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26 votes
26 votes
MRS. PRINGLE: The Prince of Wales! Oh! What wouldn’t I give to have the Prince of Wales in my house! New York has lost its heart to him. I was just telling Mr. Farnsworth yesterday that I’d give anything to have the Prince here. I would establish my social position for life! And I’ve such a reputation for being a wonderful hostess. [The telephone rings.] Dear me! — the phone — Hello — Mrs. Sedgwick — Yes — this is Mrs. Pringle — What? No — Oh! Caught in a snow drift — can’t get another car? [She puts her hand over the telephone and speaks delightedly to ELAINE.] Good! The widow can’t come — that leaves us twelve — remove two plates, Dunham. [DUNHAM removes two plates. and ELAINE changes the table-cards. MRS. PRINGLE continues into the telephone.] Oh! That’s a shame! I’m heartbroken. Oh! My dear, how can we get along without you! But have you really tried? Oh, I’m reduced to tears. Good-bye, dear. [She hangs up the receiver, and takes it down again.] Well, I’m glad she dropped out — Central — give me Lakeview 5971 — Dunham, with two less, you can save two cocktails and at least four glasses of champagne. [Into the telephone.] Has Mr. Morgan come in yet? Well, don’t give him the message I telephoned before about crossing the street to Mrs. Pringle’s for dinner. It’s too late — you understand? [She hangs up the receiver.] Well, anyway, I’ve invited Clem, returned my indebtedness and saved my champagne besides —

How do the stage directions impact the way the actors perform this scene?

User Jack Ha
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1 Answer

26 votes
26 votes

Answer:

The stage directions could impact the actors by causing them to take glances towards the phone as they remove dishes. Mrs. Pringle would be moved to change her tone, switching between a caring tone on the phone and a more happy tone when covering the phone to speak to her butler and Elaine.

User Stevecowling
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