• • •
LIGHTS. CAMERA. ACTION!
The room was dark, for dramatic effect, as the audience watched in anticipation of what was about to happen.
"The stage is set. The people are poised. The world is watching… yes, and we promise you nothing but a jam-packed, fun, tasty and tantalizing voyage through utopia as we journey across the various landscapes and horizons of the world…"
The lights suddenly focused on the silhouette standing before the massive crowd in the auditorium. People gasped and cheered as a familiar showed up in front of them.
"I'm Matt Winters, and for the next two months, we are about to embark on a travail full of ups and downs, twists and turns, a journey which only the brave and the bold will suffice, and with which there can only be one person standing at the end of it all,"
"If the auditions for this show were anything to go by folks, we have a massive competition ahead of us. Thousands of people sent in videos of their auditions, just to be part of the amazing experience of the first ever installment of the show that is: World Tour Drama!"
The crowd gave a raucous cheer in response.
"Our panel of judges sat down to pile through the countless videos, over sleepless nights, some literally ran on coffee, digging and searching for the criterion of people that would be 'worthy' enough for this competition."
"Thousands were trimmed down to hundreds, then seventy, then fifty, then…the final twenty-six. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a smooth process, and the judges had their fair share of heated arguments over who to drop and who to select before they finally reached a consensus. But it has been worth the wait…"
More cheers followed soon after. Matt looked sleek in his white suit, with matching white trousers and shoes, and his dark afro curls looked as if it had been in a fight with hair gel and had lost. It was unsurprising, because Matt always looked good. And if he was hosting this show, the viewer ratings would skyrocket to the roof.
"Tonight, I have the privilege of officially showcasing half of our contestants, whiles my co-host, Jenna Taylor, will take on the remaining contestants in our second part of the reveal tomorrow. Ladies a gentlemen, a round of applause to the outstanding work by our amazing and hardworking panelists and team who made this show possible," Matt said warmly.
"World Tour Drama is the best thing that happened to the universe. Forget the World Cup, this is nothing you've ever seen before. It is going to be an action-packed, entertainment-piling-upon- entertainment for each and every one watching this show and of course: drama personified, everywhere you look…"
Matt took a dramatic pause and cleared his throat.
"Africa, North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, even Antarctica- who knows where we could be heading? Make sure you're watching to find out! Each task in every region of the world will encompass some daunting challenges, a test of their metal, wits and ego, pride and prejudice for the ultimate prize: A Hundred Million Dollars and the eternal bragging rights… you essentially appraise your status to that of a millionaire!"
The entire room was swept in a wave of utter amazement. Matt grinned as the applause continued.
"You heard that right, the prize money is mouth-watering, and there for the taking- and I have some lucky contestants who will be in the hot seat tonight as we get to know their story and how they got the chance to compete for the jackpot."
Matt took a seat on a cozy white couch, the lights displaying the rows of seats directly facing the dark and handsome host.
"Well, I know you've been itching for this, I know the contestants are certainly dying to dive in, so without a further ado, let us give it up for our contestants!"
Viewers watched in anticipation, as the lights focused on a panel to the side of the wall.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Janeira Sosa, from Sao Paulo, Brazil!"
"Paris Summers, from Ontario, Canada!"
"Lazaar Valestro, from Sicily, Italy!"
"Kofi Andoh, from Accra, Ghana!"
"Princeton Holloway, from New York, the United States!"
"Destiny James-Summerville, from California, the United States!"
"Actress and singer, Lily J!"
The cheers went up a dozen decibels.
"Famous TikToker and YouTuber, Via Mac-Morris!"
"The guy with the body of steel, Dutchman JT Cruiser!"
"The youngest person on this show, who just turned eighteen last week, Phoenix from Auckland, New Zealand!"
"Akiko Sakai, right from the land of the rising sun, Japan!"
"Zee Douglas, from the Caribbean Island of Barbados!"
"And last but not least, the young British business go-getter, Brandon Chandler…"
The contestants waved as their names were called and took their seats.
Well, not everyone.
Paris ran across the stage and went over to forcefully hug a surprised Matt Rivers. And she was not letting go either. She squealed with excitement as Matt uncomfortably stood there.
"EEEEEEEE!" She cried in excitement. "I am on an actual stage with the Matt Rivers!OMGGGGGGGGGG!" she waved at the camera in excitement as she finally let go of the shocked host.
"Hey Mum! Hey Dad! Hey Junior! Paris is going to be a star!"
"Yeah, she sure is," Matt said dryly, straightening his suit. He indicated for her to take a seat, which she finally obliged, squealing all the way.
Via was also standing, shock on her face, the moment Brandon had also stepped on stage. He also paused in a mid-wave as their eyes locked.
"You?!" He blurted out, disgusted.
"YOU?!" Via was louder.
*VIA'S POV:*
Brandon is my ex. We broke up like a month ago because he said he had 'somewhere else to be' and his 'plans had changed'.
Well look who just showed up in your plans like an unexpected period, Brandon Chandler!
*BRANDON'S POV:*
I didn't want Via to know I was coming to World Tour Drama, because I knew it would hurt her feelings- and I was just standing on stage wondering, how the absolute FREAKING HELL, she was staring at me in her gorgeous gown.
You know how that feels like? Re-opening a wound, I tell you. A wound you hoped would just heal and become a scar, but no, the doctor says you need a tetanus injection…
[NB: POVs are taken during and after the show ;)]
***
"LIAR!" Via barked.
"You're a bigger liar," Brandon retorted lamely.
Before any more words could be said, Princeton urged for calm.
"I do not understand what is going on here, but we can have a brief after the show, please," he said.
The crowd applauded as he took his seat the moment Via and Brandon shuffled into theirs, far, far away from each other. The men were seated at the top, and the ladies at the bottom.
Matt took a long exhale, chuckling. "Well, that was quite the starter,"
The crowd joined in the laughter, along with some nervous ones from the contestants.
"So, let's get to know tonight's contestants, shall we?" Matt said with a grin. "JT, you seem like a really cool guy, and an intimidating figure,"
"I get that a lot," JT spoke with a half-smile, in a deep voice even Vin Diesel would have been proud of.
"Well, who's the man behind the chiseled body and the dark glasses?" Matt asked earnestly.
*JT'S POV:*
I'm JT Cruiser, I'm thirty-four, and I'm from The Hague in the Netherlands. I've travelled around a lot because my Dad was a great chef, and my mother owned a couture, but my passion has always been boxing.
I do two hundred sit-ups and press-ups every day, and drink lots of spinach juice to keep fit. I can cook a good Sunday meal of Stamppot on any day of the week!
"Well, I'm looking through the comments, and people are already asking what are behind those dark glasses, and how you look like some big boss of the Mafia," Matt said.
"First of all, I have laser vision so I can't take my glasses off," JT said humorously, causing a wave of brief laughter. "Second of all, I've been falsely arrested for something about looking like some wanted criminal or something,"
"Ouch," Matt remarked. "Well, what brings you here?"
*JT'S POV:*
I relish opportunity, risk for reward, double jeopardy, if you like, gevaar. I feel the same burst of adrenaline when I'm crushing the faces of my opponents, both literally and metaphorically.
I'm highly competitive, and come on, if I have to crush some faces along the way to a hundred million dollars, then so be it. Zo zal het zijn.
***
"Janeira," Matt said with a smile. "You said in your audition video that your dream would be to make it onto this stage…"
"O Sim," Janeira answered with a grin.
"Well, how do you feel actually being on this stage?"
"Lost for words," Janeira laughed.
*JANEIRA'S POV:*
My name is Janeira Sosa, and I come for the vibrant town of Sao Paulo, Brazil. I'm from a family of nove filhos; nine kids, and my parents have had to work extra jobs to keep all of us in school. I would give back to my community if I win this money.
I'm quite the adventurous one in my family, and I've always wanted to travel and explore, back home I was called 'Janeira the Explorer' for a reason. [She laughs]
I was named after the state of Rio de Janeiro, incase you were wondering…
***
"Phoenix, you came as a huge surprise to the panelists, because of your age- eighteen is a long shot with hundred million dollars, isn't it?" Matt asked.
Phoenix smiled, fixing his weird-looking green glasses. He sniffed. "Well, I suppose so- I guess I have a death wish, that's all. My parents will be so terrified to see me here…"
"You mean to say, you didn't tell them?" Matt pressed.
*ZEE'S POV:*
Well, someone's been a bad boy. [She laughs]
*KOFI'S POV:*
Well, he probably had a special reason for not saying anything to them, who knows?
*AKIKO'S POV:*
I have nothing to say in terms of the aforementioned question. [She says darkly, crossing her arms].
***
"No, I didnt tell them-" Phoenix answered indifferently. "I'm eighteen, I'm my own man now,"
*PRINCETON'S POV:*
I respect anybody who knows and understands their fundamental rights and privileges in society. It is a free and liberal world out there.
Respect, Phoenix. [Salutes]
***
"Akiko…" Matt called.
"Please move to someone else," she said darkly.
Matt felt a chill down his spine with her look. His mouth was suddenly dry.
AKIKO'S POV:
[To the producer] Don't ask me any questions.
***
"Um, okay," Matt said. "Alright, we head on to the man who is threatening to be more handsome than me, Lazaar!"
*LAZAAR'S POV:*
I'm Lazaar Valestro. I'm half-Italian, and half-Bangladeshi. I'm a Sicilian through and through. I'm a model and I certainly love every single part of the job. If you know what I mean. [Winks charmingly]
I like to keep my face and body in check. I tend to cause heads to turn anywhere I go, really. You learn to deal with it after some time, don't you? [He laughs, displaying his incredibly white teeth].
What would I do with the money? Buy a house, a car and certainly settle down with someone. You bet, aside the money, I also came to here to find love.
And no, I am not on the wrong show.
Believe me, I've tried The Bachelorette and Love Island.
***
Destiny prevented herself from dropping a jaw the moment she saw Lazaar. He was extremely good-looking, and wore one of those shirts which displayed his biceps and the heaven that was his body.
He had had the same effect on the crowd, because some of them grew quiet, staring at his wonderfully chiseled and crafted body.
Same with Zee.
*ZEE'S POV:*
Hello, Mr. Handsome. [She giggles]
I'm loving the view already! [Laughs hysterically]
*VIA'S POV:*
Lazaar's hot. Lazaar is hot. But he's not my type.
*BRANDON'S POV:*
Lazaar is certainly, one hundred percent, Via's type.
*PARIS'S POV:*
Mama Mia! [She squeals excitedly]
Wait, is that Italian?
*KOFI'S POV:*
All I'm saying is, God makes some people, and God makes some people.
*LILY J'S POV:*
[Busily checks nails…]
*AKIKO'S POV:*
[Stares angrily at producer].
***
"Do you genuinely think you can find love on this show?" Matt asked, raising an eyebrow.
Lazaar laughed slowly. Gently, so much that some people in the crowd made an audible gasp. His white teeth literally shone.
"We'll see, I suppose," he simply answered.
Matt nodded, staring at his notes. "Ladies and gentlemen, we also have Destiny James-Summerville!"
Destiny grinned, feeling lightweight and out of place.
*DESTINY'S POV:*
Oh God, where do I begin? [Laughs softly]
I'm Destiny James-Summerville, from California, and I've basically lived there all my life. I'm currently doing a business degree at Pacific States University in LA, and I decided to do this during summer break.
A friend actually asked me to sign up, because I needed the money… [Pauses, restraining herself from crying]
My mother was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer a few months ago, and she needs all the money she can get. The side hustle I do isn't going to be enough for my sister, in residency and I, so I decided to do this for her… [Pauses, stifling a sob, and lightly pads her eyelids]
I'm sorry. [Sniffs, and throws her hair back]
I'm doing this for her…
***
"My mother has done everything for my sister and I since I could remember. She doesn't need to fight this alone…" Destiny said slowly.
Zee touched her hand warmly and gave her a smile. Destiny acknowledged it.
"She needs to undergo surgery in a couple of months, so, we'll see."
Destiny wiped the edges of her eyelids with tissue. There was a loud cheer and massive round of applause. She silently scolded herself for not appearing strong. She told herself she didn't want to cry, but why was she crying?
"That's beautiful, Destiny," Matt said solemnly. He cleared his throat. "I think I might as well cry too,"
Destiny and the crowd laughed.
"I know this means a lot to you, all the best in this competition," Matt stated.
Destiny nodded. "Thank you,"
"Let's see if it's your destiny to win this competition," Matt joked with a wink that caused the room to erupt with laughter.
There was a round of applause as Matt decided to take a break.
Destiny decided to head to the bathroom for a moment.
She stared at herself in the bathroom mirror, puffing out her cheeks.
"Be strong, girl, be strong."
What if she wasn't? What if she didn't have what it took?
*DESTINY'S POV:*
I remember when I first got the e-mail. I hadn't even checked my inbox after the audition tape. Initially, I chided myself for the crazy thought of even submitting a video- what was going to make them pick me?
People could have come in with sadder stories than mine. I didn't want to be pitied…
I had stared blankly at the screen for a couple of minutes before it sunk in.
I was going to be on World Tour Drama. I still pinch myself at this reality… [She smiles]
***
Zee stepped in as Destiny washed her hands. Zee gave her a side-long glance.
"You okay, Destiny?"
Destiny smiled graciously. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thank you…"
Zee also took to washing her hands. "That was really brave of you, out there. I would have been a mess if I was telling my story…"
*ZEE'S POV:*
[Laughs hysterically for a minute]
I'm sorry... [Laughs again, causing the producer and camera guys to join in]
My story? Oh, honey. I'm already here, aren't I?
I just think of myself as the woman from that movie…A Fall from Grace, that's it. I see myself as a lucky person…
***
Destiny and Zee joined the rest of the contestants, as Matt was touched up and ready to go again. A lady came to help out with theirs as well.
"Alright, so welcome back everyone, to World Tour Drama," Matt said once they were on air. "So we have thirteen contestants before me, and we've gotten to know JT, Janeira, Phoenix, Akiko, Lazaar and Destiny…"
"So, Paris," Matt said with a smile at the pink-haired girl. Paris almost leapt out of her chair at the mention of her name.
"You said this would be a chance of a lifetime if you got this, so why here and why now?"
"First of all, HELLO EVERYBODY!" Paris squealed. The crowd laughed.
"I am so excited to be here!"
"Well, we can see that," Matt laughed, along with everyone.
*PARIS'S POV:*
I'm Paris Summers… [Squeals excitedly]
I'm twenty-one and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE MATT RIVERS!
Oh, and I love everything about this place!
I'm from Ontario, Canada, and I live with my parents and my fourteen-year-old brother, Junior.
My parents met in Paris… and decided to name me after the city of love! [She giggles]
I really love taking pictures of everything, and I also have a celebrity blog. I really hope I can learn a lot from people and have fun whiles partaking in this competition- I hope to stay in long enough to gain new friends! [She pauses]
Did I say I love, LOVE, LOVE MATT RIVERS?
****
"To be here is so, SO CRAZY!" Paris said with a giggle. "I'm sitting on a stage with YOU, and some famous people…"
She turned to Lily J, who hadn't seen that she was looking at her. She was busily inspecting her nails.
"I love your new album, Lily J! I love your TikToks, Via!"
"Uh, thanks…" Via managed to say.
"Yeah, so I'm just here to have fun!" Paris declared happily.
Matt nodded as the crowd applauded.
"Princeton Holloway. Your audition video was interesting, and unique." He said.
Princeton nodded with a smile.
"You said you see yourself as a visionary. But why on this platform?"
Princeton stood up, as if about to make a speech.
"I want to be president, one day…"
Everyone turned, including Lily J.
*JT'S POV:*
[Arms folded] Hmm, interesting…
*PRINCETON'S POV:*
Princeton Holloway seeks to put the interests of others first, and not only bridge the gap between people of different nations for a common good…
[Producer nods slowly. Why here, Princeton?]
[Straightens suit] I want to be president of the world, A UN Secretary General, and what better platform to start up a campaign than World Tour Drama?
*VIA'S POV:*
This guys's intense.
****
"You can take your seat, Princeton," Matt urged.
Princeton acknowledged it. "Thank you, young sir,"
*ZEE'S POV:*
Young sir? [Laughs hysterically]
*JT'S POV:*
[Arms folded] I like this guy.
****
"Next up, Via Mac-Morris!"
Brandon gave her a sharp look of disdain.
*VIA'S POV:*
I'm Via and I'm YouTuber and TikToker. I started my videos when COVID hit the world, and haven't looked back since.
One day I plan to start a reality show, and this money would be the capital to start it.
****
"Brandon Chandler, you're next," Matt said.
"How about Brandon 'The Liar' Chandler," Via said with a vicious look.
Brandon turned, pointing at her. "You have no right to call me that…"
Via stood up, swinging her hips. "Oh- excuse me?"
Princeton of course, stood up. "Everybody calm down, please."
*KOFI'S POV:*
I find their back and forth very funny and entertaining. Those panelists certainly did some digging…
What are the odds of exes meeting on the same show?
****
"Thanks, Princeton," Matt thanked. "Everybody make sure to vote for him in the next UN elections…"
The crowd cheered.
*BRANDON'S POV:*
I'm Brandon Chandler. And I love money. That's it.
****
"Alright, next up is famous actress and singer, Lily J!"
The room literally vibrated.
*PHOENIX'S POV:*
She seems popular around these parts. I've never heard of her...
****
"So the question burning on pretty much everyone's lips is- why would someone like Lily J be on a show to win money? How much is your net worth again?"
Lily J laughed quietly, along with the crowd, and some crazy fans yelling "I LOVE YOU LILY J!!!"
"What can I say, I love to have a good adventure," Lily J said. "I love to travel and learn new things during my tours and when filming, so I classify this as another adventure,"
*LILY J'S POV:*
Why do I need the money? [Kisses her teeth]
You might as well ask why we need to breathe…
*JANEIRA'S POV:*
Sometimes I do wonder why some celebrities show up at competitions like this…it is almost, um- mocking. To people like us.
****
"Well, as a little bit of an insider to you guys, the early eviction process will have nothing to do with votes from the outside world," Matt declared. "We knew some celebrities would venture into the competition, and as so, the panelists agreed to give everyone a level-headed playing field,"
"That's a relief," Janeira said.
"That is reasonable," Kofi agreed.
Princeton stood up. "Consider none your superior, whatever their rank or station in life. Treat all fairly, or they will seek revenge," he quoted.
"Shakespeare?" Matt tried.
"Christopher Paolini, my dear friend," Princeton said, resuming his seat.
*JT'S POV:*
I don't know what that was, but I liked it.
*ZEE'S POV:*
Yeah, Princeton is weird. [Laughs hysterically]
Yeah, he's weird but in a funny way.
****
After Zee talked about being born in Barbados and laughing for the next minute, next was Kofi.
*KOFI'S POV:*
Hello everyone, I'm Kingston Kofi Andoh, but on this show, I'd like to be called by my middle name, 'Kofi'.
It signifies more of who I am as a person, a Ghanaian, a West African, an African… and I'm ready to make my family and my nation proud.
I think I've got quite the aptitude for tests and competitions, really. And I knew nothing about the prize money until I came here- I'm going to do whatever it takes to win that money…
What would I do with the money? Send some to the folks back home and save some, use some to start a tech business I've been working on, get a new car, probably a new apartment too…
****
"I understand the support is massive back home," Matt grinned at Kofi, who nodded.
"The whole Africa is behind me, I suppose," Kofi responded with a laugh. "My family and I were ecstatic the moment we found out I got into the competition, and I'm here to make them proud. I've brought my A-game and my two hundred percent of energy!"
The crowd clapped and cheered.
After the applause died down, Matt breathed out, fanning himself with his notes. "That was one crazy hell of a ride, wasn't that viewers?"
"Yeah!"
More cheering and applause.
"Well tonight, we've showcased our first set of contestants, but that's only the beginning because tomorrow Jenna will be back with the remaining half, and you'll get to know them as well!"
"We would like to thank our sponsors…"
*DESTINY'S POV:*
[Producer: What are your expectations for this competition?]
My expectations? Um well… [She stops to think]
I don't know, but I just want to get as far as possible.
*JT'S POV:*
[Arms folded] I want to win. I came here to win.
*KOFI'S POV:*
To have fun, get to know other people and learn a few new things…
*BRANDON'S POV:*
I came for the hundred million dollars. And I'm leaving with it.
*ZEE'S POV:*
I'm expecting anything! [Laughs hysterically]
*PARIS'S POV:*
To connect with people, have fun and take lots of pictures! [ She squeals in excitement, giggling]
*LAZAAR'S POV:*
It'll be a huge learning curve for me. I'm open to anything.
*AKIKO'S POV:*
[Glares at the producer]
*VIA'S POV:*
Realistically, I expect this to be a tough competition. Looking at the people I'm up against, I'd be fine with wherever I finish, as long as it's not in Week One. Week Six is probably my target.
*JANEIRA'S POV:*
Para ganhar é claro,[Giggles]
To win, of course!
*LILY J'S POV:*
Hmm… [clicks her tongue]
I guess I don't want to go home first so… [blows a raspberry]
We'll see, I guess.
*PRINCETON'S POV:*
Expectations? [He frowns]
Expectations are like fine pottery. The harder you hold to them, the more likely they are to crack…[ He quotes]
Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed…
[He quotes again]
[To the producer] Do you know who said that? Alexander Pope. And he wasn't lying.
*PHOENIX'S POV:*
I don't know. Whatever happens, happens, right?
***
"So, from myself, Matt Rivers, and the contestants, we'll see you soon and have a good night!"
The lights suddenly went out.