skill level, financial situation, or any of that was. And I got lucky. Now there are studios around the world and I hope to leap across more borders in the future.”
She paused and smiled shyly as the audience applauded. “Tonight is unique. I have had the privilege of bringing at least one dancer from every studio across the globe. You won’t just see Christmas in New York tonight, you won’t just see Christmas in America, you’ll see Christmas from an international perspective. Now, enough talking. On with the show!”
As soon as the curtain rose the audience was enraptured. The first dance was performed by Cori’s “munchkins”, a group of eight year old children who showed an impressive amount of skill. Yes, they were adorable but they were also disciplined and strove to meet Cori’s standards with each step.
Each dancer or group brought their own unique style to the performance and made the showcase feel like it was a dance show with Christmas music, not a simple Christmas show with dancing.
Ryan felt his heart swell with pride for Cori as the night progressed. Every number was more impressive than the last and he now understood why Cori hadn’t been able to finish the tour. The dances were so intricate and the costumes were so detailed that there was no way she would have been able to achieve this level of entertainment while traveling across the country.
He was pulled from his reverie as Cori’s partner in crime, Melanie, took to the stage to close the first act. Her performance was absolutely electric and the audience was on their feet before the curtain began to drop.
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The lights came up and some people headed out into the lobby for the intermission. Most of the Celtic Thunder group stayed but they stood to stretch their legs and chat about the show.
“That was incredible!” Ryan exclaimed while standing and leaning against the seats in front of him.
“I know! I didn’t know that people could dance like that!” agreed Damian.
“Is Cori going to dance?” asked Paul while flipping through the program.
“I don’t know,” replied Ryan. “She hasn’t mentioned it. When is Becca up?” he asked Keith.
“She’s in the last dance before the finale,” the surfer stated. “And from the way she was talking I have a feeling that it is going to be something special.”
“Knowing Cori I wouldn’t be surprised at a twist or two,” stated George before sitting back down.
The lights flashed once then dimmed five minutes later and every got ready for the next act.
The second act showcased the dancers from the studios across the globe. The audience was enraptured by the various performers and their native dances. From a traditional Aboriginal dance from the Sydney studio to a kicked up line dance from Texas, the show allowed the diversity of C.J. studios to shine.
Keith squirmed with excitement as the lights dimmed. The curtain rose and Rebecca was standing on the stage with five of her classmates. The music started and the rather large Irish portion of the crowd cheered in appreciation when an upbeat version of ‘Christmas in Killarney’ started to play. The group moved as one as they clogged, their shoes striking against the floor in perfect synchronization, their heads held high as they danced. They each had a small solo and Rebecca managed to keep a straight face as a loud ‘whoop’ from her brother echoed around the hall.
The song ended but the curtain did not fall, instead a very familiar beat bled from the speakers and the cast and crew of Celtic Thunder glanced at each other with excitement. The six dancers paired off, with Rebecca and her partner in the middle, as the drum battle from 'Raggle Taggle Gypsy' started. Rebecca and her partner started, keeping with the intricate notes of the drums as they danced. Back and forth they went, each set more complicated than the next, each dancer focusing on each intricate step. The group finished together and held their hands high as the audience erupted in applause. Keith was on his feet first and most of the audience followed as the curtain slowly sank.
The audience was just getting settled when the curtain rose a final time. More than one set of eyebrows were raised when they saw the four male and female dancers on the stage. The girls were all in pointe shoes but that’s where the traditional look stopped. The pointe shoes were all different colors; red, white, pink, and blue, and their outfits were far from traditional. Some of their tights were ripped, some of the tops were cut offs, some of the shirts had what looked like claw marks across the back. The male dancers were dressed similarly; their dance pants had holes and cuts in them, some of them had sleeveless shirts, one of them wasn’t even wearing a shirt. Overall, the piece screamed Cori.
“Carolize, understand? Turn it up, Christmas jam!” a voice exclaimed and the dancers began to move. Even though the dance was upbeat and fun, it was obvious that these were some of the best dancers within the company. Their technique was flawless and every move was performed with unmatched precision.
The music slowed for a moment and the eight dancers each hit a pose on either side of the stage as a group of five girls came strutting out, led by none other than Cori. Ryan couldn’t help but put two fingers between his lips to whistle at her appearance. He was shocked to see her on the stage and she also looked amazing. Her point shoes were black and instead of her traditional pink or white tights, she wore fishnets. She had on a very short pair of black shorts with the word ‘Nice’ plastered across the back. Her leotard was bright red and had the word ‘Naughty’ scrawled across it. Her makeup was dark and dramatic, and somehow she had woven thin silver threads through her hair.
Now that Cori had made her appearance, the group really began to show off. The music was loud with a hard rock edge and they played it up. At one point Cori and three other girls were lifted over the heads of their male partners and spun, looking like they were flying, before somehow sliding down into their partner’s arms to sink into the splits then be pulled back up in one smooth motion.
The dance was so intricate that it was impossible for the audience to capture every detail but they were so entertained that they didn’t care. All too soon the dance was reaching its exciting crescendo and after a dizzying series of turns each dancer hit a final pose. Cori stood center stage with her hands pointed straight into the air, her fingers forming the famous ‘rock on’ symbol.
The audience was on its feet before the last note had faded and the response was deafening. The group moved to the center of the stage and the guys bowed while the girls dipped into the traditional ballet curtsey. They stepped back and starting with the young children from the first piece, each soloist or group took their turn center stage.
The entire Celtic Thunder group whooped, whistled and cheered when Rebecca and her group stepped forward causing the young redhead to blush. No one would have been surprised if the rafters would have crashed down when Cori stepped forward. The other dancers literally had to push her to the front of the stage and the audience went berserk when she dipped low. She called everyone forward and as one they took a final bow before the curtain fell one last time.
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Post by HburgEagle44 on Mar 11, 2012 16:27:35 GMT -5
Wow, sounds incredible!!!!! That's amazing!! update!!!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2012 19:47:58 GMT -5
Wow, you REALLY thought out those dance routines! I'm impressed!!!
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