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directors, so I don’t know your credits.”
    The cast made a feeble attempt to stifle giggles.
    “I’m sure you’re a very talented man,” Polly continued. “But which musicals have you directed? South Pacific ? Cabaret ? Rent ? Karen had enormous successes at Yale Rep, Goodspeed, the Guthrie, and Williamstown. For the record, would you enlighten us with your CV?”
    Gerold Goss gave Polly a hard look. “Everyone needs a debut.”
    “Ah.” Polly nodded. “How lovely for you to be embarking on such a grand and arduous adventure. However, I’ve starred in several productions of Mame , and without impeccable direction it’s nearly impossible to properly follow the great Jerry Herman’s vision for his masterpiece. I must have a strong director who has gads of experience in musical theater. James Lapine, Susan Stroman, Tommy Tune. Any of them would be acceptable to me.”
    Gerold’s heavy fist slammed onto the table and echoed out from the stage and into the auditorium, causing the startled cast to jump. “How’s that for strong! Miss Pepper, check your contract. The days of you having director and cast approval are long gone. Patti LuPone you’re not! If I’m unacceptable to you, then you’re unacceptable to me. However, as much as I’d like to say good-bye to you, the theater has already invested far too much coin advertising your appearance in this show. And while I’m loath to admit it, based on your name value, the box office is actually doing brisk business.”
    Polly smiled with self-satisfaction.
    “Still, if you feel that we can’t work together, by all means return to your Pepper Plantation,” Gerold said. “But I assure you that by the time you reach the monogrammed gates, a team of attorneys will be waiting for you. The breach-of-contract lawsuit should keep you out of any other work for a very long time.”
    All eyes turned to Polly Pepper, who swallowed hard and stared into Gerold’s black beady eyes. “As a matter of fact, I’ve only worked with two directors during my career who were of much use. I’m usually expected to simply speak my lines, sing a little, and use my celebrity to draw audiences. I can do it again, without anyone’s help or support from you.”
    Gerold was silent for a long brooding moment, and then opened his notebook. “Moving on. With Sharon Fletcher in the slammer for murdering Karen Richards, she’ll be replaced by Mag Ryan.”
    “Now, that’s actually a brilliant idea,” Polly said. “Everyone loves Meg Ryan! We’re old friends. She’ll be sensational!”
    Gerold shook his head. “I said Mag Ryan. Not Meg .”
    “Who the hell is Mag Ryan and why can’t she get her own name?”
    The cast sniggered.
    “I don’t expect you to know her work. She’s relatively new. But she personifies the Gloria Upson character, which she’ll be playing.”
    Then, not looking up to face the rest of the cast, Gerold turned the page of his notebook and said, “Charlotte and Hiroaki? Nothing personal, but I’ll messenger your final paychecks to your homes.”
    “We’re fired?” Hiroaki said.
    “‘Replaced’ is how the trades will report it,” Gerold said. “We’re going in a different direction with these characters.”
    “The characters are what they are and always have been. What do you mean by ‘going in a different direction’?” Hiroaki asked.
    “I don’t really think you want to fire me,” Charlotte said in a calm voice. “I suggest you give your decision a little more thought…considering, um…everything.”
    Gerold was quiet until Hiroaki interrupted his thoughts. “I’ve already learned my lines,” the actor complained. “I need this show for my Equity insurance!”
    “Don’t look at me as the bad guy.” Gerold tried to sound contrite. “The decision to replace you was made the first day of rehearsal. Karen was supposed to tell you yesterday morning. Her death doesn’t change anything.”
    “Karen Richards cast me. She knew I was