Mona Downs laughed. "Don't feel embarrassed to talk about our advanced ages. We aren't supposed to look like fresh young things!"
Tom Galen smiled in agreement. "We're here because Randy needed some actors for the more mature parts, and we were lucky enough to be picked. The off-Broadway plays are a good showcase for experienced actors, too, you know. Take me, for instance--I've been acting for a good many years now, but I've never had any really good vehicles. I've made a living on supporting roles and road shows, and I've even played some good leads in stock, but somehow I've never quite hit it. Maybe I'm not good enough, but on the other hand, I may just not have had the breaks. These off-Broadway shows nowadays are seen by all the top critics in New York, and if I do a good job, and if they like the play, I have a chance to go on to a whole new kind of career. That's why I'm here, and that's why Mona is here. Besides, you can't do a believable show with just young actors."
"I see," Peggy nodded. "And I hope you didn't mind my mentioning it...."
But before Tom Galen or Mona Downs had a chance to reassure her again, the buzzer rang, and they broke off.
"That must be Randy and Mal," Connie said. "I'll go get them."
She pushed the button to unlock the gate, and opened the front door expectantly. A few seconds later, Mal entered with a tall, grinning, engaging-looking young man with flaming red hair. For a moment, everyone seemed to be talking at once. Randy and Mal were apologizing for being late; Connie was saying that they weren't late at all; Pip was trying to get Randy away to introduce him to Amy and Peggy; Mona and Tom were asking him about the financing he had managed to get for the show, and Linda was playing "Hail the Conquering Hero" in loud, solid chords.
When the initial excitement had died down and the last resounding notes of the piano had quieted, Randy Brewster was introduced to Peggy and Amy by an excited Connie.
"We're having all the luck today!" she exclaimed. "You come up with the backing for the play, and Pip discovers these two wonderful girls who want to be beasts of burden for the show!"
"The two prettiest beasts in New York, I'm sure," Randy said with a smile, and Peggy was positive that she was blushing, though she tried her hardest not to. "I'm grateful for your interest," Randy continued, "and I only hope that we have a chance to use your help."