[aside to Coldfire and UncleBeer]:
I read you. I have continued the story not just to bring it to a denouement, but because I very likely misunderstood something in UncleBeer’s request: the inclusion of “this Friday” and “February 20” (also a Friday) in the same message. In any case, your point is well taken.
I am willing to sustain the story by e-mail (my e-mail address is montgomerydou55@hotmail.com ; since the SDMB was reformatted I don’t yet know offhand how to find another poster’s e-mail address. NDP, please help me here.)
I propose that a “sequel” thread, in a manner of speaking, be started. It would not be so voluminous: I could post a considerably shorter message, from time to time, as a summary of what has occurred in the story if it is continued elsewhere; this would be much like the nutshell descriptions of daytime serials posted weekly in newspapers.
I assure you that my efforts are not intended to antagonize the SDMB staff or, indeed, any of the Teeming Millions. (And by “this weekend,” do you mean Friday, Saturday, or Sunday?) I mean only to bring about a proper resolution. 
[/aside to Coldfire and UncleBeer]
…a frog croaking. 
The audience laughs.
This is not what I need right now, I think.
Then Susan Bradley’s voice is heard: “One moment please, folks.”
I not to Susan, and take the book What to Say from my inside coat pocket. I find the entry “dry mouth, page 46” in the index, and turn to that page. There I find the line, “Just an echo in the valley.” I use that line telepathically.
The house lights suddenly blink red and green for a moment. I hear the word “blender” apparently spoken by Red Nicholas, in the distance.
Then, as if by reflex, I say “Aaah…”
And I turn to Johnny and say, “Let’s try again.”
Johnny gives me the downbeat again, and I sing:
You look so bad, it’s really pathetic…
I nod. I glance at Alice, in the wings; she smiles. I hear also a satisfied expression in the distance, apparently spoken by Red Nicholas.
I reach the line “Havin’ good times,” at the end; by now the audience has had a good laugh at the lyrics and my delivery. They applaud, and I bow and return to the wings.
Dr. Clouse now comes out to sing “I Dreamed a Dream,” with Jane at the piano. Meanwhile, Alice and I meet in the wings with Parker, Joan Breastly, and Samantha, to discuss the Arty Morty hearing.
“Also,” says George Galloway, I guess it’s time for you both to begin making your wedding plans.”
Alice and I blush and clasp hands. Then we embrace and weep. Daniel and Hermione look on, and Daniel doesn’t jeer us this time…