Theo of Golden
by Allen Levi
Contents
CHAPTER 55
Overview
Bettye Hall fills with supporters as Simone prepares backstage for a stripped-down recital, dressed in formalwear to honor the music and his audience. Ellen is permitted to bring the Noble Invention only if it stays secured under armed guard. As the performance nears, Theo calms and captivates Lamisha by turning the coming music into a vivid, visual story.
Summary
At Bettye Hall, the seats fill for Simone’s recital, with Theo and friends gathered in Rows E and F and more classmates, faculty, and supporters spread throughout the room. The packed house reflects the department’s affection and respect for Simone.
Onstage, the setup is stark and exposed: a single chair at center stage, with no music stand, microphones, or decorations. Backstage with five minutes remaining, Simone waits for his introduction, humming, stretching his fingers, and adjusting his tuxedo and white shirt, following an old-fashioned performance standard he learned in high school: dress beautifully to honor the music and the audience.
In the audience, people dress up in kind, and Ellen stands out in bright spring colors. Theo ensures Ellen is allowed to bring the “Noble Invention” into the building only under strict conditions; Ellen agrees to lock it in the cloakroom under a security guard’s watch—armed with a gun.
As the moment approaches, Theo leans toward Lamisha and quietly gives her a childlike explanation of how music works: the notes are “inside” Simone’s cello until the bow releases them. To help Lamisha imagine it, Theo draws musical notes—quarters, eighths, and sixteenths—on the back of the program.
Who Appears
- TheoAudience member; manages Ellen’s weapon safely and gently explains music to Lamisha.
- SimoneCellist preparing backstage for a formal, unaccompanied recital on a bare stage.
- EllenTheo’s companion; attends dressed brightly and checks the Noble Invention under guard.
- LamishaSits beside Theo; listens as he describes music notes and watches him draw them.
- KendrickSits in Row E among Simone’s supporters.
- BasilSits in Row E among Simone’s supporters.
- TrinaSits in Row E among Simone’s supporters.
- AsherSits in Row E among Simone’s supporters.
- BrookeSits in Row E among Simone’s supporters.
- TonySits in Row E among Simone’s supporters.
- AddieSits in Row F among Simone’s supporters.
- ShepSits in Row F among Simone’s supporters.
- Mr. PonderSits in Row F; part of the supportive audience.
- Mrs. PonderSits in Row F; part of the supportive audience.
- Mrs. GidleySits in Row F; part of the supportive audience.
- Mr. GidleySits in Row F; part of the supportive audience.
- The Penny LoafersGroup seated in Row F, present as part of the recital crowd.
- Security guardWatches the cloakroom where Ellen’s Noble Invention is locked away; armed.