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Drama cover
Archivist's Choice

Drama

Raina Telgemeier (2012)

Genre

Children's / Young Adult / Romance

Reading Time

90 min

Key Themes

See below

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Amidst the chaos of middle school theater, set designer Callie navigates backstage carpentry woes, dwindling ticket sales, and a whirlwind of crushes on two brothers, all while striving to build a Broadway-worthy set for 'Moon Over Mississippi'.

Synopsis

Callie, a middle schooler with a passion for theater but no singing voice, dedicates herself to being the set designer for her school's production of "Moon Over Mississippi." She dreams of creating a Broadway-worthy set despite a limited budget and her own inexperience with carpentry. As the production unfolds, Callie faces many challenges, including uncooperative crew members and dwindling ticket sales. Amidst the chaos of set building, she navigates the complexities of middle school romance when two attractive brothers, Greg and Jesse, join the cast. Callie develops crushes on both, leading to an unexpected kiss with Greg, only to discover he has a girlfriend. Later, Jesse confesses his feelings for Callie, but his initial deception about his identity causes further emotional turmoil. Despite the personal drama and technical difficulties leading up to opening night, Callie's set design efforts, combined with the crew's eventual teamwork, culminate in a successful performance. The play is a success, and Callie, having learned valuable lessons about friendship, collaboration, and self-discovery, looks forward to her future in theater, making a choice about her romantic interests and solidifying her role behind the scenes.
Reading time
90 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Heartwarming, Relatable, Enthusiastic, Lighthearted
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy heartwarming coming-of-age stories about middle school, theater, and navigating first crushes and friendships.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer complex plots, high-stakes fantasy, or stories without a focus on pre-teen social dynamics.

Plot Summary

Callie's Set Design Dreams and Audition Day

Callie, a seventh-grade theater enthusiast, is excited for the new school year and the upcoming musical, *Moon Over Mississippi*. While she dreams of being on stage, her lack of singing ability means she's committed to her passion for set design. She joins the stage crew, determined to create a professional-looking set. Her best friend, Liz, tries out for the musical, while another friend, Bonnie, is already a strong singer. During auditions, Callie observes the various hopefuls, including her crush, Greg, and watches as the drama teacher, Ms. Lopez, and music teacher, Mr. Rubin, begin the casting process for the lead roles.

New Faces and Casting Decisions

Callie meets two new twin brothers, Jesse and Justin, who have just moved to the school. Jesse, outgoing and charming, auditions for the musical, while Justin, more reserved, expresses interest in stage crew. The cast list is eventually posted: Bonnie lands a lead role, much to everyone's expectation. To Callie's surprise, her crush Greg is cast as the male lead opposite Bonnie. Jesse also gets a significant role, and Liz secures a smaller part. Justin officially joins the stage crew, much to Callie's delight, as she finds him easy to talk to and helpful.

Stage Crew Challenges and Budding Friendships

Callie quickly realizes that designing a Broadway-worthy set on a middle school budget with limited carpentry skills is a major challenge. She often feels overwhelmed trying to lead the stage crew, which includes her friends Matt and Justin, and other students. Justin proves to be a valuable asset, not only with his practical skills but also with his calm demeanor and willingness to help. Callie finds herself increasingly comfortable around Justin, confiding in him about her set design anxieties and her complicated feelings about Greg. Their bond strengthens as they work together on the initial set constructions.

Greg's Girlfriend and Callie's Crushes

Callie's crush on Greg takes an unexpected turn when she sees him with a girl named Emily, realizing they are dating. This revelation leaves Callie disappointed, but also opens her eyes to other possibilities. Jesse, the charismatic twin, begins to flirt with Callie, showing her attention and making her feel special. Callie finds herself drawn to Jesse's outgoing personality and charm, leading to a new crush. This shift in her romantic interests adds another layer of drama to her already busy schedule of managing the stage crew and designing the elaborate set.

The Kiss and Its Aftermath

During a break from rehearsals, Jesse playfully flirts with Callie. He eventually kisses her backstage, a moment that leaves Callie flustered and excited. She tells Liz about the kiss, who is supportive but also cautious. However, Callie soon discovers that Jesse has also been flirting with other girls, including Bonnie. This realization makes Callie question Jesse's intentions and leaves her feeling confused and hurt. The romantic drama begins to spill over into the theater environment, affecting Callie's focus on her set design.

The Set Takes Shape and Financial Woes

Despite the emotional turmoil, Callie continues to pour her energy into the set design. With Justin's help, and slowly gaining more confidence in leading the crew, the *Moon Over Mississippi* set begins to take an impressive form. They construct elaborate backdrops, props, and scene changes. However, Ms. Lopez reveals that ticket sales are lower than expected, creating a financial strain on the drama department. This news adds pressure on Callie to create an even more spectacular set to draw in audiences, while also worrying about the budget constraints.

Justin's Confession and Jesse's Deception

As opening night approaches, Justin confesses to Callie that he likes her, revealing he has feelings beyond friendship. Callie is taken by surprise, as she had been focused on Jesse. Soon after, it becomes clear that Jesse has been playing with the affections of multiple girls, including Bonnie and Liz, in addition to Callie. Bonnie confronts Jesse, exposing his manipulative behavior. Callie is deeply hurt and disappointed by Jesse's deceit, realizing he was not the charming boy she thought he was. This revelation prompts her to reconsider her feelings and the nature of true friendship.

Opening Night Jitters and Technical Difficulties

Opening night arrives, filled with excitement and nerves. Callie is proud of her set, which looks fantastic. However, during the performance, several technical glitches occur. A crucial prop malfunctions, and a set piece gets stuck. The stage crew, including Callie, Justin, and Matt, work frantically backstage to resolve these issues, demonstrating their quick thinking and teamwork. Despite the hiccups, the cast performs admirably, and the audience remains engaged. The backstage chaos adds to the pressure of the live performance, testing everyone's ability to adapt.

A Triumphant Performance and New Beginnings

Despite the technical difficulties, the *Moon Over Mississippi* performance is a resounding success, largely due to the beautiful set design and the resilience of the cast and crew. The audience gives a standing ovation. After the show, Callie reflects on the past few months. She realizes that Justin has been a constant, supportive presence, and that her feelings for him are growing. She also mends fences with Liz and Bonnie, who understand Jesse's manipulative behavior. Callie feels a sense of accomplishment for her set design and a newfound clarity regarding her relationships.

Callie's Choice and the Future of Theater

In the aftermath of the successful musical, Callie feels a renewed passion for set design and the magic of theater. She and Justin share a quiet moment, and Callie realizes that she genuinely likes him, appreciating his kindness, reliability, and shared passion for stage craft. She decides to give their relationship a chance. Callie looks forward to continuing her work on the stage crew, knowing she has found true friends and a meaningful connection. The experience of the musical has not only honed her skills but also helped her understand herself and what she truly values in others.

Principal Figures

Callie

The Protagonist

Callie grows from an insecure set designer to a confident leader, learning to trust her abilities and recognizing genuine affection over superficial charm.

Justin

The Supporting

Justin starts as a new, quiet student and steadily becomes a central, supportive figure in Callie's life, eventually revealing his true feelings.

Jesse

The Antagonist/Supporting

Jesse's character is consistent in his manipulative behavior, serving to expose the pitfalls of superficial attraction.

Liz

The Supporting

Liz remains a steadfast friend, growing in her understanding of healthy relationships alongside Callie.

Bonnie

The Supporting

Bonnie maintains her confidence and talent, and eventually confronts Jesse, demonstrating her strong character.

Greg

The Supporting

Greg's character remains consistent as a talented actor and a figure of Callie's initial romantic interest.

Matt

The Supporting

Matt consistently contributes to the stage crew and supports Callie, his role remaining focused on the practical aspects of theater.

Ms. Lopez

The Supporting

Ms. Lopez consistently provides guidance and leadership for the drama department.

Mr. Rubin

The Supporting

Mr. Rubin consistently provides musical direction and support for the students.

Themes & Insights

Identity and Self-Discovery

Callie's journey is central to exploring identity. While she initially wishes she could be on stage, she discovers her true passion and talent lie in set design. She learns to embrace her role behind the scenes, realizing its importance to the overall production. Her romantic experiences, especially the disappointment with Jesse and the dawning realization of her feelings for Justin, also contribute to her understanding of who she is and what she values in relationships. This theme is present as Callie gains confidence in her unique skills and makes choices that align with her authentic self.

“Maybe I can't sing, but I can make a set look amazing. That's my talent.”

— Callie's internal monologue

The Magic and Drama of Theater

The book portrays the process of putting on a middle school musical, from auditions and rehearsals to set construction and opening night. It shows the collaborative spirit, the hard work, the technical challenges, and the excitement of live performance. Beyond the stage, the 'drama' extends to the personal lives of the characters, mirroring the theatrical world. The blend of on-stage spectacle and off-stage interpersonal conflicts emphasizes how theater can be a microcosm for life itself, full of passion, creativity, and unexpected turns.

“There's a magic that happens when you're working together to make something beautiful.”

— Callie's reflection

Friendship vs. Romance

Callie's relationships with Liz, Bonnie, Jesse, and Justin highlight the complexities of friendship and romance in middle school. She learns that superficial charm, as embodied by Jesse, can be misleading and hurtful, while genuine friendship and quiet support, like that offered by Justin, are more valuable. The story emphasizes the importance of loyalty and open communication between friends, especially when romantic interests intersect and create tension. Callie ultimately chooses a relationship built on mutual respect and shared interests over fleeting infatuation.

“It’s better to have a good friend than a fake boyfriend.”

— Liz to Callie

Teamwork and Collaboration

The success of *Moon Over Mississippi* relies heavily on the collective effort of the cast and the stage crew. Callie's journey as a set designer is a prime example, as she learns to lead her crew and collaborate effectively with others like Justin and Matt. Even during technical difficulties on opening night, the quick thinking and synchronized actions of the crew are crucial. The theme shows that individual talent is important, but true accomplishment in a large-scale production comes from working together towards a common goal, with each member contributing their unique skills.

“The show couldn't go on without the crew. We're just as important as the actors.”

— Callie

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

The Musical: 'Moon Over Mississippi'

The central event around which all plot and character development revolves.

The fictional middle school musical, *Moon Over Mississippi*, serves as the primary setting and driving force for the entire narrative. It provides the framework for Callie's set design goals, the auditions, the casting drama, the technical challenges, and the ultimate climax of the story. The production allows for the introduction of characters, the development of relationships, and the exploration of themes related to theater, teamwork, and personal growth. Its success or failure directly impacts the characters' experiences and emotional arcs.

Stage Crew vs. Cast

A dichotomy highlighting different roles and contributions within theater.

This device creates a natural division in the school's drama department, allowing for different perspectives on the theater experience. Callie's role on the stage crew, contrasted with her friends' roles in the cast (Liz, Bonnie, Greg, Jesse), emphasizes the often-unseen but crucial work done behind the scenes. It highlights that talent comes in many forms, not just singing and acting, and that both groups are essential for a successful production. This contrast allows Callie to find her niche and realize the importance of her specific skills.

Twin Brothers (Jesse and Justin)

A character pairing used to contrast superficial charm with genuine kindness.

The introduction of twin brothers, Jesse and Justin, serves as a significant plot device for Callie's romantic arc and her understanding of relationships. Jesse, the charismatic and manipulative twin, represents superficial attraction and deceit, leading Callie through a period of confusion and hurt. Justin, his quieter, more genuine brother, embodies kindness, support, and true affection. This pairing effectively contrasts two different types of boys and helps Callie discern what she truly values in a partner, guiding her towards a more meaningful connection.

Callie's Sketchbook

A visual representation of Callie's passion, creativity, and internal state.

Callie's sketchbook is a visual plot device that shows her artistic talent and dedication to set design. It's where she brainstorms ideas, draws designs, and plans the elaborate sets for *Moon Over Mississippi*. The sketchbook serves as an externalization of her internal world, showcasing her creativity and her commitment to her craft. It also visually tracks the progress of the set design, from initial concepts to the detailed plans that bring the stage to life, reinforcing her passion and skill.

Critical analysis

Notable Quotes

“I'm not sure I'm ready for high school.”

— Callie expresses her anxiety about starting high school.

“Theater is about more than just the actors on stage.”

— Callie explains the importance of stage crew to her friends.

“Sometimes you have to let go of what you thought you wanted.”

— Callie reflects on her changing feelings about a crush.

“Friendship isn't always easy, but it's worth it.”

— Callie reconciles with a friend after a misunderstanding.

“I'm not just a stage manager; I'm part of the story.”

— Callie realizes her role in the school play is meaningful.

“High school is full of surprises, good and bad.”

— Callie reflects on her experiences throughout the school year.

“You don't have to be perfect to be amazing.”

— Callie encourages a nervous actor before the play.

“Sometimes the quiet ones have the loudest hearts.”

— Callie observes a shy character's hidden depth.

“Love isn't always a fairy tale; it's messy and real.”

— Callie discusses relationships with her friends.

“The show must go on, no matter what.”

— Callie deals with a backstage crisis during the play.

“Finding your place takes time, and that's okay.”

— Callie reflects on her journey to fit in at school.

“We all have our own drama, on and off the stage.”

— Callie compares theater life to personal struggles.

“A little stage fright means you care.”

— Callie comforts a performer before the opening night.

“True friends stick around when the curtain falls.”

— Callie appreciates her friends' support after the play.

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Key Questions (FAQ)

'Drama' follows Callie, a middle school student who loves theater but can't sing, so she becomes the set designer for her school's production of 'Moon Over Mississippi.' The story revolves around her efforts to create an impressive Broadway-worthy set on a limited budget, while navigating challenges like low ticket sales, crew conflicts, and personal drama involving two cute brothers who join the cast.

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