EVERYBODY'S GOT THE PLAGUE
book, music & lyrics by Zachary Bernstein
directed by Guy Picot
eps. 1-2 directed by Erik Engman

A musical that's catching.

Next Time: Episode 4
Original Run: 2 Eps, 12/8/12 - 12/15/12
Playoffs Run: 2 Eps, 6/22/13 & 7/6/13

SUMMARY:  It's the 14th century and the plague is spreading through Germany... but Vice-Principal Chauncey assures her students that steps are being taken to make sure the plague never comes to Friedlichburg.  However, there's a new student in class, the perky Eleanor, who the mean girls at school don't take to... especially when self-involved class hunk Osgood takes a shine to her.  Meanwhile, Dr. Verte warns Chauncey that the plague has indeed breached Friedlichburg's walls, and he's sent for Peggio, a plague doctor... a grim figure who is slowly making his way towards the little town.

SUMMARY:  Eleanor's Aunt Mimi counsels her to tell nobody that she's Jewish.  Eleanor meets with Osgood at the horse stables, where the mean girls watch jealously.  However, Eleanor isn't interested in Osgood's advances... and she shrieks and flees when Osgood pets a rat.  Meanwhile: Heathcoate is lusting for mean girl Magda; Vice-Principal Chauncey is thrilled that Principal Hoch has died from the plague, as that means that she is now Principal - and she blames the plague on the Jews; Dr. Verte works feverishly to prevent the plague's spread, but bleeding the victims may not be the answer; and the plague doctor continues to make his way towards Friedlichburg.

SUMMARY:  Chauncey happily announces to the school that all the recent deaths have made her the Supreme Burgomeister.  Dr. Verte introduces Peggio, the plague doctor, who has finally arrived, and is much amazed to find so many people still alive.  He's also surprised to see Eleanor, who he used to date.  She embraces him - and then slaps him and storms off.  The awkward moment is interrupted by another as Osgood, who recently ate a rat, isn't feeling so well, and suddenly collapses, black spots on his face.

SUMMARY:  As Osgood lies deathly ill, the girls profess their love for him while Heathcoate can only think of getting tips for bedding Magda.  And neither Dr. Verte nor Peggio have any clue what to do - especially as it turns out that Peggio is not a plague doctor at all... he sells grapefruits.  Ina has a solution, but nobody will listen to her.  And so Osgood dies.