Metropolitan Playhouse
Virtual Playhouse
Presents
A Screened Reading
of

CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR

Two Short Stories Read by MICHÈLE LARUE

“THE RATHSKELLER AND THE ROSE” by O. HENRY
"A PAIR OF SILK STOCKINGS" by KATE CHOPIN

Talkback follows with HEATHER OSTMAN, Professor of English at Westchester Community College & Founder of the Kate Chopin Society

www.metropolitanplayhose.org/virtualplayhouse
Metropolitan Playhouse at YouTube.com

May 1, 2021 8 p.m.
Available through May 5, 2021 10 p.m.

MICHÈLE LARUE can tell one heck of a story. That’s her claim to fame, and deservedly so.

O. HENRY’s 1918 tale embodies the concept of “be careful what you wish for” and includes all the writer’s masterful traits. Actress Posie Harrington has escaped her boring hometown and become a grand success in the big city. Casting is in progress for her next play. The lead male role is a comical but sympathetic hick named “Sol Haytosser”. She has turned down many actors. She wants “the real article”.

A young man is beyond eager to score the part. Facing the challenge, he heads for Cranberry Corners, Posie’s long-forsaken hometown. He endures three dreadful days there, getting to know everything about it, past and present.

Upon his return to the city, he heads straight to the rathskeller where Posie hangs out. He looks like a country bumpkin. His jacket sleeves are too short and his white socks are showing. He approaches Posie. He is from her hometown! Does she remember him? Then he begins to spin his tall tale. Can he be convincing, “the real article”? Wait for it…

KATE CHOPIN’s 1896 story takes us through the day of a frugal mother who has seen better times. When she receives an unexpected windfall of fifteen dollars, she lies awake at night, plotting the most efficient uses for the money. Fabric, things for her children, necessaries for her home.

When she goes shopping, she quickly feels faint. In her excitement, she has forgotten to eat lunch. Leaning lightly against a counter, her fingers feel something wonderful. Silk stockings! So beautiful compared to her humble cotton socks. Dare she splurge on stockings? Unheard of. But maybe, just this once. Her mind enters a garden of dreams and delights. Her thoughts become a delicious flight of fancy as she passes the day. She is in another world. And she loves it there.

MICHÈLE LARUE tells these brilliant stories brilliantly. Bedtime stories with a fun punch.

-Karen D’Onofrio-