Grayson continues. "We'd be looking to rehearse for about a month before we open. A little bit of a slower pace than during the season, but the rehearsal schedule may not be as intense.”
"A month sounds good," I mumble. I don't know what else to say. My mind is swirling with about a thousand thoughts all at once. "Tabitha Stetson? The Tabby Cat?"
Of course, this is what pops out.
Grayson smiles. "Tabitha has graciously offered to be your executive producer, which basically means she's bankrolling the whole show. The Edison is contributing some. Henderson was ready to pound the pavement trying to fundraise, but he won't need to sell his body on the street corner, thanks to Tabitha."
I sit there for a moment, still trying to make heads or tails of this.
"We're going to offer you three thousand for performance rights. I know this is below what The Edison usually budgets for this, but I think, based on the circumstances, you'll agree it is fair and reasonable." He hastily adds, "This is in addition to the salary for director. If you want to do the music as well, we'll factor that in. Otherwise, let me know who you want for the musical direction."
I sit there, stunned. It's like my birthday, Christmas, and Halloween, all rolled into one.
"So," Grayson keeps going, since I've apparently lost the ability to speak. "We need you to button this down. I didn't see orchestration in here. Are you hiring someone to do it, or will you be taking care of it?"
I'd always envisioned writing all the parts myself, but based on the accelerated timeline, I may need to call in reinforcements. "I'll work on it with some buddies. I'll have that done by November."
Grayson cocks his eyebrow.
"Right. December, January at the latest." I'll have to see if Don and Jen will work on it with me. Maybe D'von can do the percussion. Teamwork will make this dream work.
I walk out of the office, floating on air. My first thought is that I need to call my parents.
Shit.
It's been ten years, and I still pick up the phone to call them. Instead, I call Kim. "Clear your calendar for March. You're coming to see my show at The Edison."
My sister is used to my energy. "What's the show? Are you doingHamilton? I love that music. You should totally doHamilton."
I shake my head. "No, Kim. My show. Likemy show."
There's silence on the line. I take that as my cue to continue.
"And the best part is that Tabitha Stetson from the Sassy Cats is the producer. She's funding it. Probably going to be in it as well. Like, I'm going to be working closely with her."
"Oh my God."
"Right? It's happening, Kim. It's actually happening." Out of the corner of my eye, I catch some movement. I turn to see who else is out in the garden with me. I don't see anyone.
"Joshy, this is so good. I'd say I can't believe it, but I can. You're so talented and such a hard worker. I knew it would pay off. Thanks for calling me. I needed this good news today." Her voice drops, betraying her sadness.
"What's wrong?"
"Oh, you know. The usual."
"Kim, why don't you move down here? It would be better to see you more often. A change of scenery wouldn't be the worst thing." I worry about her, up in New Hampshire, all by herself.
"No, I'll be fine. I'm glad you called."
"Me too. I love you, you know."
I hear my sister sniffle. Great. I've gone and made her cry. I try never to do that, but it seems like she's crying more than she's not these days.
"I love you too, Joshy-poo. Keep me posted about your hanging with the famous people. Just don't get so famous that you forget your big sister."
"I'll never forget you. Ever. I love you too much to forget you."
After I hang up, I turn to see Leslie standing there. IknewI heard someone out here with me.
