“No, no, I know the best thing of all—” Alison urged.
“But I found something brand-new—” Peggy started, and then everyone laughed, plying Chris with their favorite remedies. Randy promised Peggy that he’d speak to the producers the next day, and the party broke up with happy expectations of next week’s show.
XII
Varied Explosions
Just as Peggy had expected, the producers were delighted to have Randy stay an extra week and play the Russian ballet teacher, Kolenkhov, in You Can’t Take It with You. With Randy in the cast and everyone working comfortably together, Peggy couldn’t remember ever having such fun at rehearsals! And what a cast! The play needed so many actors that everyone was pressed into service. Michael Miller and the apprentices all had small parts, Chuck Crosby played the part of Peggy’s father as well as directing, Mr. Miller brought some friends of his to fill in, and even Aunt Hetty was persuaded to play. Mary Hopkins brought a friend to try out for the part of the Grand Duchess. June Tilson was a lovely young girl who turned out to have a really fine talent.
“Where have you been all summer?” Chuck asked when he heard her read for the first time. “We could have used you before!”
“She’s been in hiding,” Mary laughed, “or I would have brought her long ago.”
“I’ve been at the music camp, actually,” June explained. “You know—the group of folk singers who have a summer session nearby.”
“Oh, yes.” Chuck nodded. “We’re giving them the auditorium one night for a benefit performance. Let’s see—it comes during the week of Guest in the House, I believe.”
“Oh, will I be glad when we do that play!” Alison said. “I love the part!”
“The part of Evelyn?” Chuck asked.