ARR 1988 - Flipbook - Page 41
am I doing this to you? When I was a child... "
Lisa never did like her staging. As I stood there with her I could feel
the inspiration of last-second changes exploding within her. Rather than
just standing there as our director insisted, she puts her right hand around
my shoulder and, holding me close, takes my right hand. I look her in the
eyes.
Why? ask my eyes.
Bart wraps up his speech. It seems shorter than usual. "Your time is
up, Mr. Peterson. What's it going to be?"
Total humiliation, that's what it's going to be.
fve got to know if the comb is there. I can't reach into my pocket to get
it without knowing beforehand ifl have to say my lines or die a painful death
of bad improvisation.
If Lisa can change her blocking, so can I. My character is supposed to
be debating in his mind as to whether or not he should present the
incriminating comb. Can I really make such an important decision with a
beautiful woman clinging to me? Good Lord, no. I take my hand back from
around her shoulder and release her right hand. But she doesn't release
mine. I wiggle my hand a bit but she doesn't get the message. This is no place
for a struggle. I can still check the pocket with my left hand. I look down to
the pocket. Lisa is leaning against my leg. Passage blocked. If only she
knew.
Maybe she does.
"I have nothing against you," pleads the Father. "Please don't do this
tome."
Next plan. I have no choice. Lisa must release my right hand so I can
move away from her. I place my left hand on hers as though to comfort her.
Beneath my hand the struggle begins. My fingers curl within her fist. The
thumb attempts to raise her palm. Several fingers work together to push her
fingers away. But Lisa's fingers don't approve of my variations in stage
movement. They separate and wrap around my hand even tighter. My left
hand, in view, covering the action, is unable to assist. Freddy's hands aren't
going anywhere.
I have nothing against you, plead my eyes. Please don't do this to me.
Buther eyes turn away from mine and she takes both my hands. It probably
looks great from the audience's point of view.
I can at least see the pocket now. No bulge, but it's a thin comb. I can't
keep staring at the pocket. I should be looking at her.
Soon comes Lisa's big scene. Mimi will cross to Bart and confess that
she loves me but must marry Bart in order to save the family. I can wait' til
27