Page 199 of The Silent Appeal

Date: June 2, 2025

Subject: Re: Breathe

Thank you, Emma. I look forward to grinding that button to dust. Celia

To: Kevin MacDonald

From: Bella Moretti

Date: June 2, 2025

Subject: The Hollow

Dear Mr. MacDonald,

I am your NADA judge assigned with attending the Fairway Players’ production of The Hollow on Thursday June 5, 2025, and politely request the following:

A central front row seat, furnished with a cushion.

A copy of the play script.

Tea with almond milk and gluten-free savory snacks for which I will pay.

A parking space within forty feet of the venue.

A copy of the program.

A private conversation with the playwright.

NB. I politely insist that I am not selected to take part in any “audience participation.”

I will arrive at 7:15 p.m. and anticipate that I will be met at the door and shown to my seat by a specially appointed officer who will accompany me all evening. My phone number is below. Please do not call in anything other than an emergency.

Bella Moretti

Judge, National Amateur Drama Awards

To: Bella Moretti

From: Kevin MacDonald

Date: June 2, 2025

Subject: Re: The Hollow

Dear Ms. Moretti,

Thank you so much for your email. The Fairway Players are delighted to welcome you on Thursday. I will be taking on the role of your “specially appointed officer” myself.

Your polite requests have been duly noted and will be observed. From the front row you’ll enjoy a clear view of our beautiful set and star prop—a genuine, authentic Edwardian moletrap our props lady hunted down with savage accuracy.

However, I must point out that one of your requests will be trickier to fulfill than the other five, i.e. number six: a private conversation with the playwright. I’m sad to say Dame Agatha Christie passed away in 1976. If there’s anything we can do to make up for it, please let me know.

This is to confirm that on Thursday I will be pacing the pavement outside the church hall from 7 p.m. onward and from the moment you arrive, I will be your constant companion. The group has been working hard for six months to make this play a stand-out entry to the NADAs and Thursday will be the moment of truth.

Very best wishes,

Kevin MacDonald, Committee cochair and director