Sing for Their Supper – 52

  

The cast sat on the edge of the stage while Tuck gave them his notes on the rehearsal.

 

"Mace, remember to swagger. Sikes is a tough, evil man and he knows it," Tuck said. "You want everyone to be afraid of you."

 

"You were almost perfect, Sam, with 'Reviewing the Situation'. You're finally convincing me that Fagin wants to give up his life of crime."

 

Sam preened a bit at that, until Tuck added, "You sometimes forget you have to let the audience see your face. Play to them, not the wings."

 

Tuck continued on, critiquing each actor's performance, giving praise when it was warranted but letting them know where they still needed to improve. Finally, he closed his notepad, set it down on the edge of the stage and looked at them. He smiled slowly.

 

"I know you've been wondering when we're going to open. How do you feel about a week from Friday? That will give us four more days before tech and dress rehearsals. We'll end with two complete rehearsals with everything that involves."

 

Everyone cheered. Then DJ asked, "Do you really think we'll be ready?"

 

"Absolutely. You've all worked very hard and everything is coming together just the way it should."

 

"There's going to be advertising, isn't there?" Jolie asked.

 

"Yes. It starts tomorrow with a story in the papers' entertainment sections about the theater. Then ads for the show."

 

She looked worried. "With our names? I mean…" she chewed her lip.

 

"No. I realize some of your families may live in the area or have friends here, so Brent and I decided we're not going to publicize who the cast is or use your photos in the ads."

 

Sam's hand shot up. "You can use my photo, as Fagin, if it helps. No one could recognize me under all the makeup and the beard." He knew that because Tuck had worked with him on creating Fagin's look, since it was as much a part of the character as the coat. He'd even worn the beard for the last two rehearsals to get used to it.

 

"Mine, too," Roma said. "I came here from halfway across the country. That was over ten years ago. There's no way the bastard could find me, even if he was still looking."

 

Tuck glanced at Brent, who had come into the auditorium a few minutes previously and was watching from the back. "How hard would it be to change the ad to add their pictures?"

 

"If I take some photos as soon as you're finished…" Brent tapped his lips. "And DJ's, but from behind, watching them."

 

"That's okay with me," DJ said before Tuck could ask.

 

"All right. The three of you go get into costume and make-up," Tuck told them. "Peg's still here. She can help you."

 

"I'll get my camera from the office," Brent said. "Meet me back here when you're ready."

 

Roma, Sam, and DJ hurried off, while Tuck told the others they were free to leave. "Relax. Have some fun. Don't think about the show again until tomorrow. It's going to be intense for the next week."

 

"That's like saying, don't think about the word elephant," Evie replied with a grin.

 

Tuck chuckled. "True. Now get out of here. All of you."