And The Stars Were Shining

by Gnome Ignominious

CABIN PRESSURE AU: Douglas is a baritone singing for MON, a small but reputable opera company run by Carolyn, a retired soprano. Arthur sings in the chorus and plays the occasional bit part. Their first opera of the season is Tosca and Carolyn decides to hire a new, permanent tenor, who will debut in the role of Cavaradossi. Enter Martin Crieff, stage left.

4. Chapter 4

The rehearsal room was already filling up as Douglas and Martin arrived. Carolyn was waiting at the door, a tense smile on her face.

"Ah, Douglas, I see you've met Martin."

"Yes, we bumped into each other on the way in."

Carolyn sniffed, evidently displeased that Martin's identity was no longer a secret to Douglas. She turned to Martin. "Let me introduce you to everyone."

The rehearsal room was a small, brightly lit hall with a grand piano in the centre, surrounded by a horseshoe of music stands and tall stools. Chairs for the orchestra were set up at the far end. Carolyn took Martin's arm and steered him through the small groups of people, introducing him as they went. Martin recognised a few familiar faces, such as the director of music, Dirk, and the lead soprano Anna Donati, who would be singing the title role of Tosca.

Carolyn deposited him at his seat with an unreadable expression. Martin didn't feel particularly encouraged. He had Douglas on his left, next to Douglas was Anna and on the other side of Anna was Carolyn's son Arthur who would be singing the role of Spoletta. As Martin glanced over at him, Arthur looked up, caught his eye and gave him a friendly grin and a wave. Martin tentatively waved back, feeling a little cheered. You're meant to be here, he reminded himself.

"Morning everyone." Dirk's voice cut across the chatter. A few people responded, including Arthur- very enthusiastically. "Let's get started. Nothing too strenuous today, first I'd like us to go over the libretto and clear up any pronunciation issues and then we'll have a sing through Act 1. We'll break for lunch and afterwards have a little bit of individual practice. Reconvene at two for some more of Act 1 and that's it for today, unless you're booked for a costume appointment, in which case you should already be aware of that. Any questions?"

There was a general shaking of heads.

"Great!" Dirk seemed to remember something. "Oh yes, I think you've all been introduced but if not we've got a new member starting today, Martin, singing Cavaradossi."

Martin gave an awkward smile, feeling the blush on his cheeks. He pointedly did not look at Douglas, who, he was sure, would be smirking.

"Ok, let's crack on then." And the rehearsal began.