Scene 5: The Transition – Broadway’s Magic Awakens

(Following “What If I Fall?”, Baxter wipes his eyes and steps deeper into the abandoned backstage area of the Broadway theater. Dust swirls in the air as old set pieces lean against the walls, forgotten by time. Then—his eyes catch something in the shadows: a faded, golden marquee letter.)

(It’s a capital “B.” Not just any B, but an ornate, shimmering B, almost taller than Baxter himself. The bulbs are dim, but there’s something about it… something electric. He steps closer.)

Baxter (whispering):
“What are you doin’ back here, huh? You used to shine, didn’t ya?”

(He reaches out hesitantly. The moment his paw touches the letter, the bulbs flicker, then glow bright—brighter than anything he’s ever seen! Wind rushes through the theater, pages of old scripts flying into the air. The walls around him seem to warp, the stage floor bending like waves beneath his feet!)

(The golden light explodes, swallowing Baxter whole. He tumbles backward, flipping, spinning, his tiny body hurtling through time and space. Music echoes all around him—choruses from classic Broadway hits swirl past, dancers in top hats, neon lights flashing… and then—BAM!)

(Baxter tumbles through the glowing, time-warping void, music and Broadway lights spinning around him. His tiny body twists, turns—until suddenly—BAM! He lands hard on a stage. The lights are blinding. The crowd is silent. The orchestra swells. And then—he hears it.)

“Germany was having trouble
What a sad, sad story
needed a new leader to restore
Its former glory..”

(Baxter blinks. He’s standing in a tailored, sparkling suit. His paws are gripping a cane. His feet are positioned just so. A spotlight is on him. The orchestra is waiting on him. The audience is watching.)

The Realization Hits

(Baxter looks to his right. There’s a chorus of dancers in German military-style showgirl outfits. He looks to his left. A man in lederhosen is beaming at him. He looks down at himself—he is in full costume.)

(And then, he hears a panicked whisper from the wings.)

Leo Bloom (stage whisper):  “Go, go, GO! The song, Baxter, the song!!”

(Baxter freezes. Then realization slams into him—he isn’t just in the show. He is playing the lead role!)

(And in the split second before panic can set in—the orchestra conductor raises his baton and—)

THE MUSIC BEGINS!

Baxter Performs!  (A hush falls. The first verse is his. The audience leans in. And then—)

“I was just a paperhanger, no one more obscure…”

(His voice wavers—but the melody carries him. The music is in him. He remembers all those hours wiff his brothers, playing Broadway records, imagining this moment… and suddenly—he leans into it.)

“Got a phone call from the Reichstag, told me I was Führer!”

(The audience ERUPTS in laughter—not in horror, not in fear, but in glee. He’s nailing it. He’s actually nailing it.)

(And then—he dances. He spins the cane. He struts forward. His paws move effortlessly through the number, as if he’s rehearsed this a thousand times. The chorus joins in. The stage bursts into dazzling color!)

“Springtime for Baxter—and Broadway!”

(The entire cast whirls around him, the choreography snapping into place like magic. He hits every cue, every note. The spotlights sweep over him, bathing him in golden glory. He is, for this moment, the biggest star on the biggest stage in the world. He is Broadway.)

Final Pose—Thunderous Applause

(As the song reaches its climax, Baxter is lifted onto the shoulders of two showgirls. The music hits its final, triumphant note. The entire ensemble poses, frozen in a dazzling Broadway tableau. And then—)

THE CROWD GOES WILD.

(The audience is on their feet. They are cheering, laughing, stomping, clapping! The applause shakes the theater. The spotlight lingers on Baxter, who is breathing heavily, his heart pounding, his little paws shaking wiff excitement. For the first time in his life—he knows what it feels like to own the stage.)

(Then—)

The Marquee B Glows Again!

(The moment of triumph is short-lived—because suddenly, the magic is pulling him again! The golden light swirls, wrapping around his body. The cast watches in shock as Baxter starts to glow—)

Leo Bloom (panicking):
“Wait! We need him for Act Two!”

(But it’s too late—wiff a blinding flash, Baxter is whisked away once more…)