Chapter 14

The next morning Carol and I spent a lot of time getting ready for the signing. We did each other’s nails, and Carol worked hard to make mine look perfect. A lot of people were going to be staring at my fingers while I wrote, so I wanted them to be able to pass close inspection. With our nails finished, we worked on our hair. Carol combed and brushed mine, until it shone. At her request, I put hers into a french braid. By 12:30, we were all ready to go. I once again epitomized Carol’s idea of a ‘sultry’ young starlet, with a dress so tight that I could barely walk, and 4-inch heels. The low cut of the dress left little to the imagination. Carol looked hot also, but her dress was a little more conservative. Mom and Aunt Jessica both wore business suits.

The chauffeur rang our doorbell a couple of minutes after 12:30. We walked out to the limo and stepped in as he held the door for us. When we arrived at the Mall, he drove around to a rear entrance to Barrett’s. Two security people met us and escorted us through a maze of stock rooms and hallways on our trip to the office suite. It was 10 minutes before 1 o’clock when we reached Mr. Greening’s office. He greeted us and offered us beverages. We accepted bottled water and sat down to await our entrance. Mom and Mr. Greening talked about the engagement and the gift certificate. He presented her with an envelope, which he said contained the certificate. He expressed his pleasure at my agreeing to be here today, and talked about the phenomenal sales that they achieved in the store so far today. The promotion appeared to be a major success so far.

A minute before the hour, six security people assembled to take me to the table where I would sign autographs. Carol, Mom, and Aunt Jessica followed just behind. As we arrived near the table, a cry went up, and hundreds of people, standing on a line which wove through the store, began to applaud. I hadn’t been prepared for anything like this, and I shrink back for an instant. One of the security people put his hand on my shoulder to steady me. I had experienced applause in the theatre, but this was completely different. On stage, you have a feeling of separation from the audience, but here I was right in the midst of the crowd. I swallowed my anxiety, put a smile on my face, and proceeded to the table with all of the bravado that I could summon.

The store had organized everything very well. As soon as I had sat down, people were allowed to approach the table. There were a variety of pens and felt-tipped markers on the table. I began to autograph books, newspapers, and photographs. I learned that the photos had been purchased as the autograph seekers stood on line. A store associate walked down the line with a sandwich board, which showed the several poses available. If anyone was interested in purchasing any of the shots, two following associates sold the photograph to them. After I signed my name, the person was given a numbered coupon that they would fill out and drop in a jar before leaving the area. The successful winners must be in the store during the drawing. I realized that this would keep people shopping until the drawing was completed. I tried to sign autographs as fast as I could, and still give personal attention to each person. Some people were calm and almost cavalier when they reached me, while others were tongue-tied and blushing. A lot of younger kids were nervous and giddy as I wrote out personal messages that they requested. I recognized a good number of students from school, but had to pretend that I didn’t. I did greet a few people that I had met as Crystal during the past weeks.

At 1:50, I took my scheduled break. One of the security people made an announcement that everyone should maintain their place in line, and that I would return after a very short break. Heather and Sheri joined us as we walked to the office. The security people tried to stop them but I explained that they were my friends. I enjoyed a bottle of chilled water before leaving to return to the table. Applause sounded as we again reached the table, but this time I didn’t recoil. I smiled, waved, sat down, and resumed signing autographs.

At 3:00, I had not yet reached the end of the line. So I continued to sign for as long as people waited. I couldn’t just leave after people had waited hours to see me. A sales associate had blocked off the end of the line at 3 o’clock, so that no new people could get in line. The numbered coupons had long ago been used up and the jar contained the 500 completed entries. Just before 4 o’clock, I signed my last autograph. My hand ached from the effort. As soon as I was done, Mr. Greening stepped up so that the lucky winners could be selected. They dumped the contents of the jar into a large box and shook it up thoroughly. Then I reached in and withdrew 10 entrees, one at a time. I handed each to Mr. Greening, who with the help of his assistant recorded the names and coupon numbers of the winners. Then he had me pull an additional 5 entrees in case some of the first ten winners were not in the store.

Using the stores public address system, Mr. Greening read the names of the winners. He announced that they have five minutes to notify any store associate of their presence. Over the next five minutes, eight winners were brought to us. At the end of five minutes, two more names were called out. When those winners were escorted to us and everyone had presented their coupon stubs, Mr. Greening declared the contest complete. A photographer took pictures as Mr. Greening and I presented the tickets to the show to each winner. Additionally, Mr. Greening gave each winner a coupon good for dinner for two at various city restaurants. As a finale, the photographer took a picture of all of the winners, with Mr. Greening and myself in the center. I knew that I’d see that one in the paper as a business promo.

With the ceremonies complete, we returned to the office briefly. Mr. Greening checked his computer screen and smiled broadly. He said that sales for the day had so far not only topped all projections, they had topped all goals. He thanked me again for participating in the event, and wished me continued success. I thanked him for the opportunity to greet his customers, for the gift certificate, and for his support of our theatre company. We said our good-byes, and left. Heather and Sheri went back to the Mall to do some shopping. The security people escorted the rest of us back to the waiting limo. Since it was so late, the driver dropped me off at the theatre before continuing on to our house. I kissed Mom, Aunt Jessica, and Carol before I exited. I thanked them for accompanying me to the signing.

Several of the other cast members saw me exiting the limo and started ribbing me about it as we entered the theatre. For the rest of the night, I would take gentle kidding, about the limo, from the entire cast. Our performance was another success that night. After the show, Mr. Tucker announced that all of our performances for the extended dates were sold out, and everyone applauded the news.

He added, "My friends, the success of our little production has astounded us all. Our fellow citizens have taken this play to their heart and we love them for that. There are a number of old sayings about staying too long at a party, but I think that the party is not over yet. I would like to propose that we continue the play for an additional weekend, and possibly more. I personally feel that we should continue until we fail to fill at least 75% of the seats. That may be one more weekend, or it may be several. I am not looking for an answer tonight. We will discuss it tomorrow, following the buffet between shows. We have an opportunity to make history here by having this show run longer than any before it, or after it. Please give my suggestion careful consideration. Excellent performances tonight everyone. I’ll see you at noon tomorrow."

As usual, Mom was right. The success of the play was causing everyone to want to continue until demand was satisfied. It was going to severely cut into my time up at the lake though. When Debbie and I left the theatre, there were only a few autograph seekers waiting. I guess that much of the demand had been satisfied this afternoon. Mr. Greening had estimated that about a thousand people had waited in line. So much for Sheri’s comment about 50 dollars per signature. It had turned out to be more like a dollar per signature. My hand was still a bit cramped from all of the writing.

Debbie and I kissed when we got to my house. I walked to the house and waved, and Debbie drove away as I entered the house. The house was dark except for the night light on the stairs. This was our signal that everyone was in except one, so I locked the door with the deadbolt and climbed the stairs to my bedroom. It felt wonderful to take off the heels, and tight skirt. Carol had told me to wake her when I needed the corset loosened, but I didn’t want to bother her. So I put on my sleep set and went to sleep. I was exhausted. The tension generated by the appearance at the Mall, coupled with having to do a show, had wiped me out. I don’t even remember dreaming.

When I awoke the next morning, the sun was just coming over the horizon. I lay in bed thinking about yesterday before getting up. If the Theatre Company voted to extend the performance schedule, I knew that I would go along. I had gone this far, after all, because I didn’t want to let everyone down. But I couldn’t see the production going on forever. This wasn’t New York City. Eventually, everyone who wanted to see the play, would. Mr. Tucker said that we would close the production as soon as we failed to fill the theatre to 75% capacity. Since the theatre held about 500, that would mean that with the four weeks that had been sold out, 8000 people would have seen the play. There couldn’t be that many more that wanted to see it. The total population within 30 miles of the theatre couldn’t exceed 350,000 and people were not going to drive more than 30 miles to see a non-professional acting company. So I reasoned to myself that the play would fail to meet the quota within 1 more additional weekend.

I thought about the signing session also. It was just so incredible that all those people wanted my signature. More likely, many of them were there to try to win the free tickets to the play. My hand was a little stiff, but was basically okay. I was glad that it was over. It was so weird when the people cheered my arrival. Maybe they were just cheering because the line would start to move. Yeah, that must be it.

I went to the bathroom and washed my face and hands. I was now fully awake, so I put on my slippers and went downstairs to the kitchen. I mixed up some pancake batter and put the skillets on the stove to warm up slowly. I sat down at the table to read while I waited for the family to get up.

Mom and Aunt Jessica came down first. We kissed while sharing greetings, and I went to the stove to turn up the heat on the skillets. While I tended to the pancakes, Mom made a pitcher of OJ and put a pot of tea on to brew. Just as the first pancakes were ready, Carol came down. I delivered the first batch of pancakes to the table and poured the second batch. When they were cooked, I dished them up and turned off the heat beneath the skillets.

We talked about the signing session yesterday, and I got a chance to see it through the eyes of my family.

Mom said, "Crystal, you looked and acted very poised yesterday. I was very proud of you. I received a number of compliments about you from the store personnel. They told me how lucky I was to have a daughter like you."

"I wasn’t poised on the inside, Mom. My stomach was doing flips for the first half-hour. I never expected so many people to show up."

"The stores know that there’s nothing like a big show with a celebrity, and a giveaway, to attract crowds. They did a wonderful job of controlling everything."

Carol said, "I was so proud of my little sister, that I thought that I would bust."

Aunt Jessica said, "I really liked the way that you related to the people, Crystal. You took the time to personalize the comments on each photo, or autograph book. That was very nice."

"I’ve been doing that since the beginning, instead of just signing my name."

Carol got up and went to see if the paper had been delivered yet. She returned with it a couple of minutes later. She said, "I wonder if there’s anything in the paper about it."

She opened the paper to the business section but didn’t find anything. Then she turned to the entertainment section. When she reached the centerfold, she whistled. They she laid the paper down on the table. The entire centerfold was devoted to the signing session and the play. There were several photos, which showed the crowds snaking through Barrett’s, and several pictures of me signing autographs. The original review of the play was re-printed along one side. A new article talked about the crowds that had showed up at the store to get my signature. Nothing was said about the giveaway of the tickets. I guess that they were saving that for a business article. The article went on to say that the extended performance schedule of the play had already been sold out.

I said, "Every time I think that the publicity is going to die down and let me resume a normal life, they stick my picture in the paper."

Mom said, "That’s the life of a star. The day will come when you’ll want your picture in the paper. Fame draws bigger audiences, bigger audiences mean bigger roles, bigger roles mean bigger paychecks."

Carol said, "Crystal, do you think that you’d rather be in movies, or in the theatre?"

"I don’t know. I don’t know anything about the movie business."

Aunt Jessica said, "There’s a lot more money in the movie business. I’ve read that actors do theatre because they like the instant feedback that is missing in making movies. Since you don’t like the audience reactions, you should go into the movie end."

"I didn’t say that I didn’t like the audience reactions. I said that I just want to be a normal person outside the theatre."

Mom said, "I’m sorry, dear. If you become a famous actor, you may lose much of your privacy forever. The paparazzi get worse each year according to reports that I hear."

"I can believe it. I’m not a famous actor and yet I keep winding up in the paper."

Carol said, "You’re famous in this town. I bet that there are very few people that don’t know your name. And most would recognize you."

"I wonder if I’ll start having problems using the public transportation."

Mom said, "If you start to have any problems, let me know immediately, and I’ll bring you to the theatre in our car."

"Okay, Mom."

After breakfast I went upstairs to take a long hot bath. Carol helped me to remove my corset, and I slipped into the steaming water. It was so warm that I had to sit down slowly, but it was heavenly once I was in. I rubbed and scratched my poor wrinkled skin as I relaxed in the bath. When the water started to chill, I ran in some more hot water to warm it again. I used Carol’s razor to remove any hair on my legs and arms. The next time that it began to chill, I finished washing and exited the tub. I patted myself dry, and then did my regular examination of my breasts. The adhesive was holding as fast as ever. It had been four weeks since the accident, and there was still no sign that it was letting go. I examined my skin for the redness that would signal an infection, but found none. Before leaving the bathroom, I knocked on Carol’s door to let her know that I was through.

I put on clean underwear and loosely affixed the corset. Then I sat at my makeup table and worked on my face. My nails were still fine from the expert job that Carol had done yesterday. Carol came in after she had finished her bath and dried off. She tightened the corset for me so that I could continue dressing, then returned to her own bedroom to dress. After I had finished dressing, and finished putting on my makeup, I examined my reflection in the full-length mirror that Mom had put up on the back of my bedroom door. The last vestiges of my former identity had, by now, totally disappeared. There was absolutely nothing that would indicate that this was once the room of a 15-year-old boy. I liked the new look, but I wondered how I was going to change it all back once the show was over. I couldn’t very well have a room like this as a boy. For now, I would enjoy the freshness and smells of my room. Mom had put several dolls up on the shelf where my model car collection had resided. I took one down and looked at it. It looked like Scarlett O’Hara in ‘Gone With The Wind’, and was dressed in a light yellow antebellum dress. I noticed that there was a very small chip on its lip. I took it to my makeup table and using a drop of nail polish that was the same shade as the paint on its lips, touched up the tiny spot. I closed the bottle and was blowing on the fresh polish to help it to dry when Mom walked in. She smiled when she saw me sitting there, cradling the doll in my arms.

She said, "That’s one of my favorites, also. I’m glad that you like it. But you have to put your dolls away for and finish getting ready to leave. Here, let me brush your hair."

She took the doll and put it back up on the shelf.

I said, "It had a small chip on its lip. I was just repairing it with a little nail polish."

"No need to explain dear. We girls all love our dolls. You’re never too old to enjoy them. I remember all of the dolls that I had while I was growing up. I had shelves filled with them. I also had my bed covered in soft, cuddly, plush animals. Your father objected to having any in our bedroom so I packed them up. One day, without my knowledge, he put them all out for the garbage truck to haul away. I never forgave him for that. They were mine, but your father was an insensitive bastard at times. I think that that was what led to our divorce. He hasn’t even bothered to remember you kids on your birthdays, or at Christmas, these past years."

Mom combed and brushed my hair as she continued to talk. I didn’t interrupt because I wanted to hear about my father. I didn’t know much about him. Mom never talked about him, and would always change the subject if we asked. They had split up when I was an infant, and although he had visitation rights, he never exercised them. I had gotten a few small gifts from him, when I was very young. But even that had stopped about 8 years ago. I knew that he continued to send child support money to Mom on a regular basis, because that was the law. But he had not seemed to want anything else to do with us.

When Mom had finished with my hair, she sprayed some hair spray on it to hold it in place. She had done a wonderful job, and I stood up and hugged her. Not just because of the hair, but because I loved her and I knew that she was feeling pain from having been thinking about my father. We stood there for several minutes, locked in a mother-daughter embrace. We separated when Carol knocked on the open door, and I saw a tear on Mom’s cheek.

Carol said, "Is everything okay?"

Mom said, "Yes, everything is just fine", as she wiped the tear away. "Your sister and I were just talking over a few things. Time to finish getting ready to leave for the theatre, dear. Come on down and have a cup of tea before you leave." She left to return downstairs.

Carol said, "What happened?"

"Nothing. Mom was just helping me with my hair. She started to talk about Dad, and got very sad. That’s all."

"Oh. She doesn’t talk about him much any more. If he didn’t have to send a check each month, I wonder if he’d even remember that we existed."

"I’m finished up here. Are you going down for tea?"

"Sure, sis."

I grabbed my purse and we walked downstairs to the kitchen.

Mom said, "We’ll take you to the theatre today because of all of the publicity. We’re going shopping anyway. We need to buy groceries for the trip to the lake, and a few other things. Carol, are you coming with us, or going to Heather’s house?"

"Heather, Sheri, and I are going to the Mall. Maybe we’ll see you there."

"We’re not going to the Mall today. There’s a big factory outlet sale at the Down-Town Shopping Center. We’re going there. Why don’t you girls stop in and check it out. The promo says that prices are up to 70% off on summer clothing because they have to make room for the winter stuff arriving next week."

"Okay, Mom. I’ll tell the girls."

At 11 o’clock, Mom, Aunt Jessica, and I left for downtown. They dropped me off in front of the theatre and continued on. Everyone that I saw on the street in front of the theatre smiled at me and said hello. I returned their smiles and greetings before turning into the alley which led to the stage door. It was so strange to have everybody that I met, act as if they knew me.

I put my purse in the makeup room and sat down to talk with Barbara and Marge. As usual, they were playing cards.

Barbara said, "Hello kiddo. I see that you’re the number one topic in town again today. That’s some spread in the paper. Did you hire a publicity agent or something?"

Marge said, "Oh Barbara, stop teasing the poor girl. You know that no publicity agent could get the kind of coverage that Crystal is getting. She must have hired a carload of publicity agents at the very least."

"Funny, guys. You know that I don’t like all of this publicity. I wish that it would all end."

"It will be over soon enough, kiddo. Enjoy it while it lasts. Our next production doesn’t open until February. And there’s no guarantee that you’ll get the kind of recognition that you’re getting now."

"I could live without all of the recognition. I just want to enjoy being a member of the company, and having the opportunity to work with all of you. I feel like you’re my second family."

They stopped playing cards for a minute, and looked at me.

Barbara said, "That’s the sweetest thing that anybody’s said to me in a long time. You’re either sincere, or you’re an even better actress than I gave you credit for."

Marge said, "Oh stop it you old curmudgeon, the girl is being sincere. She doesn’t have a devious bone in her body." Marge got up and came over to where I stood. Then she wrapped her arms around and squeezed me. "We love working with you too, dear. If I had a daughter, I’d want her to be just as sweet and wonderful as you are. Don’t pay any attention to Barbara. Her back is bothering her today."

Barbara got up and squeezed me also. "I’m sorry if I appeared cynical. It’s only because I am. I’ve worked with so many phonies in the theatre, I forget that there are still sweet, innocent people here as well. I hope that you never get as cynical as I have become. But I fear that you may if you continue to work in this business."

I smiled. "I understand. I am being sincere though. I’ve loved being here and working with you both. That’s why I’ve always come in so early. I couldn’t wait to get here each day."

Marge said, "We know how you feel. That’s why we’re always here. The theatre gets in your blood, and there’s no place else that you’d rather be."

Barbara said, "Please, let’s not get maudlin here. It’s your bid, Marge."

I smiled as they sat back down to resume their game. I loved them both like family members. I sat down to watch as they played. Just before noon, I walked out to the backstage area and brewed a pot of coffee for Mr. Tucker. Then I went to the wardrobe department and started to put on my first costume. Barbara came in and helped me to dress. Marge was busy with some other cast members when I got back to make-up, so I waited my turn. When the doors opened at 1:30, most of the cast were already in costume and makeup. A last minute call from Jeffrey Hornag, who played the butler, caused a few tense minutes backstage. He had been involved in a minor traffic accident and would not be able to make the performance. He was all right except for a sprained ankle. Since his was a minor role, he did not have an understudy.

We briefly discussed our options. We could go on without him, but that would upset our timing, and cues. Mr. Tucker decided that that could be devastating. No one else was able to step in. He decided therefore, to take the part himself. He told me that as Assistant Director it was my job to announce that there would be a slight delay while he got into costume and makeup. Then he hurried off with Barbara to find a suitable costume.

I trembled as I thought about facing the audience. I sat down and composed a short announcement, then spent several minutes rehearsing it. At 2 o’clock, the audience was primed for the play to begin. Mr. Tucker was not ready, so I stepped out onto the stage. The audience immediately began to applaud. I guess that they thought that this was the start of the play since I was in costume. I waited until the applause died down and then started my speech.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to welcome you to our production of ‘Guts and Garters’. On behalf of the cast, the crew, and myself, we hope that you enjoy our performance this afternoon. Due to an unfortunate automobile accident, one of our members, Jeffrey Hornag, can’t be with us today. He is fine and should rejoin us next week. But for today’s performances, our wonderful director, Mr. Adam Tucker, will play the part of ‘Charles, the butler’. A last minute substitution like this requires a little extra time to prepare, so with your indulgence, the play will begin a few minutes behind schedule. We appreciate your patience."

A voice from the audience called out, "Miss Ramsey, Miss Ramsey?"

Since the house lights were still on I could see that it was a young teenaged girl. I said, "Yes?"

She answered, "Miss Ramsey, we couldn’t go to the Mall yesterday. Could I get your autograph today?"

"Of course, why don’t you bring your book down here while we’re waiting for the play to begin."

She extricated herself from the row where she was sitting and strode down to the stage. She handed her autograph book and a pen up to me as I bent down to reach them. I asked her name and then wrote, ‘To my good friend Brenda, love Crystal Ramsey’. She thanked me, and as she returned to her seat I saw that there were several more waiting. I motioned them to come over and then spent the next ten minutes signing autographs. When the last one was signed, Debbie opened the curtain slightly and said that they were almost ready.

I said to the audience, "I have been informed that we are almost ready to begin. Thank you for your patience and I hope that you enjoy the play."

The audience applauded again and I waved before stepping back behind the curtain. I went to my starting position and faced the wall as I got into character. I went over my opening lines in my head, and turned around when I felt ready. The stage manager was watching me, and when I nodded, he signaled to everybody that the curtain was about to open. The audience again applauded as the house lights dimmed. As soon as the applause had almost stopped the curtain was opened and we began the play.

Everything went very well. Mr. Tucker brought a new dimension to the character that he played. I saw the difference that an actor can make in a role. The audience laughed in places where we had only heard a chuckle or two in the past. We had to adjust for the audience reactions as the play progressed. Although the role of the butler was a minor one, I knew that people would remember Mr. Tucker’s performance far more than some of the other characters. I wished that I was in the audience to be able to enjoy all of his onstage work, but I had costume changes to attend to.

At the end of the play, we received eight curtain calls. We had stopped at six, as usual, but the audience continued to applaud, so we did two more. The applause finally died down when we failed to reappear again, and the theatre slowly emptied. We all went to makeup and removed the greasepaint. Since I would have to do a costume change anyway for the next performance, I changed into my street clothes. There were several hours before show time, and the heavy floor length dress was even more uncomfortable than my tight skirt and heels.

I sat with Debbie on the settee after we had each filled a plate with salad from the buffet table.

She said, "Crystal, when are we going out again? How about Tuesday?"

"I can’t. I have to go up to the lake with my family tomorrow morning. We’re going to be up there for the rest of the month."

"What about the play?"

"My Mom will bring me back each Friday, and then we’ll leave again on Monday mornings. How about the Wednesday after Labor Day."

"I’m not sure that I can wait that long."

"I’ll be here each weekend. We’ll see each other between shows."

"How about next Saturday. If you don’t have any personal appearances scheduled."

I made a face at her. "All right. Next Saturday. If I don’t have any personal appearances to do." She made a face back at me.

Mr. Tucker called for the company to quiet down. He stood on a crate to make his announcements.

"My friends, a excellent performance today. I am told that Crystal did a wonderful job of keeping the audience happy until we were ready to begin. I think that she deserves a big hand for that." He clapped and everyone else followed suit. "Yesterday, I proposed that we continue until demand has been satisfied. I would like to see a show of hands for everyone who will go along with the proposed schedule."

Hands went up all over the stage.

"Anyone who is unable to go along?"

Nobody raised his or her hand.

"Then the proposal is adopted. We shall continue for as long as there is sufficient demand. Thank you my friends. We shall set a record that future companies will only be able to marvel at."

He climbed down from the crate and everybody drifted back to what they had been doing. Debbie and I returned to the settee. Over the next hour, most of the girls in the cast and crew joined our group. They all wanted to know what it was like at the signing session, and what it was like being a famous actress. I told them about the autograph seekers and the stares from people wherever I went. I told them how strange it was for everybody to feel like they knew me because my picture had been in the paper so often. Some of them commiserated with me, and some were envious and thought that I was kidding about not liking all of the attention.

At 6 o’clock, the stage manager approached us and said, "If you’re through holding court, it time to start getting ready for the next performance, girls."

Several of the women threw empty paper cups at him. He ducked away before anybody could throw a full one. We scattered as we set about readying ourselves for the next show. I went to wardrobe and put on my costume. There was a lot of time, and I already had my wig on, so I didn’t have to hurry. Many of the actors had already finished in makeup when I got there, so Marge took her time fixing me up. We talked as she worked.

She said, "I heard that you made a wonderful little speech before the last show. I wish that I could have heard you."

"It wasn’t anything special. I just told them what I had to. A few kids wanted autographs so I took the time to do that. It gave the audience something to watch while they were waiting. I figured that they would be less bored that way. I guess that it worked."

"You’re too humble for your own good. If you’re going to make it in the theatre, you have to learn to toot your own horn a bit."

"Can’t I just rely on my acting?"

"Not always. There have been many wonderful actors who never made it to the top because they didn’t want the limelight cast on them too brightly. You have to accept the bad with the good."

"My mom and aunt said the same sort of thing this morning."

"Listen to them, and stop putting up roadblocks to success. Okay, Crystal, you’re ready for your audience."

She took the makeup apron off and I stood up.

"Thanks Marge. For the makeup and the advice."

"You’re most welcome, honey. Break a leg."

I walked out onto the backstage area. I could hear the sounds of the audience as they filled the theatre. Mr. Tucker came up to me and said, "Crystal, my little flower, would you do me the honor of repeating your speech again for this audience. You don’t have to tell them that there’s a delay. Just inform them of the substitution."

"But you can do it now, Mr. Tucker. You’re ready to go on."

"But I can’t sign autographs with your name. I think that that was a nice touch and endeared you to the audience before the play even started."

"But that was spontaneous. What if no one asks for an autograph."

"I have arranged for someone to ask. Just to get the ball rolling."

I sighed and said, "Okay, Mr. Tucker." I began to feel that there were no limits to what I would be asked to do for the production. At 8 o’clock I walked out onto the stage. The audience applauded wildly when I appeared. I waited until the applause died down before I spoke.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to welcome you to our production of ‘Guts and Garters’. On behalf of the cast, the crew, and myself, we hope that you will enjoy our performance this evening. Due to an unfortunate automobile accident, one of our members, Jeffrey Hornag, can’t be with us today. He is fine and should rejoin us next week. But for tonight’s performance, our wonderful director, Mr. Adam Tucker, will play the part of ‘Charles, the butler’. Mr. Tucker is a former professional actor and I know that you'll enjoy his portrayal of ‘Charles’. Thank you."

Once again a voice from the audience called out, "Miss Ramsey?"

I could see that it was a young teenaged girl. I recognized her as the daughter of one of the crew. I said, "Yes?"

She said, "Miss Ramsey, I couldn’t make it the Mall yesterday. Could I get your autograph now?"

"Of course, why don’t you bring your book down here."

For the next ten minutes, I signed autographs, talked, and quipped with the autograph seekers, and a few audience members, as I personalized each message.

When I had finished signing the books and photos, I said, "Thank you for your patience, Ladies and Gentlemen. I believe that we are ready to start the play. Please sit back and relax while we entertain you. Thank you."

The theatre erupted in applause. I think that they were glad to see me get off of the stage. I went to my starting position and faced the wall until I got into character. When I was ready, I turned around and nodded to the stage manager. He glanced around to make sure that he had everyone’s eye, then gave the signal to open the curtain. The house lights had dimmed and the audience applauded as the curtain opened. We began as soon as the applause died down.

At the end of the show, we again received eight curtain calls. Again we felt that that was enough and the applause finally faded when the audience realized that we were not going to return. An hour later I was back in my street clothes and ready to leave with Debbie. Mr. Tucker approached me as we walked towards the exit.

I said, "Goodnight Mr. Tucker. I’ll see you on Friday."

"Crystal, I’ve been thinking. You did such a wonderful job today when you addressed the audience that I’d like to make it a regular part of the performance. Kind of like a warm-up routine that they do for audiences in television."

"But you always do the introduction."

"Yes. But I think that it’s better coming from you. I never got the applause that you did today."

"They were just glad to see me get off of the stage."

"My little dove, you have to get over this self effacing attitude. They were glad that you came out and entertained them. They bonded with you and felt closer to you when the play started."

"But I feel so awkward out on the stage by myself without a prepared script."

"There’s only one way to get over that. If a horse throws you, you have to get right back on again. Now, for next week, we’ll prepare a few witty remarks for you to work in. You did very well today, on your own, but we’ll see what we can come up with for Friday. Okay?"

"Okay, Mr. Tucker."

"Excellent. Now have a good week, ladies. I’ll see you both in five days."

Debbie and I left the theatre and discovered that there were no autograph seekers outside tonight. ‘That’s a positive sign’, I thought.

Debbie drove me to my house and parked in front.

She said, "I’ll miss you, Crystal."

And I’ll miss you, but we’ll see each other on Friday night."

We kissed before I got out. I walked to the door and unlocked it. As I opened the door, I turned and waved. Debbie waved back and then drove away. Mom and Aunt Jessica were still up and sitting in the kitchen. I went in and sat down. Mom got a cup and brought me a cup of tea.

Mom said, "You look depressed, honey. Is anything the matter?"

"The man who plays the butler had a car accident. He’s going to be all right, but Mr. Tucker had to go on today in his place. I was drafted, as the former Assistant Director to make an announcement before the play that we would be starting late due to the last minute adjustment. To fill the time and keep the audience from getting bored, I signed autographs in the front of the theatre. Mr. Tucker thought that I did such a good job that he asked me to do it again before the second show. Then, just before we left, he told me that he wants to keep it in for the remainder of the shows. He wants me to be the warm-up act. He thinks that the audience bonds with me, better than with him."

"Why that a wonderful compliment. Why are you depressed?"

"Because I feel so awkward up there all alone. When we’re doing the play, we follow a very precise script. But up there before the show, I feel like I’m walking a tightrope, without a net."

"Mr. Tucker knows people. And if he feels that you can do it, I’m sure that you can. Just be yourself, and keep smiling."

"Okay, Mom. Did you find any bargains at the outlet center?"

"Yes. There were some wonderful clothes. I bought you a couple of bathing suits for up at the lake. And a pair of sandals."

"Thanks, Mom. I’m really looking forward to getting away for a few days."

I finished my tea, kissed Mom and Aunt Jessica goodnight, and then climbed the stairs to my bedroom. I dropped my purse on my dresser, and stopped cold when I looked at my bed. It was covered with a half dozen plush animals. My talk with Mom must have motivated her to make my bed look like hers had before she got married. I piled the animals up in the corner and turned down the sheet and cover blanket. I undressed as far as I could by myself, and put on my sleep set. After turning out the light, I climbed into bed and was asleep in minutes

 

(continued in Chapter 15)

 

 

 

*********************************************
© 1999 by Crystal Sprite. All Rights Reserved. These documents (including, without limitation, all articles, text, images, logos, compilation design) may printed for personal use only. No portion of these documents may be stored electronically, distributed electronically, or otherwise made available without express written consent of the copyright holder.
Anyone wishing to make comments is welcome to e-mail me at crystal@storysite.org