"The Transfurr-mer Mishap"

Response: **Title:** The Leading Pup **INT. LPS WORLD – MAIN SQUARE – DAY** The pets are gathered around, watching Edie rehearse a dramatic monologue. **EDIE VON KEET** *(fluttering her wings, dramatic)* “To bark or not to bark—that is the question!” **ROXIE McTERRIER** *(smiling)* You sure you don’t mean ‘squawk,’ Edie? You’re a parakeet, after all! **EDIE** *(posing proudly)* Perhaps on the outside! But inside, I am a star… And now, the famous director Mr. Featherson wants me to play a DOG in his new play: *A Tail About Town*. **JADE CATKIN** That sounds pawsome! But can you even, you know, act like a dog? **EDIE** For my artistry to truly shine, I must become a dog. Method acting! Commitment! That’s where you come in, Roxie. **ROXIE** Wait, what? Me? **MANNY MOUSER** If I may, I’ve been working on a device that can swap bodies. For scientific purposes. Or, you know, fun. **EDIE** *(eyes sparkling)* Manny, you’re a genius! Roxie, will you help me? Just for a day? **ROXIE** *(reluctant but supportive)* Okay, Edie. But only if you promise not to scratch behind my ears. I hear that's itchy. ---- **INT. MANNY’S WORKSHOP – MOMENTS LATER** The pets gather around Manny’s latest invention: the “Transfurr-mer.” **MANNY** Just stand on these pads. Flip this lever here, and—presto! Bodyswap-a-rama. **EDIE** Ready, Roxie? **ROXIE** Let’s do it. For theatre! *(They step on the pads. Manny flips the lever. A flash!)* **EDIE (now in Roxie’s body)** *Pant*, *pant*! Oh my paws, I feel so… DOGGY! **ROXIE (now in Edie’s body)** And I feel so, uh… FLAPPY. How do I control all these feathers? **JADE** You two look… different. But also kind of the same. This is weirding me out. ---- **MONTAGE – EDIE (IN ROXIE’S BODY) TRYING OUT DOG THINGS:** — Sniffing hydrants. — Chasing her own tail. — Barking (awkwardly at first, then enthusiastically). — Playing fetch. JADE, Quincilla, Trip, and the rest watch and laugh. **EDIE (as Roxie, panting happily)** I’ve NEVER felt so in touch with my canine side! ---- **INT. LPS THEATER – NIGHT OF THE SHOW** Edie (still in Roxie’s body) and Roxie (still in Edie’s body) wait backstage. **ROXIE (as Edie)** Okay, show’s in an hour. Let’s swap back now. **MANNY** No prob! Just let me— *(He pulls the lever. The machine sputters, sparks, emits a ‘pop’ and fizzles out.)* **MANNY** Uh-oh. **EDIE (as Roxie, panicked)** What do you mean, “uh-oh?!” **MANNY** I mean… the Transfurr-mer’s fried! I’ll need hours to fix it! **ROXIE (as Edie)** But the play starts in thirty minutes! **JADE** So… Edie goes on as Roxie, and Roxie as Edie? **EDIE (as Roxie, nervously wagging tail)** I… I suppose I have to. That’s what a true star does! ---- **ONSTAGE – CURTAIN OPENS** The pets watch from the wings. Edie (in Roxie’s body) enters, cheeks puffed with nervous energy. **EDIE (as Roxie, trembling then proud)** “To wag or not to wag… that is the question. Whether ’tis nobler to chase the stick of fate— Or to nap in a sunbeam most resplendent!” The crowd erupts in applause. She glances side stage; Roxie (as Edie) gives her a feathery thumbs-up. **DIRECTOR FEATHERSON (whispering backstage)** Bravo! What method! What authenticity! ---- **INT. BACKSTAGE – AFTER THE SHOW** Manny runs in waving a fixed part. **MANNY** Got it! Ready to swap you back! He flips the lever, a flash—Edie and Roxie are themselves again. **EDIE (relieved, stretching wings)** Ahh! I missed these feathers. **ROXIE** And I missed my tail! Edie, you were amazing! **EDIE** It’s all thanks to you, Roxie. And Manny, and… Well, being a dog is exhausting! I think I’ll take a quick cat nap. **JADE** But you’re a parakeet. **EDIE (curled up, yawning)** Not tonight… I’m everypet. **ALL LAUGH as the curtain falls.** **END.**