The Canterlot Minstrel Show

The nightlife of Canterlot is one far distant than the more common activities that were held in the town of Ponyville, as they tended to hold to an air of a more civilized nature. While the highlight of a social event in Ponyville was typically a party held on more than an occasion due to an eccentric baker in town, Canterlot social events were treated with greater respect and were appreciated for their uncommon occurrence. While there was the typical demonstration of the theatrical arts by the thespians in the Canterlot Theatre, tonight was of particular note as a roving band of performing artists were granted the venue for their performance. For on this wonderful evening comes a once in a lifetime show meant to be enjoyed by the highest echelon that Equestria has to offer. A show of which, the land has never seen the likes of before. Ladies and gentlecolts, those of respect and humility, welcome to the one and only Canterlot Minstrel Show!

Twilight Sparkle, or rather more appropriately named Princess Twilight Sparkle, replaced the pamphlet into the pouch in the back of the seat in front of her. If such words could do the play justice then she should expect a poor performance. However, given the rarity with which she usually attended plays who would she be to judge their performance? She kept her eyes ahead as the lights waiting patiently for the show to begin, silently contemplating about whether she may enjoy the show or not. Though deep in her thoughts words not being said, the tall alicorn who has ruled the land for more than a thousand years took notice of what appeared to be concern and rightfully inquired.

“Is something a matter, Twilight?”

“Huh?” She uttered, snapping out of her quizzical imagination. “Oh, not at all Princess. Thank you again for inviting me to this show. I’m just a little bit cautious about what to expect.”

Princess Celestia’s form towered compared to Twilight, and so their seating arrangements had been less than desirable as they made an effort to be seated in front of an elderly couple who were pretending to enjoy the show. “No needs to fret Twilight, though we are quite high up the acoustics in this building are great so the sound will carry on.”

“It’s not that, it’s that I’m not exactly well versed in the theatrical arts. So I’m not quite sure if the show will be good or not.”

“Well then I suppose we’ll simply have to wait and see.”

And with this Twilight nodded. Such a novel adventure, to watch a show with a mindset of objectivity, and to make determinations based solely on its merits. This shall be a play to remember. At least if they can possibly revise the pamphlets to be more informative to the uninitiated theatre-goers.

What seemed to be an hour passed and when the auditorium was completely full with the esteemed citizens of Canterlot and curious travelers of foreign yet refined lands, the lights began to dim leaving one spotlight illuminating the stage. Soon, on the stage, from behind the curtains, appeared a fine colt dressed in a beautifully crafted coat which gleamed in the light, who held up his hoof as he began to speak.

“Ladies and gentlecolts, all who have come here this evening, welcome to the first demonstration into the world around us through unencumbered eyes, we travelers have come far and near to set forth an astonishing tale of tragedy, merry, terror, and above all else, a revelation into the core of ponies. Tears will be shed, cries shall be heard, yet we ask that you keep in mind the thesis upon which our whole show is meant to elaborate upon. And with no more hesitation, let us begin the show.”

And so the colt withdrew back behind the velvet sheets from the ceiling, the lights illuminated the stage, and the show began.