Rehearsal was uncommonly short. We rehearsed the Murder of Gonzago scene today. Center stage is yet another stage where the actor-actors act. On the right, you have Hamlet and Ophelia, and to the left are Claudius, Gertrude, and Polonius. (There are more people in this scene; they just didn't show up tonight.)

So we main characters are sitting around watching these extras when Marlene interrupts.

ME: [to nobody in particular] What I want to know is, who wouldn't like to get poison and a hat?

STEVEN: Hats don't hold poison very well. It tends to leak out.

ME: Unless you get one of those plastic Halloween hats.

STEVEN: That's true. [pause] I see you've done this before.

ME: Well, I don't like to brag, but . . .

It was amusing because it was strangely flirtatious. As you can see, we're loosening up. Somewhat. Not enough for Marlene, though . . . which is only fair, because we're still pretty awkward. She's getting frustrated. "More love!" she shouts. "I need to see more love!" She even made us her example today . . . about three separate times. And not in a good way.

Well, I'm trying.