Chapter 5 Summary

Five days before opening night, the cast has access to the stage. There is a leak in the roof, and Rose is suing the builders. On the stage, the actors become more confident. The leading man, Richard St. Ives, has become uncomfortable with the affection of Dawn, another actor, for him. She offers him gifts and lights his cigarettes whenever possible. The lighting is being set, and the actors go back to the dressing rooms. Stella and Geoffrey stand in for the actors, moving about the stage with Meredith's direction as the lights are placed.

The actors look younger and brighter in their stage makeup. Stella's main job on this production is to sit in the prompt corner with the script, ready to help with any forgotten lines. She also prepares some of the props and arranges them on the prop table.

At...