A Midsummer Night's Scream

all the measurements.
    Later, we’ll try it on and get the director’s approval. And he better approve it. It’s going to look grand on her.“
    As she spoke, Bill Denk, using his old-man voice, returned to the stage. “Madam, Cook says she will have luncheon ready at a quarter before one.“
    “Of course she will. That was what she was told,“ Ms. Bunting, as Edina Weston, replied.
    “Bossy broad could have thanked me,“ he said to the theater.
    Again, Imry questioned him. “Did you say something not in the script?“
    Denk shrugged. “I don’t think so.“
    “All right. I’ll play along,“ Professor Imry said condescendingly. “But don’t you try to get away with snide asides when we do this play for a real audience.“
    Bill just smiled.
    Jane nudged Shelley and said quietly, “He’s the only thing that might save this awful play.“
    Shelley nodded. “I wonder how he does it? I’ve never seen anyone who could throw his voice so well.“
    “And we both know he’s going to keep doing it,“ Jane said.

Six

    Tazz asked Jane to keep an eye on the dress bag and walked up on the stage. “Forgive me for the interruption, Professor Imry, but I’m the costumer, Tazz Tinker, and I have things I need to tell the cast. Are they all here?“
    “We’re missing a few still. Denny’s not here yet. And the prop person will be fifteen minutes late.“
    “I don’t need to dress the prop person.“ Imry gave an embarrassed fake laugh.
    “Okay, listen up, actors,“ Tazz went on, “I’ll be measuring all but Ms. Bunting today. I’ve already found two dresses for her, providing the director agrees. When the measuring is done, I’ll find the right size and period clothing for day wear and formal evening wear for the last scene. When each costume is ready to be worn, it will be signed for by the actor who wears it. You will all wear underarm shields that I provide for free. Both perspiration and deodorant are the worst enemies of fabric. If you sweat on the fabric or get makeup on the collar, you will be asked to get it dry-cleaned. If I rent it from a supplier, the college will pay for cleaning and laundry. If it belongs to me, it will be at your own cost. If the stain process doesn’t work, you pay for the garment.“
    “I don’t think this is the usual way costumers deal with cast clothing,“ Imry claimed.
    “It’s the way I work. Take it or leave it,“ Tazz said. “If you’d done your homework, you’d have known my conditions of providing costumes. I sent you a copy of my rules and you signed them. Now, Professor Imry, I read an early version of the script and didn’t notice a police officer as a member of the cast. Has that been fixed?“
    “No. The script doesn’t call for one.“
    Tazz looked at him with raised eyebrows. “This is a murder mystery script. In it the butler kills the younger son. You don’t need a police presence?“
    “That’s assumed to take place after the play is over,“ Imry said, clearly uncomfortable with her question.
    Tazz turned to Jane and Shelley, who had brought along the dress bag and were now sitting in the first row of audience chairs, stage left. Tazz rolled her eyes at them, then turned to Imry. “I see,“ she said in a flat, calm voice. “I’ll measure the male actors first, since there are only the maid and Joani I need to get sizes for. Ms. Bunting’s costumes are already fitted. Now tell me your real names so I can draw up the contracts.“
    “We’re using the actors’ stage names,“ Imry said.
    “I don’t contract with fictional characters,“ Tazz said with a loud laugh. “Now, I recognize Mr. Bunting. Tell me who the other men are.“
    Imry was forced to forgo his rule. He introduced all the actors by their real names.
    “And the man standing just off stage?“ Tazz asked. “Is he a backstage worker?“
    “No. He’s just here to observe.“
    Jane whispered to Shelley, “Maybe he’s a reporter and Imry doesn’t want anyone to know it.“
    “He’s not taking notes,“ Shelley replied.
    “Maybe he has a tape recorder in his pocket,“ Jane responded. “Or...“
    “Or what?“
    “Never mind. It was a silly idea. If I turn out to be right, I’ll tell you what it was.“
    Just then, Denny arrived, flustered. “I had an exam that ran late. That’s why I couldn’t get here till now. I’m sure I aced it.“
    The first walk-through rehearsal went well, as far as Jane and Shelley could tell, except for Bill Denk’s