Hold Until Relieved

[gaston]

Lady Helen Gorne-Bacque, Vicomtesse de Graville, Baronne de Milly, to
Monsieur Yves Eau,
Greetings!

Congratulations, Monsieur Eau, in having your latest play accepted by Archduke's Men. I've persuaded Vicomte Roland to accompany me to the opening night in September and would be delighted to take responsibility for providing suitable props and scenery once more. In fact, since you are currently lacking a patron, I would be happy stand in loco patronis where 'Hold Until Relieved' is concerned, hosting a first night party at Bothwells for the cast and all theatregoers of suitable station.  (Actually, presuming Signorina Baroni finishes it in time, this might provide a good arena in which to unveil the Judgement of Paris musical suite I've commissioned from her). 

Where the August rehearsals are concerned, Subaltern Lannes has given permission for Mlle Acelina Bissonette to take part in the play and I have asked Monsieur Aiguelle and Captain Bonbeaur to allow Mlle Johi Bachelet and Mlle Joya Boudet to do likewise.

Break a Leg,

Lady Helen Gorne-Bacque,
Vicomtesse de Graville



[OOC HEB requests once more that GL, JB and QA allow their beautiful mistresses to attend rehearsals in the final two weeks of August.

In September (week 1) HEB will host the First Night Party at Bothwells for members of the cast and those of SL9+ attending the play, together with mistresses. All costs to be covered by the hostess.]

[gaston]

Lady Helen Gorne-Bacque, Vicomtesse de Graville, Baronne de Milly, to
Monsieur Claud Applaud,
Greetings!

Mon Cher Claud,

I believe that you are seeking to join the Duc's Men? I trust that if you are successful you will still fulfil your outstanding obligations to the Archduke's Men and appear in Hold Until Relieved by Monsieur Eau? After all, you would not be called upon to rehearse with the Duc's Men until October at the earliest.

Break a Leg,

Lady Helen

[Ymbert Montgomery]

OOC: To clarify something, if someone attends the first night party with their actress mistress they will count as having Female Companionship for September!

(This has been asked and it seems silly for that not to be the case).

[Monique Adelina De'Ath]

Lady Helen,

If that is allowable then of course I would be most delighted and obligated to do so.

Claud

[Monique Adelina De'Ath]

Sam - to clarify am I able to get Claud to do this, i.e. if he is accepted in to the Duke's Men can he still honor his wish to appear in this play as there are no rehearsals yet for the Duke's Men?

[vinlander]

My dear Vicomtesse de Graville, Cher Helen,

I received your missive while marching hither and yon against the Dons of Spain. I think it would be a capital idea for Joya to continue her theatrical endeavors while I am away. Give the poor girl something to do.

I look forward to drinking your health upon my return.

Major Jean Bonbeur

[gaston]

Lady Helen Gorne-Bacque, Vicomtesse de Graville, Baronne de Milly, to
Monsieur Yves Eau,
Greetings!

Mon Cher Monsieur Eau,

I trust that the rehearsals for Hold Until Relieved went well. I believe that in addition to Monsieur d'Applaud and yourself, Mademoiselles Boudet, Bachelet and Bissonette will be taking part ?

I can confirm that I shall be placing 300 livres with Monsieur Aiguille for the purchase of suitable props and scenery and hosting the opening night party at Bothwells thereafter. All those taking part in the play (and their consorts) will be cordially invited, as will any attending theatregoers of reasonable standing. (Roland and I have four vacant spaces in our box if you know of any impecunious theatregoers who might appreciate them). All refreshments shall be provided by myself as hostess of course.

I am pleased to say that Signorina Baroni has finished the Judgement of Paris musical suite I commissioned from her, but I have decided that the ball which Vicomte Roland is hosting at l'Hotel d'Estrée at the end of the month would provide a better platform on which to unveil it. I expect that the people at Bothwells will be far too busy discussing the play to listen to music whereas, at the ball, it will provide an ideal accompaniment to refreshments during a break in the dancing.

Due to the cancellation of the Royal Ball at Fontainebleau which was also to have taken place in the first week of September I'm hoping for a rather better attendance at my Bothwells party than heretofore. This should doubtless help contribute to the success of the production.

Break a Leg,

Lady Helen Gorne-Bacque,
Vicomtesse de Graville

[Lady Helen Gorne-Bacque. SL 15, will host a party at Bothwells in Week 1 of September for all cast members (plus consorts) and those of SL 9+ (plus ladies) attending the opening night of Hold Until Relieved. Carousing costs paid for all. HEB also has four box seats available for impecunious theatre goers - please contact directly if interested.]

[Yves Eau]

To: Lady Helen Gorne-Bacque, Vicomtesse de Graville, Baronne de Milly

My Lady,

Thank you once again for your generous sponsorship of my humble play.

M. d'Applaud remains with the troupe, and will be playing a leading role: the captain of the small force holding the strategic position against the odds for the glory of God, the King, and France.  I had intended to cast Mlle. Côté as his loving wife, but I am sure one of the other ladies will be glad to step into her shoes.  All three turned up for rehearsals - a welcome abundance of femininity after the apparently unconvincing female lead last time out; poor Simon, mauled so badly by the critics for his brave attempt to fill the gap.  I only hope the final scene does not lead to any jealousy or embarrassment in any quarter.

The writer's box will also be available for guests on opening night.  Between us, I expect we can accommodate anyone planning to attend your party.

I remain, etc.

Yves Eau.

[OOC: If anyone would like a seat in the writer's box for first night, please contact me by personal message.]

[gaston]

Lady Helen Gorne-Bacque, Vicomtesse de Graville, Baronne de Milly, to
Monsieur Yves Eau,
Greetings!

Mon Cher Monsieur Eau,

Congratulations upon the success of Hold Until Relieved. I'm told that it fell just short of securing a Royal Command Performance.

I had a feeling that the play would be a great success when there was such a good turnout for the First Night Party - though I must admit to some surprise that Subaltern Lannes absented himself and left poor Acelina to face the party alone. I could have sworn I'd seen him at the play...

I see that this was the farewell performance of Monsieur d'Applaud where the Archduke's Men are concerned, since he's now gone to join the Duke's Men instead. I'm sure that having two active theatre troops will be of great benefit to the cultural life of Paris. (We're unlikely to see much from the King's Men in the near future, for obvious reasons).

In finishing, let me say that it was a pleasure to act in loco patronis where this production was concerned and that to be asked to serve as such in any future productions would be considered a pleasure by

Lady Helen Gorne-Bacque
Vicomtesse de Graville

[Yves Eau]

To: Lady Helen Gorne-Bacque, Vicomtesse de Graville, Baronne de Milly

Madame,

Thank you for your kind words, and for you support for our humble production.  Your sponsorship has certainly proved a boon to the troupe, and I trust has been rewarding also for you.  The props supplied by M. Aiguille are always splendid, but would be beyond mine own meagre means.  I did consider seeking a formal patron, but was concerned the obligations might interfere with the creative process.  [OOC: Six month expeditions?  Twelve weeks work per season?  Unless I missed something, playwrights do not produce major works nor earn continuous SPs, which seem to be significant under these arrangements.]

Hold Until Relieved was, as you say, far more successful than our last effort.  I was particularly proud of the final scene: I am sure there was not a dry eye in the house as Acelina bent over Claud to comfort him in his final moments.  (I am sure that can have had nothing to do with her gentleman's absence from the party.)  Had I not been so nervous after the poor reception of my last work, and dear Claud perhaps a little distracted by his recent promotion, our heroic tale might have reached the level required to be brought to His Majesty's attention, though, of course, he would sadly have more grave matters on his mind.

I have several ideas for my next play, but have not yet begun to develop any of them into a script, and am considering setting aside all current projects in favour of an entirely new piece, dedicated to the glory the late King Louis, may the Lord receive his spirit and grant him eternal peace.

I remain, Madame, your grateful and obedient servant,

Yves Eau.