So, I have 3 kids in musical plays at their various schools. The elementary school is doing Annie. My son is in the chorus and gets to say one line, which, even though I’ve heard it six thousand times, I cannot recall now. What I do recall, is the the song,
‘Easy Street’
Because it’s his favorite, he sings it all the time.
My daughter Jessica is in the play Music Man at the junior high. She is also a chorale part, with no lines, but lots of singing and dancing. Her favorite song, or at least the one she hums all the time is:
‘We Got Trouble’
My daughter Rachel is in the play, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and does not know any songs yet, but has been taught a tap dance routine, and will be a ‘clubber’ in this play. (that means person with no lines, but singing and dancing).
I, as an involved parent, have been to parent meetings, received emails, and signed my name on a variety of sign ups for everything from ice cream parties, to concessions, to snacks for the rehearsals. I am sewing costumes, and coordinating schedules. Blair is driving a variety of cast members to and from rehearsals, and working on sets.
The other day, a mom called and mentioned how I had signed up for something and was making sure that I was still planning to participate. I assured her that I would absolutely be there with whatever it was I was supposed to bring. Then it occurred to me, I had no idea what school/play/child this was for. So I asked, um, “Which play is this for?” She was quiet for a minute and then said, “Music Man.” I thought about saying nothing and letting her think whatever it was she was thinking, but I couldn’t. So I explained about the 3 kids in 3 plays and the sign up sheets everytime I turn around. She laughed and admitted she also had a kid in Millie and was feeling a little busy herself.
The first opening night is coming up. The way these plays make their money is, I buy tickets to every single night and so does every cast members family.
Jessica is tired. She comes home from rehearsals, and eats on her way to bed. I haven’t seen her for weeks, except to have her yelling that I can email her the previous night’s cast notes as she runs out the door to school.
Dan is sick of Annie. The other day he caught himself humming the song, Hard Knock Life. He made a frustrated noise and knocked himself in the head!
Rachel is knee deep in costumes, dancing, and flappers.
I am saving up for tickets.
What will happen is, they will all feel done. They will all be vowing never to touch another script, costume, or tap shoe as long as they live…
right up until the applause.
That always changes things. The last night….the lights….the audience….the clapping, the accolades….
Oh, it’s a heady feeling. And I know what it means: More Sign ups. Costumes. Rehearsals. Carpools. Snacks. Meetings. Emails. Parties. Opening Night.
There’s no business like it:)
