Last-minute problems suddenly arise, as suddenly are solved. Something is wrong with the second row of baby spots; they’re out of focus. Did someone move the lighting bar? Fix it! An important door, vital to certain entrances and exits, gets stuck. When you try to pull it, the canvas wall in which it is set trembles. Brace the canvas! Plane down the door jamb! Oil the hinges and the door latch! Better? Fine!
“Where’s the ladder? How can I fix those spots....”
“Who has some blue thread? This darned blouse....”
“I’ll never make that costume change in time! We’ll have to open the back and put in snaps, but there has to be a dresser to help me or....”
“Who took the tennis racket from this prop table? Come on! This is no time to fool around!”
“Where’s the ladder?”
“Mal, did you change the position of that sofa in Act Three, or am I just imagining it? If you did....”
“Yes, I restaged it in last night’s rehearsal. I thought it would....”
“Well, why didn’t you tell me? Now I have to relight the whole scene! You directors think that all you have to do is tell the actors! There are other people who are important too....”
“Sorry. Really, I am. Must have slipped my mind.”