Page 147
Forty-Seven
The bounce of Alex’s knee, hidden underneath the hem of her skirt, was out of sight from Laurel Rodriguez, the artistic director of the 59E59 Theaters. This woman held Thirteen’s off-Broadway fate in her hands as she flicked through the manuscript. Laurel paused, reading a scene for a few minutes, and then continued her tour through the pages. Flip, flip, flip. Eyes glued to each page turn, Alex’s knee bounced faster.
Laurel slapped the manuscript closed and removed her glasses. “Well…”
Holding her breath, Alex met Laurel’s eyes.
“Thirteen is unlike anything we’ve staged before…the time travel aspect…”
And…!Alex’s heartbeat rose to her throat.
“Is it true that your grandmother was the inspiration?”
“Yes!” She exhaled with a shaky grin. “She was a dancer, an actress in Manchester during the fifties. She’s quite the character.”
Laurel nodded. “I can tell! Well, Thirteen is heartbreaking and inspiring, a beautiful story of love and redemption. I have to say, Alex, it’s perfect for our ‘Brits Off-Broadway’ season next year. I think New York audiences will really enjoy it.”
Alex’s eyes widened, matching her smile.
“So, our Brits season happens April through July. For Thirteen, I’d like to propose a run of three weeks—probably late May into June.”
It’s all happening!“Great!” Alex bounced to the edge of her chair.
“We can offer you the going rate for an off-Broadway debut. Peggy’s typing up your formal offer now. It will include royalty rates as well as a breakdown of the pre-production payment schedule—our theatre prides itself on paying the playwright for time spent during meetings, design consults, casting sessions, readings, and rehearsals. I’m sure you’ll find it fair.”
Alex nodded. Wait till I tell Dad—and Joan!
“Take a few days to consider our offer. Let me know, say…” Laurel peered through her glasses at her Hamilton wall calendar. “…a week from now, Monday, July 9th?”
“That would be perfect. Thank you!” Alex’s cheeks ached. What’s to consider? My play performed HERE…in a 195-seat theatre just steps from Central Park! She wanted to scream YES from the top of the Empire State Building but swallowed her excitement. The week would allow her time to meet with an agent and find out whether the theatre’s offer accurately compensated her work. Thirteen was her baby—there was no way she was going to place it into the bathwater without checking the temperature first.
“Wonderful. Be sure to pick up the envelope from Peggy before you go.” Laurel stood up, extending her hand. “Thanks for trusting Thirteen to us, Alex. I’ll speak to you next week.”
“Thanks, Laurel.” Alex shook the artistic director’s hand and left the office with a grin that shone so bright, only the lights of Times Square could rival it.
