9

Summary

• Uncle Wallace, though drunk and unreliable offstage, was a remarkable actor who embodied his role as the Stage Manager in their play.
• Duke and the narrator share a post-rehearsal moment, with Duke criticizing Uncle Wallace's effect on his appreciation of alcohol.
• Duke and the narrator indulge in a bit of flirtatious role-playing inspired by the characters in his other stage production.
• The narrator recalls how the production of Our Town is far more wholesome than their personal interactions.
• The intense and immersive rehearsal schedule at Tom Lake is described, emphasizing its all-consuming nature.
• Despite their rigorous schedule, the cast makes time for leisure, like swimming in the lake, with Duke often being the first to dive in.
• The narrator describes a close relationship with Duke and a budding affection for fellow actor Pallace.
• There's a contrast made between acting and the physicality involved in dancing and singing, as explained by Pallace.
• The narrator contemplates Pallace's experience, both observing the narrator's performance and as her understudy.
• Pallace jokes about playing the narrator’s character, Emily, if the narrator were unable to perform, despite the hectic schedule.
• The cast notices Duke's brother, Sebastian, who arrives and interacts with Duke, indicating a close bond between them.
• The narrator reflects on their own connection with Duke, as well as Duke's and Sebastian's seemingly rough upbringing.
• Emily, a character in the story, reveals her extensive knowledge of Duke's life and family, including a deceased sister.
• The conversation shifts to the lives of the actors offstage with a focus on Emily's wedding and the sisters’ personal dating preferences.
• Through the discussion, a preference for Duke's brother Sebastian is expressed due to his personality and history as a tennis player.
• The chapter concludes with a reflection on Sebastian’s past aspirations as a tennis player and his match against John McEnroe.