"There you are, Ben!" Winnie said as Ben floated into the auditorium for the special assembly. "I was worried you might miss today's big announcement about the school play."
"Me too," Ben said. "My uncle Bert is staying with Sid and me while my parents are away for a few weeks. He made us a huge breakfast. I couldn't leave without eating it first." He sat down between Winnie and Mog. "So what play do you think we're going to do this year?"
Jen grinned. "I heard it's going to be High Ghoul Musical!"
"Well, I hope it's a drama," Gaby said.
"Gaby's a great actress," Winnie said to Ben. "You should've seen her in last year's play."
"Quiet down, students!" Mr. Freaky said into the microphone. "I know we're all excited to find out what the play will be. But first, I have a surprise announcement." His three noses wiggled. He took out a handkerchief to blow them. "Mrs. Howl will not be directing the play this spring."
"What?" several monsters cried. Mrs. Howl always directed Monster Academy plays.
"I know you're disappointed," Mr. Freaky said. "But you won't be for long. Monster Academy's most famous graduate has come back to direct this year's play. Please welcome . . . Victoria Lafang!"
"Victoria Lafang?" Winnie gasped. "She's my favorite actress!"
"Shh!" Three witches sitting behind Winnie hissed at her as a tall and glamorous vampire walked onto the stage. She had long, silky black hair, blue eyes, and wore a sparkling gown.
Ben was shocked. He'd never met a Hollyweird celebrity before.
Other monsters hooted and cheered. One mummy clapped so wildly, his wrapping started to unravel.
A werewolf howled. "Ms. Lafang! Can I take a selfie with you?"
"Me too!" a fish monster shouted.
"Monsters!" Mr. Freaky said. "Please behave for our guest!" He blew his noses again. Then he handed the microphone to Victoria.
"Hello, Monster Academy, darlings!" Victoria Lafang said. "I'm so happy to be back here. I have many happy memories of the days I spent haunting these halls."
Everyone clapped politely.
"Making movies is lots of fun," Victoria said. "But being an actor takes hard work and dedication, plus a love of the theater. I've come back to share my wisdom with all you beautiful young monsters!"
Everyone clapped again.
"And now . . ." Victoria took a deep and dramatic pause. "The Monster Academy play will be . . ."
The auditorium became silent. Ben heard a zombie's drool splatter on the floor.
"Macdeath by William Quakespeare!" Victoria said.
"I love Quakespeare!" Ben exclaimed. "My uncle has taken me to see a bunch of Quakespeare plays. My favorites are Romeo and Ghouliet and Midsummer Nightmare."
But some of the other students didn't seem very enthusiastic.
The mummy looked up from rewrapping his arm. "Quakespeare? The language in his plays is too old-fashioned."
"I was hoping for a musical," Jen said sadly. "And besides, there are a lot of superstitions around Macdeath. I don't think it's a good choice."
Like Ben, the three witches behind Winnie were excited. One of them, a redhead named Sonia, tapped Winnie on the shoulder. "Sorry, Winnie," she said with a smirk. "But don't even bother to audition. My friends and I are going to get the three witch parts."
Winnie scowled. She was about to snap back a reply when Mog waved his hand in the air.
"Ooh, ooh. Ms. Lafang, will there be sword fights in the play?"
"Absolutely!" Victoria replied. "There are several."
"Cool!" Mog said.
"My life in Hollyweird is very busy." Victoria smiled. "But I couldn't resist the chance to come back and work with you beautiful monsters. As you'll learn, there's nothing like working in the theater. You can pick up scripts on the way out. Auditions will be tomorrow before school, and rehearsals begin the next day!"
After the assembly Ben floated out of the auditorium with Winnie, Gaby, and Waldo.
"I hope I get the part of Lady Macdeath," Gaby said.
"I bet you will," Winnie said.
"What part are you going to audition for, Winnie?" Ben asked.
Winnie shrugged. "I wanted to sing in a musical. I think I'll do stage crew instead."
"Me too," Waldo said.
"I had been thinking about stage crew," Ben said. "But I've always wanted to be in a Quakespeare play. I might audition for the lead role—Macdeath."
"Really?" Waldo said in surprise. "You forgot all your lines during our science presentation last week. Are you sure you can act in a play?"
Ben shrugged. "I know I'm not the best at memorizing stuff. But acting in Macdeath sounds really fun." He grinned. "Who knows? Maybe we'll all become famous actors one day like Victoria Lafang!"