Page 101 of Sweet T

Shelly paused as if considering. “Nope. Unnecessary. I wish I could see you.”

“Unnecessary. I look like Nerd Hulk in tiny clothes.”

“You do not.” Shelly laughed. “Anyway, that’s your Daddy. I’m picturing you more Tom Hardy in that movie Inception.”

“It feels like I’m the one in a play.”

“No, sweetie. It’s all you. You’re just not used to dolling up for someone.”

“I’ll say.”

“One last thing.”

“Yes?”

“Break a leg, T.”

* * *

When Tucker entered the Black Sheep, people were mingling in the lobby. A young man he didn’t know was standing behind the ticket counter, handing out programs. He offered one to Tucker, noticing the enormous bouquet of red roses and white daisies.

“You must be Tucker. I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m Lance.”

“Nice to meet you, Lance. Are you from Morehead? I’m surprised we don’t know each other.”

“Nope. I’m from Spoon. I’m a senior at HOCO.”

“Oh.” Tucker chuckled. “That explains it. I own Tucker’s Tavern.”

“I know. I’ve heard all about it. Evan mentioned how handsome you are.” Lance’s eyes scaled Tucker down, then up. He sang: “He’s not wrong.”

“Well, I–uh,” Tucker stammered.

“I can take those flowers to him if you like.”

“No thanks. I’ll just give them to him at the end. Curtain call, you know?”

“I think that’s a splendid idea. Enjoy the show.”

Tucker swerved around a couple in the center of the lobby, ducked through the curtains and entered the auditorium.

There were twenty people already seated, scattered about, most flipping through the program. Tucker selected an aisle seat three rows back, so that he would have a clear shot with the flowers later. Before he sat, he laid the bouquet into the seat next to him, removing his blazer, and hiding the flowers with it.

Several people there recognized him, offering curious smiles and the occasional wave. Tucker waved back, then sat down and checked his watch. Ten minutes until showtime.

He opened the program. There were pictures of the cast and brief credentials. He saw a photo of a younger... Sebastian Collins, King Lear, is the Artistic Director of the Black Sheep Theatre in Spoon. Some of his favorite roles over the years include George in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Brick in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

He didn’t know either of the women playing Regan or Cordelia, but he recognized the next headshot. Cassie Wan, Goneril, is making her debut with the Black Sheep and is thrilled to tread the boards once again. Before Spoon, she was a semi-regular at the Opal Theatre in Knoxville, where her favorite roles were Suzie in The World of Suzie Wong and Elphaba in Wicked.

Tucker turned the page and was startled to see a picture of himself, Shelly, and Ben. It was an advertisement he had agreed to long ago and forgotten. The picture was from early on, when they had first opened. They were smiling under a banner that read Tucker’s Tavern ~ Where everyone knows your name. It was hokey, and a direct rip-off of the classic sitcom Cheers. But what struck Tucker most was how happy they all looked. He remembered the day the picture was taken. They were happy, excited about the opening of the bar and a new chapter in their lives. It was a bittersweet recollection, though, knowing that in the fall, Shelly would be gone.

Opposite that page was his favorite picture of all... Evan Harbuck, Fool, is also making his debut with the Black Sheep. Previously, he worked with the Garden City Players in Augusta, where his favorite roles were Austin in True West and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The lights flickered and dimmed. Tucker closed the program and laid it on top of his blazer. A recording began playing. Tucker recognized Sebastian’s drawl.

Good evening and welcome to the Black Sheep Theatre’s production of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. In the event of an emergency, there are exits backstage illuminated by signs to the left and right, as well as the entrance of the building. Smoking is prohibited and we ask you to please silence your phones as a courtesy to others and the actors in the production. And now, sit back, relax, and enjoy King Lear.

Tucker checked his phone to make sure it was on silent/vibrate mode and settled back into his seat. The curtain rose, and he saw what looked like the skeletal framing of a chamber, abstract, with a throne on a platform, ramps to the sides, and trees in the background made from the silhouettes of shadow in light.

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