Michel stood backstage, adjusting his costume for the hundredth time as dear old Adélaïde, the costumer, swatted his hands away. He had no reason to be as nervous as he was, even if he hadn't performed in well over a year and Varner was in the audience. He'd peeked out of the side curtain before the lights went down, and spotted him sitting next to a beautiful young blonde in a gorgeous gown. It seemed good looks ran in the family.
He sighed to himself. Oh, Michel, you idiot. Why are you always so weak for blue eyes?
Act One closed, and the stage lights dimmed for a moment. He had a split second to regret the choice of tights for the leg portion of the fairy costumes before he was on the stage and calling across it.
"How now, spirit! whither wander you?"
Young Clémence responded, and they were off, and Michel nearly forgot who was in the audience.