Rosalind, known for her lore about every ballet or drama ever performed, hastened to explain.
"Actually, Rothbart's character is quite complex. You see, in some versions of Swan Lake, he isn't always depicted as repulsive. Sometimes, he's portrayed as incredibly handsome, albeit sinister."
She adjusted her glasses, her enthusiasm for the topic clear in her bright eyes. "The tragedy of Rothbart lies in his relentless jealousy – he can't bear to see Odette, whom he desires, falling deeply in love with Prince Siegfried. It's this twisted envy that twists the plot and brings depth to his character."
Emma nodded, appreciating the commendable characterization while finding herself intrigued even more by the sorcerer Rothbart lurking in the shadows of the beautifully narrated Swan Lake.
"Every fairy tale always brings a love story. But I wonder what the ending will be like?" Emma mused aloud, still captivated by the unfolding drama.
Kasha shrugged lightly. "Who knows? Swan Lake has so many versions. They might choose to go with the tragic ending, with both the lovers doomed due to Rothbart's curse, or consider the happier one where love conquers all."
Her statement made everyone pause, considering the various possibilities.
An ending could turn a classic tale into a tragedy or a romantic triumph—each conclusion offering an entirely different tone and message.
Rosalind added, "The idea of so many possible endings for the same story makes it even more thrilling, right? It adds an element of suspense. You're never quite sure what will happen."
Their backstage viewpoint was wrapping them up in the story's emotions, even from afar.
The beautifully played out drama on stage and the endless possibilities that lay ahead added an extra layer of excitement - and anxiety - to an already thrilling performance.
Tina chimed in, "Regardless of the ending they choose, I have no doubt it will be spectacularly portrayed. The drama has a blend of romance, enchantment, and betrayal - a whirlpool of intense sentiments that make for a mesmerizing retelling."
Agreeing with Tina, the trio kept their eyes glued to the stage.
For now, all they could do was wait and watch, together eagerly anticipating the dramatic culmination of this beautifully spun Swan Lake rendition.
Prince Siegfried, captivated by the enchanting Odette, decided to invite her to a grand dance party, hoping to express his growing affection for her.
Hearing this, Odette's heart swelled with joy, her happiness palpable on stage.
Unbeknownst to the blissful lovers, the cunning Sorcerer Rothbart had caught wind of the dance party and hatched an insidious plan.
Determined to deceive and manipulate the Prince, Rothbart used his dark magic to transform himself into a seductive maiden.
He took on the appearance of Odette, but with a sinister twist - a black swan costume.
The Black Swan's role was played by the beguiling Meta, who was rumored to have graced the cover of a major local calender city pin up.
With her natural beauty and talent, she delivered a captivating scene that drew the audience in even further.
As the background music gracefully transitioned to the mesmerizing Dance of the Swans, the atmosphere of the stage grew somber yet alluring.
Prince Siegfried swayed to the spellbinding music, completely unaware of the treachery that awaited him.
As Rothbart's disguise as Black Swan drew him in, the prince naively declared his love for the Black Swan, who he believed to be his beloved Odette.
The heart-wrenching moment filled the theater with indescribable tension, as every viewer found themselves hinging on the edge of their seats.
A sense of sheer dread descended upon the trio of girls backstage as they felt a knot tighten in their stomachs, wondering anxiously how the characters in the beloved tale would find their way out of the situation and what would become of their love.
Upon learning the devastating truth, Odette, heartbroken, wept bitterly, her anguish expertly conveyed through the stirring process.
The audience could feel a sense of despair radiating from the stage, a somber weight filling the entire theater.
Prince Siegfried was dumbstruck and horrorstruck upon realizing his fatal mistake.
He took in the sight of the inconsolable Odette and the deceptive Black Swan, feeling a cold terror seizing his heart.
The turn of events was enough to freeze him in his tracks, shame and shock chaining him to the ground.
It was at that moment that Sorcerer Rothbart, unable to mask his sinister intentions any longer, chose to reveal his true form.
He transformed himself into a monstrous crow, cackling with malevolent satisfaction, filling the stage with palpable menace.
"No one loves you more than I do, Odette. You must know that..." His every word dripped with a sickly, possessive quality, but before any resolution or retaliation could occur, he disappeared around the corner backstage.
For a breathless moment, the entire theater seemed to stand still, collectively holding its breath, anxiously awaiting the resolution that would determine the tormented lovers' fate.
The unfolding drama left the audience, as well as Emma, Rosalind, and Tina, captivated - each one gripping their seats, their eyes imploring the stage to release Odette and the Prince from their tragic confines.
It was amid the hush of the climax that reality dawned upon Emma and Rosalind. The voice that boomed from the monstrous crow, the sneering tone that pricked their ears—it was unmistakably Bright's voice.
"Sorcerer...crow...how did we not see it? He is Bright! The Crow Sorcerer is Bright!" Emma pointed out, and both of them shot each other a look of sudden realization.
Unable to contain their amusement any longer, they both burst into laughter. The hilarity of their misunderstanding was simply too rich.