"Watch and listen, won't you, so that
you can give me your impression after the first act?" For Sardou
always preferred the spontaneous expressions of workmen and common
people to the compliments of his own _confreres_.
The distant skurry in the wings that always precedes the raising of
the curtain was audible on the stage. This rattling of properties is
very noticeable to actors new to the theatre, though it is quite
unsuspected by the general public.
The first act began. The audience was sympathetic, but impatient.
However, the author knew his public, knew when to spring his
surprises, how to hold the emotion in reserve until a climax of
applause at the final triumph.
Esperance made her first entrance, laughing and graceful, as her role
demanded. A murmur of admiration mounted from the orchestra to the
balcony. Hers was such startling, such radiant fairness! Her musical,
fluting voice acted like as a strange enchantment on the astonished
audience. From the first moment the public was hers. The critic
touched his neighbour's elbow. "Look at Count Albert, he seems
stunned!"
As the Count leaned forward to watch more intently: "Great Heavens, do
you suppose he will fall in love with her, do you believe he will
really care for that little thing?" murmured the woman, mockingly.
The curtain fell amidst a shower of "Bravos." Esperance had to return
three times before the public, which continued to applaud her
unstintedly, as she smiled and blushed under her make-up.
Pages:
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47