Émile Perrin's proposal not only solved the immediate problem of staging The Thunderstorm but also achieved a complete theater upgrade and secured a market advantage in one go!
Louis Guymard and Paul Leroy exchanged glances again, both seeing determination in the other's eyes.
Paul Leroy of the Bordeaux Opera drew a sharp breath and spoke first:
"We accept! Émile, the Bordeaux Opera is willing to pay the design fee! And we are also willing to invite your team to carry out the renovation!"
Louis Guymard was a half-beat slower, a look of regret flashing across his face, but he quickly followed suit:
"Lyon too! We can discuss the details immediately!"
A brilliant smile spread across Émile Perrin's face.
He reached out and shook hands firmly with both men:
"A wise choice! Gentlemen, you have made a decision for your respective theaters that will go down in history! Let us raise a toast to the future of French drama!"
Émile Perrin took out a bottle of red wine and three tall crystal glasses from his office liquor cabinet.
After pouring, the three men clinked glasses and drank the wine in one gulp.
With the good wine warming their stomachs, Louis Guymard and Paul Leroy both relaxed.
Louis Guymard suddenly remembered something and asked:
"After the renovation, if The Thunderstorm only tours for one or two weeks, the cost will be too high, won't it?"
Paul Leroy also realized this and quickly agreed:
"That's right, we can't spend hundreds of thousands of francs just for a few performances, can we?"
Lionel's previous play, The Chorus, had an exclusive agreement with the Comédie-Française, with tours ranging from one to two weeks in various locations.
Whether one or two weeks, even if performed every day, the box office revenue would be negligible compared to the massive renovation cost.
While in the long run, theater renovation would certainly increase attendance, recovering costs and achieving profitability, which manager doesn't want to shorten this period?
Émile Perrin shook his head:
"Don't worry, this time The Thunderstorm is not an exclusive production of the Comédie-Française!"
Louis Guymard and Paul Leroy's eyes lit up, burning brightly:
"Which means… which means…"
Émile Perrin nodded:
"Which means, any theater can sign a performance agreement with Monsieur Sorel, but…"
Paul Leroy urged impatiently:
"But? But what? Émile, when did you become so cagey? You're like a devil, dragging us into the magma of hell bit by bit…"
Émile Perrin smiled faintly, thinking that he had learned this from Lionel—
Recalling the afternoon Lionel presented the proposal to him, Émile Perrin still couldn't help but shiver.
The Director of the Comédie-Française composed himself and began to explain patiently:
"But to sign The Thunderstorm, you must pass a 'certification'!
That is, the theater's stage width, depth, sound effects, lighting effects… and so on, must meet certain standards to perfectly present The Thunderstorm's performance quality—
Then, after dual acceptance inspection by the Comédie-Française and 'Sorel Electric,' Monsieur Sorel will sign the performance agreement with that theater."
Louis Guymard and Paul Leroy were stunned.
"Certifying" a theater, and even requiring an "acceptance inspection"...
This was practically unheard of.
After all, the authorities for such matters were usually the Ministry of the Interior or the Academy of Arts.
Now, it would be done by the Comédie-Française and a company with such a strange name.
This caused a moment of hesitation for the two managers…
At this point, Émile Perrin casually remarked:
"This October, we will begin rehearsing another new play by Monsieur Sorel, a comedy… Monsieur Sorel has said that, from now on, his plays must only be staged in 'Certified Theaters'…"
Louis Guymard and Paul Leroy were jolted to their senses and immediately exclaimed:
"We'll sign! Sign! We'll renovate whatever needs to be renovated! Don't worry about the budget, I will go convince the City Council! If those councilors see The Thunderstorm here just once, they will definitely agree wholeheartedly!"
Émile Perrin then smiled and poured them more wine:
"Congratulations, gentlemen. As long as you become a 'Certified Theater,' even the biggest investment will be recouped quickly!"
The three glasses clinked in the air, making a crisp sound like gold coins dropping into a pocket.
---
Almost simultaneously, across the Atlantic Ocean, in Thomas Edison's laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey, a significant figure famous for his inventions and business acumen was reading a newly translated telegram, revealing a rare, bright smile.
The laboratory was filled with the distinct odors of metal, oil, and various reagents.
Assistants were busy around him, and various equipment was being tested.
Edison handed the telegram paper to his private secretary, Samuel Insull:
"Look at this, Samuel! From Paris! 'Sorel Electric' Company, an order for 5,000 light bulbs, plus the corresponding complete circuit system! Paris doesn't have enough stock, so they contacted us directly!"
Samuel Insull took the telegram and quickly skimmed it, his face showing surprise:
"5,000 bulbs! This… this is indeed a big order! Boss, I think this is the first order to reach the number 5,000! My goodness, what is 'Sorel Electric'?"
Edison excitedly rubbed his hands, pacing beside a workbench covered with instruments:
"What is 'Sorel Electric'? Lionel Sorel, the writer! The Comédie-Française already bought 1,500 bulbs last time! His new play, The Thunderstorm, caused a sensation in Paris, extensively utilizing our electric lighting system on stage! The lights can change with the plot! What a genius idea!"
He turned to Insull, his eyes shining:
"This young man, he understands what the future is! He knows that electric lights are not just for illumination but can also create atmosphere and shape emotion for drama! This is the perfect integration of art and science!"
He vigorously waved his hand, giving instructions to his young assistant:
"Wire back to Paris! Immediately!
Tell Monsieur Sorel we are very honored to collaborate with him.
To show our appreciation for his vision, and to promote the application of electric lighting in the arts—we are willing to give 'Sorel Electric' a very favorable discounted price!
At the same time, ask if they need us to send extra technical staff for maintenance. We must ensure these bulbs shine brightly and last long in Paris!
Yes, let's do that!
Also, send a telegram to Charles Ferguson at our Paris company and tell him to sign the contract as soon as possible!"
Samuel Insull quickly noted the key points and turned to leave.
Edison stood alone in the laboratory, clutching the telegram as if he held the key to the vast European market.
He felt as though he could already see orders from theaters, hotels, and wealthy mansions across Europe and the world flying in like snowflakes, following the successful demonstration in Paris.
He couldn't help but praise again:
"This young Frenchman, he's not just a writer, but a clever man who knows how to use technology to create miracles!"
What he did not know was that behind this enormous order was not only the successful renovation of the Comédie-Française but also the impending wave of electrification renovations that would soon sweep through Lyon, Bordeaux, and all French theaters.
And the name "Sorel Electric" would soon bring him a whole new kind of "surprise"!
(End of Chapter)