Page 75 of Love's Cure

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

The Ogunquit Playhouse, which opened in 1933, was right on Main Street. Crystal knew it was one of the last remaining summer theaters from the Summer Stock that still produced musical theatre.

The white clapboard building with green metal letters spread across the front displayed the name, while mounted above them, green and white pennants danced in the breeze. Green awnings marked the ticket window and covered the entrances on either side. She parked in the allocated space and went to join a group behind the stage, ready to go through a rehearsal.

A woman in the group smiled and waved at her. Nathan Fielding, a friend of Jerry’s and the theater manager, rushed over to give her a hug. “Welcome, Crystal. I was glad to hear you’re joining us for this production. It’s always nice to see you.”

“Thanks. For me, it’s a thrill to be able to be part of any show, no matter how small the part.”

“What did you do to your hair?” he asked her, standing back and appraising her. “You look fab. A lot like Grace Kelly.”

“That’s what Jerry said,” she replied, flustered. She’d never thought of herself as beautiful.

The director came into the room. “Everyone in their places. We need to go through the two ensemble numbers.” His assistant did a roll call and after he announced her name, Crystal felt her excitement grow. It took a huge effort to use her time for the few days of the show, but she never tired of her brief stints on stage. Being able to portray someone else had brought her through troubled times.

On stage, she sang and did some light dancing with other members of the ensemble, content to be in the back while others with speaking roles were in the limelight. She’d memorized the words of the songs, knew the various parts of the play by heart, and could be comfortable as they went through both big numbers.

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Later, Crystal relaxedon Jerry and Lance’s outdoor patio. Then she decided to walk into town to a favorite restaurant with another ensemble member for a light supper before show time.

The Lobster Trap was located on Main Street a nice walk away. Crystal’s mouth watered in anticipation of the lobster rolls they served—lots of lobster pieces with minimal mayonnaise.

Ginger Allen, a woman she’d met last year, was full of good cheer as they moved along chatting about little things. Short, she was pretty with long, dyed strawberry-blond hair worn in a ponytail, and had green eyes that sparkled with humor. Her energy was unstoppable. Younger than Crystal by four years, Ginger was someone she’d always liked.

“So, how has New York living been?” Crystal asked her.

Ginger shrugged. “It’s never easy. Exciting yes. But jobs are hard to find, and I’m getting tired of working a full-time gig and then as a waitress on weekends to make living there possible.”

“Why don’t you think of coming to Lilac Lake? Whitney Gilford is living there and is setting up a theater program for camps during the summer and for school children during the winter.”

“Really? That sounds interesting. I’ll think about it. Now, let’s eat. I need to go back and go over my lines once more.”

They walked inside the gray weathered clapboard building to a busy scene. Tables were filling up fast at this early dinner hour. Crystal grabbed a table tucked into a back corner by the kitchen.

“What’ll you have?” asked Ginger.

“A single lobster roll, and a lemonade,” said Crystal, pulling bills out of her wallet. She handed them to Ginger. “And ask for a lemon slice, please. I’ll grab extra napkins and silverware for us.”

Moments later, Crystal bit into her lobster roll and let out a moan of pleasure. Tender lobster meat fresh from the Atlantic Ocean was a favorite seafood treat. It always tasted better in Maine than anywhere else.

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That evening, on stagewith the other members of the ensemble, Crystal sang and moved with them, lost in her world of fantasy and fun. Her practicing had paid off and she acted her small part with confidence.

A little after the play ended, Crystal decided to get a breath of fresh air.

As she stepped outside, she saw a crowd gathering and people rushing about.

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