Page 24 of The Silent Appeal

Those newbies have thrown a monkey wrench in the works. Looks like Emma will be left on the bench and she’s a friend of yours.

1:56 a.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

She’ll understand.

1:57 a.m. Kevin wrote:

I know, and I don’t want to not cast someone purely because they won’t give me a hard time about it. That would be downright cowardly.

1:58 a.m. Kevin wrote:

If only Fran’s three friends weren’t so damn good and apparently law-abiding.

1:58 a.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

More than that: they’re all young. If we can convince them to stay, they could be the next generation of Fairway Players.

1:58 a.m. Kevin wrote:

My thoughts exactly.

1:59 a.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

Emma will take a backstage role whether she gets a part or not. We won’t see the newbies again if they aren’t cast.

To: Emma Crooks

From: Kevin MacDonald

Date: January 7, 2025

Subject: Heads-up

Sorry, Emma (not just for emailing in the middle of the night), but unless you’re happy to be considered for Gerda or Doris (the maid), it’s looking like I can’t cast you in The Hollow.

I’m gutted because you’re a star. It’s just we have so many amazing women auditioning for so few roles. Kevin

To: Kevin MacDonald

From: Emma Crooks

Date: January 7, 2025

Subject: Re: Heads-up

Kevin. You know me better than that. If there’s no part for me, I’ll do publicity and promo with SJ. I believe in karmic shifts that shape the universe. If I’m meant to have a part in this play—and you don’t cast me—that role will become available at a later date and I’ll be cast then. Namaste, Emma x

To: The Fairway Players mailing list

From: Kevin MacDonald

Date: January 7, 2025

Subject: The Hollow—cast list

Dear Fairway Players,

Thank you to all those who attended the auditions last night. It’s the director’s great privilege to cast a play—but it can also be their greatest challenge. Sarah-Jane will confirm that I was up till gone two this morning, and it’s no secret I was truly blown away by everyone who read for a part. This cast is brimming with talent and charisma, and at this rate we’ll be walking away with every NADA going. So, with no further ado, here it is: