Chapter 3: A Mysterious Person

Payne-Leche was the third actor to take on the role of Alonzo, the leader of the three cat tribes in the musical Cats. Like Evan Bell, he had been discovered by Trevor Nunn off-Broadway.

Both Payne-Leche and Evan Bell came from Brooklyn. They started their careers on the tiny stages of Off-Off-Broadway, slowly working their way up to Off-Broadway. Then, their big break came when Trevor Nunn found them, ushering them into the competitive world of Broadway. Their rivalry began in those small theaters and continued onto the grand stage, but Payne-Leche always seemed to come up short. Even when it came to playing Alonzo, Evan Bell was cast second while Payne-Leche was third.

Evan Bell had already made three appearances on Broadway. His first role was as an understudy for Alonzo, but his last two performances saw him as Grizabella. Meanwhile, Payne-Leche was still struggling to break through as the third Alonzo. If it weren't for the timeless appeal of Cats, Trevor Nunn believed Evan Bell would already be a leading man in other productions. This was the highest praise for Evan Bell's talent but a bitter pill for Payne-Leche to swallow.

Payne-Leche had always been frustrated with Evan Bell. He didn't see himself as less talented, just less appreciated by Trevor Nunn.

But today, when Payne-Leche heard that Evan Bell had turned down another offer from Trevor Nunn, he was consumed with jealousy. "Go ahead, enjoy your idle life," he thought bitterly. "I'll stay and become the brightest star on Broadway."

Evan Bell had no idea what was going through Payne-Leche's mind and frankly didn't care. Payne-Leche watched Evan say his goodbyes to Trevor Nunn and walk toward the stage alone, unable to resist following him.

The sight of Evan Bell, illuminated by the stage lights, drove Payne-Leche mad with envy. "Why should someone younger and less skilled than me be on this stage? Why does this useless person get Trevor Nunn's favor?" The world seemed so unfair.

"Evan Bell, don't be ungrateful!" Payne-Leche finally shouted, his voice echoing through the empty theater.

Evan turned and saw Payne-Leche. He curled his lips in disdain, his eyes full of contempt. This reaction only fueled Payne-Leche's rage. Evan, seven years his junior, always looked at him like this, making him feel utterly insignificant.

"Don't think you're a star just because you've been on stage a few times," Payne-Leche spat. "Trevor Nunn values you, and you dare to refuse him. Who do you think you are?"

Payne-Leche had more to say, but Evan cut him off. "Eavesdropping is not a good habit," he said, pointing out Payne-Leche's presence. Evan had only guessed that Payne-Leche had overheard his conversation with Trevor Nunn.

"I've never cared about being a star," Evan continued. "I got here through my own efforts. Whether I leave or stay is none of your business, is it?"

As Evan walked past Payne-Leche, he added, "Besides, shouldn't you be happy I'm leaving? At least you'll have more chances for the role of Alonzo."

Evan Bell, having lived nearly fifty years across two lifetimes, felt no need to argue with a 25-year-old. But Payne-Leche had been targeting him since Off-Broadway, even once attempting to injure him by overturning a prop stairway. Evan avoided disaster but never forgot the malice in Payne-Leche's eyes.

While Evan was initially uninterested in confrontation, being perceived as weak was not an option. So he made it clear he wouldn't tolerate Payne-Leche's behavior.

"Evan, hurry up," someone called out. But when they saw Payne-Leche, they fell silent. "We're waiting for you," they called again, obviously not on good terms with Payne-Leche.

Evan ignored Payne-Leche's clenched fists and cold eyes, responding, "I'm coming," before leaving the stage. His farewell to Broadway was interrupted, but he decided to enjoy a party that evening instead.

Payne-Leche stayed behind, seething with anger. "Evan Bell," he hissed, the name echoing softly in the dark theater.

Evan Bell and his friends headed to a bar, while Trevor Nunn, still backstage, felt a pang of regret. He was upset that he couldn't keep Evan Bell, a true talent. Though Evan had only been on stage three times, Trevor knew he could thrive in any troupe.

"Knock knock, is anyone there?" A knock on the door interrupted Trevor Nunn's thoughts.

"Come in," he replied, wondering who could be in the theater at this hour.

The visitor was a young man with a typical American look, neatly combed brown curly hair, and a solid build accentuated by a brown suit. He looked no older than 27. "Who are you looking for?" Trevor asked.

"Sorry to bother you. I wanted to ask, is Evan Bell, who played Grizabella today, really a boy?" The young man held a brochure, eager for information.

Trevor's first thought was that he was an audience member. His second thought was why security had let him backstage. "Yes, yes," he said, pushing the young man out. "But this is not a place you can come. If you have questions, call our troupe's contact number."

The young man spoke quickly, "No, no, I'm not just an audience member. I'm a director. I want Mr. Bell to audition for my movie."

But Trevor had already closed the door, leaving the young man frustrated. He had spent a lot of effort getting backstage and still hadn't met the actors. He hesitated, wondering whether to knock again or wait outside.

The door opened again. "You're a director? You don't look older than 27," Trevor said.

Trevor had been directing Cats for nearly 20 years and had met many great directors. He opened the door again to give the young man a chance to explain and to make a judgment based on his experience.

"I'm 25," the young man replied quickly. "A student in the Film Department at the University of Southern California, preparing for my first film. This is my script." He handed over the script, clearly prepared and trained.

Trevor hesitated. The young man was just a college student, but he decided not to let his judgment ruin a possible opportunity. "Bell went to the Eagle Rock Music Festival. You can try your luck there," he said. "Or contact him through the Screen Actors Guild of America."

"Thank you, thank you so much," the young man said, elated.

Watching him leave, Trevor smiled. He wondered what kind of movie the young man would make. Perhaps Evan would find another broad world for himself after Broadway.