1/4/12

Reveal
By Elliot Richard Dorfman


It was a bleak cold November day in New York. The rain drops incessantly kept hitting the windows of Susan Gardner’s 4th floor West End Avenue apartment. Trying to hold back a wave of depression, she turned from the living room window and noticed her reflection in the large gold framed mirror above the fireplace. A strikingly attractive woman of 63 stared back at her.

" Oh, well, at least you still don’t look so bad at your age. Happy Birthday, old gal," she muttered to herself as she sat down on the couch, not really sure what to do for the rest of the day.

It wasn’t easy living alone at this time in her life. Sadly, after being happily married for forty years, her husband, Martin, had died almost a year ago from a massive heart attack while taking a stroll in Central Park. To compound the loneliness, it seemed that most of her friends and relatives were moving out to the West Coast or Florida.

Looking around her large apartment, she wondered if it wouldn’t be more practical to move into a smaller place, but the two extra bedrooms were used when her son, Thomas - a lawyer in St. Louis - came with grandson Jimmy to visit. How proud she was of Thomas in being able to raise the sixteen-year-old after his wife was killed in a car crash some years back.

"Susan, you’ve got to snap out of the doldrums," she said out loud. Lately, talking to herself was becoming a habit.

Bored, she opened the large scrapbook on the coffee table and began thumbing through the memorabilia. Susan was not the average woman. Forty years ago she had been the toast of Broadway, hailed as the best young actress of her generation. It was quite a surprise when she surprised everyone by cutting her career short after meeting press agent Martin Gardner and deciding that it would be best to get married right away and settled down. There were never any regrets doing this. Her life had always been happy and fulfilling right to the passing of her husband.

"Martin and I used to do so many wonderful things together. Now what am I to do by myself? I’m not the type of person to join a senior citizen center or lounge around and stuff my face until I become fat and ugly," she lamented.

As Susan pondered her seemingly dismal future, Rehearsals for the new comedy, "Right in Style," weren’t going well at the Brooks theatre off 8th Avenue and 46 Street. A break had been called after John Stuart, the producer, and Paul Sherman, the director, were having a heated argument. John’s voice could be heard reverberating right to the back of the large auditorium.

"It’s no use, Paul. Maureen must be replaced as the leading lady. She’s just not right for the part. I’ve told you a dozen times, this play will be a dud if she is allowed to go on."

"Okay, I agree, but we only have three weeks left before opening night," replied the exasperated producer."Where do you expect to find the right actress in such a short time?"

"That shouldn’t be a problem if I get my dad to help us," John said with confidence. "Don’t forget that he’s been the best Broadway agent for nearly half a century. I give you my word that we’ll have a qualified replacement here by tomorrow morning. In the meantime, get rid of Maureen."

He quickly exited the theatre.

Whenever John had problems with one of his shows, he always went to his dad for help. Milton Stuart was one of the most respected acting agents in the country. At sixty-nine he was still going strong. Luckily, Milton’s office was less than a block from the theatre, so it took John only a few minutes to get there in this inclement weather.

"Better sit down and relax," Milton remarked when he saw his son. "You look upset. Want a cup of tea or something stronger to calm you down?"

John shook his head and slumped onto the couch and sighed. Milton sat on the corner of the desk and patiently waited for his son to tell him what was bothering him.
"Pop. I ‘ve got to replace Maureen. ‘Right in Style’ has no chance of succeeding if she remains in the starring role. With only a measly three weeks left before the opening, I’ve got to find a bright and talented actress who can effectively take her place. I’m hoping with all of your contacts that you can help me."

Milton walked over to his son and encouragingly put his hand on his son's shoulder. "That's a tall order."

"Too bad Helen Hayes and Ethel Barrymore are both dead," John quipped. "Either one of them would have been perfect."

Milton glanced out of his window. Below, the rain was making puddles on the pavement of the busy street. His thoughts went back to a similar day two decades ago. He was a young agent then, but his reputation was growing.

Milton had stopped by the Biltmore theatre that day after being invited by the producers to check out the auditions of their new play. The bad weather hadn’t affected the "Cattle Call." There was a line of unknown hopefuls from the stage door to the end of the block. Among those struggling hopefuls there could be someone talented who needed a good agent. He sat in the back of the auditorium and carefully watched the proceedings. The actors this afternoon seemed rather average. An hour later when he was about to leave, a pretty brunette walked onto the stage. Her appearance oozed charisma. The cold reading that she gave was excellent. The young thespian jumped with delight when she was asked to return for a second reading the next day. Milton was at her side when the young woman stepped out of the theatre.

"What’s your name, honey?"

"Why?" she coldly asked, her manner abruptly changing when she suddenly recognized him.

"Aren’t you Milton Stuart, the agent? "

He bowed politely. "At your service."

"Oh, I’m so sorry for being rude, Mr. Stuart. I’m Susan Sherman. I was at your office last week, but you were out."

"Well, I ‘m here now and if you still need an agent, I certainly would like to represent you."

Her eyes sparkled with excitement. " Gee, that would be wonderful!"

"If you are not too busy," he suggested, "let me treat you to dinner at Sardi’s where we can talk it over."

"I’d be happy to," she replied - her smile absolutely enchanting him.

Within two hours, Susan became his newest client. The following day, after her second reading, she got the lead part. When the play opened two months later, she got glowing reviews from even the toughest of critics.

During this time, Milton’s marriage wasn’t working out. Becoming attracted to Susan, it didn’t take long before he became romantically involved with her. Mostly every night after everyone left the theatre, the two of them would remain in her dressing room making passionate love. Soon a small downtown apartment was rented where the two could conveniently spend even more time together. Just when Milton began thinking about divorcing his wife, Susan reluctantly put an end to their amorous affair.

"You’ve got a son that is still a baby. For that reason you must try and give your marriage another chance. What we’re doing isn’t helping matters."

Milton reluctantly agreed and went back to his wife, managing to stay with her until she passed away a few years ago. Susan surprised everyone by never appearing on the stage again after the play’s run ended.

Remaining in distant contact with the talented actress, Milton hoped that someday she might return to the theatre but she never did. This morning when he called Susan to wish her a happy birthday, he noticed a deep sadness in her voice. With her husband dead, what she needed to do was . . .

Milton was practically shouting. "John, you’re in luck. I know just the actress who would be perfect for the role in your play. I just hope I can convince her to audition for it. She’s only appeared in one play on Broadway, and that was many years ago, but her performance has become legendary."

John couldn’t believe how excited his father had become. "Just whom are you referring to, Dad?"

"Susan Gardner, better remembered as Susan Sherman when she was on stage. No doubt Susan was the most talented actress I ever represented as an agent. From what I’ve been told, she still looks good for her age."

"Yes, I’ve heard about her, but she hasn’t acted for at least three decades."

"Don’t worry about that," Milton advised. "People with her kind of talent and charisma never lose it. Imagine the publicity this could bring. ‘Legendary actress returns to the Broadway stage after forty years!’ That alone, should sell plenty of tickets."

John shrugged. "Okay. If you feel that confident, bring her down to the theatre tomorrow morning around ten. I know it’s short notice, but I promised Paul I would have someone by then."

Within minutes, Milton was on the phone with Susan. The timing was perfect and it didn’t take him long to persuade her to try out for the role.

The next morning, Susan and Milton were at the theatre promptly at ten. As soon as they entered, all eyes focused on her. Susan's cold reading was excellent. There was a round of spontaneous applauds when she finished. Milton had been right as usual. The many years away from the theatre had not tarnished her talent nor acting techniques. Paul was thrilled and gratefully shook hands with both Stuarts. "She’s awesome, Guys. With Susan doing this part, this play is defiantly going to be a smash hit."

For the next three weeks, Susan worked extra hard, maintaining the stamina of a youngster. The once troubled rehearsals of "Right in Style" began to run smoothly. Even before the opening, a feeling of success prevailed among all those involved in the production. Word soon got around about Susan taking over the role, and advanced ticket sales soared. Thomas and Jimmy flew in from St. Louis to see the premiere. Both of them watched Susan’s performance with fascination. Neither of them had ever seen her on the professional stage before. They both beamed with pride when the show ended.

After the play’s opening, Susan's life became extremely busy. Besides the eight performances a week, there were countless media interviews and television guest appearances. Offers to make a movie or do a television series when her contract ended came pouring in.
With both of their spouses deceased, Milton began making overtures to renew their romance. While he was sure Susan wanted to do it, something was holding her back. Asking her what the problem was, she’d put her head down and refused to discuss it with him any further.

One morning, a few months after the play’s opening, Susan woke up crying. It had become too much of an emotional strain to continue concealing from Milton a secret she had kept from him for so many years. Although it was early, she telephoned him. "Can you please come to my place now? I’ll make us some breakfast. There’s something important I must tell you and it just can’t wait any longer."

Milton was over in half an hour. As soon as he saw her, he became worried. "What’s the matter, Susan? You look awfully pale."

"Milton, You have no idea how guilty I feel. I’ve done a terrible thing by keeping back something from you for these past forty years. "

"What, what is it?" he asked, holding her shaking hands.

Looking into his big compassionate brown eyes, she suddenly lost her nerve to tell him.

"Don’t stress yourself," he gently told her. "Tell me whenever you’re ready."

They had their breakfast and then Milton left for his office. Susan was angry at her self for being such a coward. Her thoughts were interrupted by a call from Thomas. "Mom, guess what? My law firm is moving its offices to New York in about two weeks. Would you mind if Jimmy and I stay with you for a while until I can find an apartment for us? I’m sorry to give you such short notice, especially since I know you’re busy performing on Broadway."

Susan was thrilled. "Oh, don’t be silly. You mean more to me than any show."

"I’d better fix up the apartment," she thought after hanging up. "There’s no telling how long they might be staying. It will be good for Jimmy to have a woman around again . . . I think I’ll take a leave of absence from the play."

When she told it to Milton that afternoon, he firmly shook his head no "You can’t do that, Susan. Without you appearing in this play, many people who purchased advanced tickets would feel cheated and want their money back. The show might close and a lot of people in the production would be out of a job. Besides, remaining in the show still gives you plenty of time to be with Jimmy and your son. Be assured if any help is needed, I’ll be right here to assist you."

Susan took a breath. It was time to tell him, no more procrastinating. "Oh, my dear, dear Milton, rightfully you should be involved with everything that has to do with Thomas and Jimmy as much as me. "

Milton looked at her with puzzlement. "I don’t understand. What are you trying to tell me, Susan?"

It was time to reveal what she had hidden from him for so long. She said a silent prayer, hoping that Milton would not despise her.
" I’m trying to tell you that . . . that Thomas is actually your biological son."

For one of the few times in his life, Milton was speechless.


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Mr. Dorfman taught for over 31 years as a Junior High School teacher in New York, as well as being artistic director of an Off-Broadway Acting group. During those years he also wrote for some tv & radio stations. After retiring he moved to Upstate New York where for the past four years he published over 102 short stories in various magazines and is presently finishing a novel. For complete information go to http://elrite.webs.com/home.htm