The Greatest Showman #1076 - Industry Leaders

Barry Mayer stood in the VIP box, observing the Almeida Theater from a privileged vantage point. The applause had long since faded, but the electric energy in the air remained. It buzzed with excitement, the kind that made the skin tingle and the heart race. The crowd was still alive with passion, their expressions and movements a clear reflection of their enthusiasm.

For Barry, this was no ordinary experience. Stripped of the cold analysis of professional critics and detached from the processed reports of the press, he was witnessing the raw power of live theater, something he had never truly experienced before. The force of Renly's performance was undeniable. His every gesture seemed to radiate power, drawing the audience into a shared moment of emotion.

Still, Barry couldn't help but think: the show was too long. Not the six-hour version, but three hours felt like the right length. In fact, two hours might have been ideal, at least for him.

After tonight, Barry knew he wouldn't return to the Almeida Theater to watch Les Miserables again. Nor would he attend the performance at the Richard Rogers Theatre—unless, of course, it was for official business.

As the head of Warner Bros., Barry approached this performance with a unique mindset. While others might focus on the artistry, he was calculating numbers in his head. He saw the audience not just as a crowd but as a market, one that offered insight into potential box office figures. For him, this was more than just a night at the theater. It was a business opportunity.

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. It was polite, restrained, the kind of knock that demanded respect. When the door opened, Barry found himself face-to-face with Renly Hall, who stood out effortlessly among the crowd.

The VIP box was packed with notable figures: the senior management of Warner Bros. in the UK and Europe, the top brass of a listed company, the editor-in-chief of a major media outlet, and high-level executives from a prominent fashion brand. There were at least eight or nine influential people packed into the box, making the space feel suddenly cramped and a bit uncomfortable. But Barry's gaze immediately found Renly.

It wasn't just familiarity that drew Barry's attention—it was the aura that Renly exuded. He was the very picture of elegance and restraint, a man who seemed born to shine. His demeanor was the kind that could only come from hereditary nobility, a quality that couldn't be bought with money. It was something rare and fascinating, something that left a lasting impression.

"Good evening," Renly greeted, his eyes showing a brief flash of surprise at the unexpected encounter. He didn't hide his astonishment, but after a brief pause, he smiled and added, "Mr. Mayer, thank you for coming. I hope tonight's performance wasn't too long for you."

Barry caught the fleeting expression on Renly's face—genuine, unpretentious. It was a rare display of openness in an industry where such moments were often concealed. He chuckled lightly before responding with a playful, yet professional tone, "No matter how long the journey, it eventually reaches its end. And once you're there, no one worries about the difficulties along the way. All that matters is enjoying the scenery at the finish line. And I have to say, the scenery tonight has been most enjoyable."

Renly's brows arched slightly, sensing the subtle layers beneath Barry's words. A smile curled at the corners of his lips. "What if we did it again?"

Barry raised an eyebrow, a knowing glint in his eye. "Then, I'd have to politely decline," he said with a smile. Both men laughed, the moment light-hearted yet full of mutual understanding.

"Well then," Barry continued, taking control of the conversation, "I was planning to head to a bar or a café nearby for a drink. Care to join me? Do you have any recommendations?"

Renly grinned, "It depends on what you're looking for, Mr. Mayer. There are a few lively bars nearby where you can enjoy a beer and catch a football game. If you're looking for a little more excitement, that could be the spot."

Barry gave him a knowing look, clearly misinterpreting Renly's idea of "excitement," but Renly didn't feel the need to correct him. "If it's relaxation you seek, the hotel bar should be just fine."

"Well, what if we're looking for something quieter, a place where we can have a real conversation, talk about business?" Barry asked, his words laced with intention.

Renly's expression shifted slightly, and he nodded, understanding the implication. "I believe I can help with that. I'll meet you later."

As Barry and Renly exchanged pleasantries, the rest of the crowd remained standing, watching the two interact. Renly's effortless grace and the sincerity of his words left a profound impression on everyone present. It was a stark contrast to the chaotic energy of the stage, yet equally captivating.

For Renly, this was just another ordinary evening at the Almeida Theater. But for Barry, it was a moment that would stay with him. A chance encounter with a rising star—a rare one, given the world he inhabited.

As the head of Warner Bros., Barry was a powerful figure in Hollywood. His company had been behind some of the most successful film franchises of the past few decades, such as The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Batman. Yet, in recent years, with the rise of Marvel Studios and Disney's dominance in the industry, Barry had felt Warner Bros. slipping behind. Despite his efforts to capitalize on the DC Comics universe, he had not been able to match Disney's success.

Still, Barry Mayer remained a towering figure in the industry, a leader among the Hollywood elite. And tonight, for the first time, Renly found himself rubbing shoulders with the giants of the business.