Text 3

Read the text, learn the italicized words and phrases, translate sentences with them, give a back translation without consulting the text. Retell the text using the active vocabulary as props. Make up your own dialogues on similar situations.

One of the most difficult things for the theatre-goer in Moscow is deciding what theatre to go. This is a problem because the public here is offered a variety unequalled anywhere in the world.

Smirnov and Carpov were faced with this problem late one Saturday afternoon as they stood reading the bill-boards.

“Well, what'll it be, Smirnov? Opera, ballet, drama, musical comedy, variety show or a concert?”

“Let's see. They are showing 'School for Scandal' by Sheridan at the Moscow Art Theatre.”

“Why not try 'Swan Lake' at the Opera House?”

“It's next to impossible to get any tickets for the Bolshoi on the spur of the moment on a Saturday night. The house is always sold out long in advance. Ballet lovers probably begin queuing up about two weeks in advance.”

“Let's try a ticket agency.”

“That won't do much good, not on a Saturday night. We might pick up a couple of tickets at the entrance, but I'm afraid we'll have to search high and low for anyone who'd want to part with a ticket for 'Swan Lake'.”

“Then that rules 'Swan Lake' out. Will it be easier to get tickets for 'School for Scandal'?”

“I think so, anyway. Wait a moment, I'll phone the box office and try to reserve seats.”

In a moment Carpov was shouting back from the telephone booth: “They have two seats in the stalls - 9th row - separate. Shall I reserve them?”

“Of course. I'm sure the other parties won't object to moving over.”

“Good. I reserved two seats in your name, Smirnov. They say they'll keep the tickets for us at the central box office until seven-twenty.”

***

When Smirnov and Carpov got to the theatre the “All Sold” sign was already up. And there were many people milling about asking passers-by if they had an extra ticket.

“That was a close shave all right. It's good we booked by phone.”

At the box office the cashier gave them their tickets with a smile, saying that those were the last two. As they gave up their hats and coats to the cloak-room attendant they were offered opera-glasses.

“No, thanks, we're sitting in the front.”

The cloak-room attendant gave them their check and told them that they could get programmes from the usher.

As the usher led them down the aisle they asked if they couldn't have two seats together.

“I suggest you ask your neighbours to change seats with you. I don't think they'd object. Here you are. Yours are the second and the fourth seats from the aisle.”

“Beg your pardon,” began Smirnov, “would you mind moving over one seat to the left?”

“Of course not. No objections whatsoever.”

By the time Smirnov and Carpov were comfortably seated the orchestra began tuning up.

“Who plays the leading roles tonight?”

Carpov ran his eyes down the programme and said:

“They've got an excellent cast tonight. Androvskaya plays the part of Lady Teasle.”

“Yes, this theatre has some of the finest actors and actresses in the world. Sheridan's comedy has had a very successful run (on the boards of this theatre). I believe this is about the 500th performance.”

“Have you seen anything else here?”

“Yes, I often come here. I like the company (the actors) and the theatre itself - no matter where you sit, in the stalls or balcony, you see and hear equally well. They have an interesting exhibition in the foyer. Let's take a look around in the interval.”

“Ssh! The curtain's going up.”

The lights went down and the orchestra burst into tune. The play began.

The audience followed the play with great interest. Everyone was impressed by the fine acting. The main characters were superb. Even the so-called minor roles were acted with great feeling. When the curtain fell after the first act the audience burst (broke) into applause.

“What do you think of it, Smirnov?”

“I thought that the last scene was perfect. That was the best bit of acting I've seen for a long time.”

“Let's have a look around now. This interval will last at least ten minutes.”

“It would be interesting to go backstage and see what goes on behind the wings now, peep into the dressing rooms to catch a glimpse of actors making up, to see the stagehands prepare the sets... But, of course, that couldn't be arranged.”

“Oh, you are too inquisitive, my friend. You're getting in everybody's way here and making a nuisance of yourself without going backstage. I'm kidding, of course... Are you thirsty? Let's step into the refreshment room and have a glass of lemonade. That's what is expected to do at least, and not loiter where we do not belong.”

***

When the final curtain fell and the lights went up the theatre echoed with stormy applause. Curtain call followed curtain call. It was a fine production indeed, excellently directed and superbly acted.