The variety show

"What our club needs is more members," the secretary reported.

"And membership dues," added the treasurer.

"How can we get them?" asked the vice-president.

"It’s simple. We find a way to make people want to join the club," answered the president.

The International Friendship Club wasn’t old, but it wasn’t new, either. It had been organized two years before so that people from different countries could 'make friends' with each other. At first there had been lots of activities, but 'little by little'

the club had become inactive. Now there was a possibility it might cease to exist if something wasn’t done soon

A special meeting of the officers of the club was being held to 'talk the situation over'. Something had to be done to improve the Club. They 'took turns' making suggestions.

The meeting had started 'on time',promptly at eight o’clock, and finally it was decided that the best way to increase membership was to give a variety show with everyone participating. There was a lot of talent in the club, and they wanted to 'take advantage of it'. It was hoped that people seeing the show would like to join an organization that could present

entertaining programs. One or two members 'took a dim view' of the idea, but they were outnumbered.

'Quite a few' different countries were represented in the club, and the possibilities for an enjoyable show were excellent. A committee was appointed, with Bill Harris 'in charge of it'. Preparations began immediately.

Unfortunately, Bill had problems 'right away'. When he asked members to participate in the show, they each replied, "I’d rather 'not be in it',but I’ll 'do my best' to help in other ways."

"Surely you can do something," Bill said to each person who refused to be in the show. "You can sing or dance or recite poetry."

"Not I," was the reply. "You’re just 'wasting your breath' asking."

It seemed to be 'out of the question'. No one would be in the program. They all said they 'got cold feet' every time they had to stand up in front of a crowd.

When Bill reported back to the committee, one member suggested, "We could do some tableaux; you know, present famous scenes from history, something like that. No one has to speak or move. "The other committee members said no, the program should be more modern, that no one did tableaux any more.

Bill was very discouraged. That evening, talking with his wife, Marilyn, he said, "When I tell the members what I want them to do they immediately say no. I talked to Mike Donaldson 'till I was blue in the face',but he still refused. 'On the other hand', he insisted he wanted to help." Bill shook his head. "Everyone wants to help but not in the one way I really need help! I think we'll just have to change our plans. Perhaps we’d 'be better off', to postpone the show until later."

Marilyn did not reply 'right away'. She sat thinking for a long time.

"I’m going to bed," Bill sighed wearily.

"Just a minute," Marilyn told him. "I have an idea. I think I know a way to 'make the most of this situation'. Maybe you won’t have to 'put off' the show.

Bill, halfway up the stairs, looked doubtful as he stopped and faced his wife. There was a questioning expression on his face.

"Remember the Matsons?" Marilyn asked.

"Tim and Ellen Matson?"

"That’s right. Remember that last year they gave a puppet show at the high school?"

Дата добавления: 2015-10-29