“‘Peggy Lane, in the small role of the maid Nancy, was pert and charming, leaving us with the notion that we’d like to see her do something else—’”
“Well, they will,” Chris interrupted, giving Peggy a wink. “Next week, Peggy the Star!”
“Oh, Chris,” Peggy laughed. “I’m not really the star—it’s you—and Alison, too.”
“Leave me out,” Alison said mockingly. “I had my big chance and no audience. It’s your turn next, Peggy, and it looks as if you’ll be luckier.” There was a hint of envy in Alison’s tone that surprised Peggy. Only last week she had been complaining about having two big leads in a row. Peggy had thought Alison was looking forward to the smaller but very good part she had in For Love or Money.
“Doesn’t he say anything about me?” Chris asked. “Go on, Peggy, I can’t believe he isn’t going to offer any criticism at all.”
Peggy resumed reading: “‘Rita Stevens was excellent as the housekeeper; so believable in fact, that one might tend to overlook a program note which explains that she is much younger than she appeared.’
“Oh, and here you are, Chris,” Peggy said. “‘Chris Hill, a romantic leading man if ever we saw one, made a valiant effort to create the difficult, heavy role of Mr. Manningham. That he didn’t quite succeed is no slur on his ability. He was very good indeed and there were moments in the play when he was truly spine-chilling. We suspect, however, that underneath those sideburns Mr. Hill is basically just too nice a fellow. We’re looking forward to him in Charley’s Aunt where, we understand, he will be playing something closer to his type. This should be a real treat for the young women of the area, and we assure you, if you’re interested, that you needn’t look further for a living, breathing matinee idol!’
“Oh, Chris!” Peggy whooped and burst out laughing.
“Why, Christopher Barrymore Hill!” Alison giggled. “I had no idea you were such a heart throb!”
“Heavens! You won’t be able to walk down the street alone after that!” Rita teased, as Chris got redder and redder and looked as if he would like to vanish into the floor.