While we've been recovering from The Sound of Music, more dramas have loomed on the horizon!
As I mentioned before, auditions for Charlotte's Web are this Friday, so Chicklet9 has been practicing. She's singing "I'd Do Anything" from Oliver, and the truth is, as a veteran of just 3 shows, she can now memorize lyrics and choreograph movements all by herself. I just need to remind her to do it every night, so she's got it down cold--the best way to shoot down the nerves.
After her audition, our family is going to see a friend star in a musical called Light in the Piazza. That, plus the drama of waiting hopefully for a callback and then for the cast list for Charlotte's Web, will be plenty of drama for one weekend.
Last week, besides playing general catch-up, I prepared for a new session of theater classes. I am teaching an advanced drama class, two hours a week, which will conclude in the performance of a one-act comedy called "The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet." It's the Shakespearean story told as Dr. Seuss would tell it:
Romeo:
There's an optometrist whose name is Cupid,
He's opened my eyes, and made me less stupid.
I met a new girl, she's the best of the best.
She passed the Romeo "hot mama" test.
Lady Capitulate (to Juliet):
Yes! It's I. I'm your own dearest Mother.
I've been called the same by your sisters and brother.
I meant to say just what I said when I meant
That I am your Mother, One-hundred percent.
Last night, 17 teenagers, including B13, auditioned for roles in the play, performing highly entertaining monologues for myself and my aide for the class. Then we had them read for various parts, and even the cold readings were hysterical. So many of the kids could do almost any role; it made casting easy--and tough to decide. The aide and I are pumped. This is going to be such a fun project!
Further off, we have the drama of Holy Week coming up. I am once again "casting" and "directing" most of the dramatized Scripture readings at the Easter Vigil, and also the Passion Reading for Palm Sunday. Somehow this is more stressful than the drama class, because the casting never gets settled all in one night, and I don't get ten weeks to work with my readers for two hours a week! I'm also arranging many of the readings. Still much work to be done, on that front, and Palm Sunday only...2.5 weeks away. Yikes!
Finally, the real-life drama: My mother-in-law found out last Friday that she had a mass in her brain. This was actually not as scary as one might expect, because she's had one brain surgery already, 23 years ago, when a congenitally malformed vessel ruptured, and this mass was in the same place. There is hope that this is residual tissue that may have been missed in the crisis at that time, and it would explain the seizures and other symptoms she's been experiencing in the last few years.
It's been hard to watch my strong, vibrant, outgoing mother-in-law declining to the point where she can barely walk down the aisle to receive communion in church. They visit us frequently at Light of Christ, where both their sons and their families are on Sundays, even though it's a 1.5 hour drive for my father-in-law. They came to spent the night on Saturday, so we could have dinner together, and then on Sunday afternoon, we all gathered to pray for Grandma, and Grandpa too. They are strong in the Lord, and in faith that He works all things together for good for them who love Him. It was sweet family time.
Her surgery was yesterday, and she came through it well. Last report I heard, she was still sedated. They believe they got all of the tissue, but we haven't heard the pathology report yet. ...So the drama continues until we hear that news!
Showing posts with label Kenosha youth theater. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kenosha youth theater. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Friday, March 09, 2012
Memorable Sound of Music Moments
One of the things about live theater--especially live theater with kids--is that there are always many humorous moments, on and offstage.
The directors like to memorialize these moments by giving funny awards for them. For example, B16 received an award for Most Confused Parent, presented to him for Finally Figuring Out Which One is Louisa. In one of the scenes, the Captain wonders aloud why Maria could have left so suddenly, without saying goodbye, and he is supposed to lead Louisa aside to ask her if she played any unpleasant tricks on Maria. Out of his five daughters--and two casts, so it wasn't even the same girl each show--it took him awhile to recognize the right girl to pull aside each time!
The directors said they intended to make a "God Saved Your Butt" award for him, as well, for one scene when the leads had to improvise because it was time for a song, and the music was not coming on. After a few lines of improv among the leads, B16 boldly stepped forward and asked, "Children, do you need a starting note?" "Yes, Father," one of his children replied...and then all eyes turned to the Captain to see what he would do now?? Fortunately, the music started right at that moment, which made it seem almost like his improvised line was the cue, but still, we all knew he had no idea what he would have done next if it had not.
Chicklet8 received an award for Funniest Costume Challenge EVER, for Your determination to get your little sister dressed! In the final scene, the Von Trapps appear on stage to sing at the Festival, "tea with jam, jam and bread." They are wearing traveling clothes, all in jackets and coats, and the Gretel, the youngest, rushing to get on stage with the rest, did not have her sweater on completely. She tried unobtrusively to get her arm in the other sleeve, but was having difficulty, and then Chicklet noticed and began helping her. "Leave it alone!" I was screaming mentally, but no, she kept helping, subtly, she thought, and then more overtly, and between them they still could not seem to get it on, and it was sooo distracting. (I think it was upside down, with the collar at the little girl's waist.) She helped and helped, and finally Maria tried, stepping in front of Chicklet, who then pushed around Maria to get back to her usual position at the front. This was all as they were finishing their performance at the festival, and then during the Captain's little speech ("My fellow Austrians...") before he sings "Edelweiss" and then during the first part of his song. The directors said they were in the back making the slit-throat gesture so that the girls would leave. the sweater. ALONE. and they imagined the poor Captain wondering why they wanted him to stop his song. The director later came up to Chicklet and said, with a smile, "Sweetie, don't ever touch that sweater again!" Chicklet replied brightly, "Okay! What sweater?"
Chicklet's class came to see the show, and it was amusing how they treated her afterward, like she was a celebrity. They were in awe of the microphone still taped to her cheek. "Do you get to keep it?" they all wanted to know. "Will you sit with me on the bus going home?" one of them asked, forgetting that she had not come with them on the bus--and she had another show to do. They made her a card when they got back to class, saying "Good job" and "Awesome singing" and "Up there on the stage it was you!"
I can't say much about the kissing scene, for fear of embarrassing B16, but they did have to practice a lot, because it was a fake kiss with his hand on the side of her face and his thumb over her lips so that he actually kissed his own thumb. But they kept doing it too fast and it looked, on stage, more like a dive-bombing than a tender kiss. I shall refrain from further comment, except to state that all practicing was supervised by the directors!
Oh, and the moustaches. As the Makeup Chairperson, I had ordered human hair moustaches for several characters to help our teenage cast members look more like men. Not sure what would be best for Max, I ordered both the European-style moustache and the Handlebar model, knowing I'd have one extra, but figuring we'd use it in some show or other. Imagine my shock when I first watched the party scene at a dress rehearsal and saw ROLF, the telegram delivery boy, in a tuxedo and gloves, sipping champagne with barons and admirals! No doubt about it, that was the boy Rolf at that party. I immediately assigned him the leftover handlebar moustache for that scene (when he was not supposed to be Rolf at all, but just another gentleman) and it changed his look completely. I was most satisfied. (Did the Holy Spirit prompt me to order that extra 'stache??)
During rehearsals, B13 and the other Friedrich, got quite a reputation with the directing team. "If you put the two of them together, it's like you get one blonde," the director told me. As evidence, she told me about a scene where they instructed all the kids--both casts of Von Trapps rehearsed everything together--that they should think of something quiet to do during this scene, while they had no lines. "Hey, we can play Rock, Paper, Scissors!" the two Friedrichs announced, like it was a great idea. "Hello?" the directors said. "You won't be on stage at the same time, you know!" "We won't?" they asked.
Both boys wore a tux to the party, whether they were playing Friedrich or a Party Guest in that performance. Where are your bow ties and gloves, boys?
Ahh, it's been a bit of a blue week for us all. It was such a fun show! The next one is Charlotte's Web, and only Chicklet will be auditioning, a week from today. B13 has his heart set on playing soccer again, and there is no role in Charlotte's Web that appeals to B16, after playing the Captain. He wants to get back to band practice on Saturdays, instead of rehearsals. Who knows when they will all be in a show together again?
(If you were looking for the sentimental memories...see this post!)
The directors like to memorialize these moments by giving funny awards for them. For example, B16 received an award for Most Confused Parent, presented to him for Finally Figuring Out Which One is Louisa. In one of the scenes, the Captain wonders aloud why Maria could have left so suddenly, without saying goodbye, and he is supposed to lead Louisa aside to ask her if she played any unpleasant tricks on Maria. Out of his five daughters--and two casts, so it wasn't even the same girl each show--it took him awhile to recognize the right girl to pull aside each time!
The directors said they intended to make a "God Saved Your Butt" award for him, as well, for one scene when the leads had to improvise because it was time for a song, and the music was not coming on. After a few lines of improv among the leads, B16 boldly stepped forward and asked, "Children, do you need a starting note?" "Yes, Father," one of his children replied...and then all eyes turned to the Captain to see what he would do now?? Fortunately, the music started right at that moment, which made it seem almost like his improvised line was the cue, but still, we all knew he had no idea what he would have done next if it had not.
Chicklet8 received an award for Funniest Costume Challenge EVER, for Your determination to get your little sister dressed! In the final scene, the Von Trapps appear on stage to sing at the Festival, "tea with jam, jam and bread." They are wearing traveling clothes, all in jackets and coats, and the Gretel, the youngest, rushing to get on stage with the rest, did not have her sweater on completely. She tried unobtrusively to get her arm in the other sleeve, but was having difficulty, and then Chicklet noticed and began helping her. "Leave it alone!" I was screaming mentally, but no, she kept helping, subtly, she thought, and then more overtly, and between them they still could not seem to get it on, and it was sooo distracting. (I think it was upside down, with the collar at the little girl's waist.) She helped and helped, and finally Maria tried, stepping in front of Chicklet, who then pushed around Maria to get back to her usual position at the front. This was all as they were finishing their performance at the festival, and then during the Captain's little speech ("My fellow Austrians...") before he sings "Edelweiss" and then during the first part of his song. The directors said they were in the back making the slit-throat gesture so that the girls would leave. the sweater. ALONE. and they imagined the poor Captain wondering why they wanted him to stop his song. The director later came up to Chicklet and said, with a smile, "Sweetie, don't ever touch that sweater again!" Chicklet replied brightly, "Okay! What sweater?"
Chicklet's class came to see the show, and it was amusing how they treated her afterward, like she was a celebrity. They were in awe of the microphone still taped to her cheek. "Do you get to keep it?" they all wanted to know. "Will you sit with me on the bus going home?" one of them asked, forgetting that she had not come with them on the bus--and she had another show to do. They made her a card when they got back to class, saying "Good job" and "Awesome singing" and "Up there on the stage it was you!"
I can't say much about the kissing scene, for fear of embarrassing B16, but they did have to practice a lot, because it was a fake kiss with his hand on the side of her face and his thumb over her lips so that he actually kissed his own thumb. But they kept doing it too fast and it looked, on stage, more like a dive-bombing than a tender kiss. I shall refrain from further comment, except to state that all practicing was supervised by the directors!
Oh, and the moustaches. As the Makeup Chairperson, I had ordered human hair moustaches for several characters to help our teenage cast members look more like men. Not sure what would be best for Max, I ordered both the European-style moustache and the Handlebar model, knowing I'd have one extra, but figuring we'd use it in some show or other. Imagine my shock when I first watched the party scene at a dress rehearsal and saw ROLF, the telegram delivery boy, in a tuxedo and gloves, sipping champagne with barons and admirals! No doubt about it, that was the boy Rolf at that party. I immediately assigned him the leftover handlebar moustache for that scene (when he was not supposed to be Rolf at all, but just another gentleman) and it changed his look completely. I was most satisfied. (Did the Holy Spirit prompt me to order that extra 'stache??)
During rehearsals, B13 and the other Friedrich, got quite a reputation with the directing team. "If you put the two of them together, it's like you get one blonde," the director told me. As evidence, she told me about a scene where they instructed all the kids--both casts of Von Trapps rehearsed everything together--that they should think of something quiet to do during this scene, while they had no lines. "Hey, we can play Rock, Paper, Scissors!" the two Friedrichs announced, like it was a great idea. "Hello?" the directors said. "You won't be on stage at the same time, you know!" "We won't?" they asked.
A bribe was involved in the taking of the above photo.
These are the infamous curtain shorts!
Ahh, it's been a bit of a blue week for us all. It was such a fun show! The next one is Charlotte's Web, and only Chicklet will be auditioning, a week from today. B13 has his heart set on playing soccer again, and there is no role in Charlotte's Web that appeals to B16, after playing the Captain. He wants to get back to band practice on Saturdays, instead of rehearsals. Who knows when they will all be in a show together again?
(If you were looking for the sentimental memories...see this post!)
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Hark, It's the Sound of Music!
It's Production Week!
This week we have three dress rehearsals, eight performances, a strike party, a daughter home from college for Spring Break, Papa Rooster gone for a 4-day conference, and four grandparents here for the weekend.
I'm chairing the Makeup Committee again this time, so I'm frantically sorting eye pencils and brushes and latexing the backs of moustaches and beards prior to use. I'm checking supplies and making my shopping list: makeup sponges, makeup removal wipes, bobby pins. I'm wondering when I'm going to get my own kids' makeup and hair done, since we only have minutes after they get off the schoolbus before we have to leave.
I'm contacting friends about last-minute tickets to the show, and I'm reviewing Captain Von Trapp's lines with him daily. (I know now when he deviates from the script, even without it in front of me!) I'm helping with homework, late at night, and driving kids to school instead of them taking in the bus. I'm trying to make sure everyone eats and drinks and sleeps enough-- including me.
Onward and upward!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Good News, Bad News, Good News
And the good news is...the cast list was posted, and our kids all got leading parts! Chicklet9 and Bantam12 are both double-cast as Von Trapp children--Marta and Friedrich. This means they will play these parts in half the performances; in the other half, C9 is a Townsperson and B12 is a Party Guest. So he will have to learn to waltz. With a girl. And wear an elegant suit. He will be dashing, indeed.
And B16 is Captain Von Trapp! He is so pleased, and eager for the challenge of a straight role. He found his last role, as the comedic Little John in Robin Hood, to be almost too easy. (Let's just say he and Little John have a lot in common.) He has much in common with the Captain too; he's already used to ordering around his younger siblings off-stage, and now he will get to do it on-stage as well! He is very good with kids, and he'll enjoy working with them in this show.
(The performances are March 1-4, local friends, but we don't know yet which performances will feature the Red Cast. So don't rush to buy your tickets yet! We'll let you know.)
The bad news is...I was in a car accident on Saturday, on my way to pick up Chicklet after her callback was finished. I was heading north when the light turned yellow....and since I was going about 40 mph (under the 45 mph speed limit), and since there was still snow and ice on the roads in places, I kept going. A southbound pickup truck waiting to turn left apparently had his eyes on the light but not on the traffic, and he began his left turn just as I entered the intersection. I slammed on my brakes but had no time to stop.
My air bag cushioned me both from the sound and much of the impact of the crash. I am sooo grateful for that air bag! Both of us drivers were okay, it seemed, and his passenger, a child in a car seat, was too. What a mercy.
Almost 48 hours later now, I am sore all over. But my head and neck are better than my shoulders and ribcage, and I have pretty normal range of motion in my neck, able even to look over both shoulders, so I am better than I was after my other accident nearly three years ago. It was a lower-speed accident and the air bag didn't deploy, so my body took the full shock that time. (I really am grateful for that airbag!)
But I am heartsick about my beloved purple Prius. I am so afraid that it's totaled. Both airbags deployed, and it's turning 10 years old in 2012, with nearly 100,000 miles on it. But it was still running after the accident, and surprisingly, it didn't appear too badly damaged. I expected the whole front end to be completely crumpled, but it wasn't. I think my brakes must have really slowed me down before impact. So I still cling to some hope that the adjuster will find it worth repairing. It's a Toyota, and a hybrid, after all. And it's my baby!
How life can change in an instant! The remaining bit of "good news" that I am trying to soak up today is how every minute of life and health is a gift from God. I am trying not to let my grief over my sweetheart car, that I may never drive again, overshadow the fact that my kids are not motherless and my husband is not a widower. I am not crippled, hospitalized or in a wheelchair. I am trying not to let the financial concerns crowd out my gratitude for God's mercy on all three of us in the accident, and for the blessings of life and health.
I am reminded too, of the Advent truth that no one knows the day or the hour that Christ will return, and we should live as those prepared. My heart echoes that Advent prayer from the first Sunday in Advent, that "when he shall appear, he may not find us sleeping in sin but active in his service and joyful in his praise." And from the second Sunday in Advent, "when he comes again, we may be ready to greet him with joyful love and firm faith."
Joyful, active, serving, praising, loving, firm, faithful and joyful (again).
Lord, let it be so.
And B16 is Captain Von Trapp! He is so pleased, and eager for the challenge of a straight role. He found his last role, as the comedic Little John in Robin Hood, to be almost too easy. (Let's just say he and Little John have a lot in common.) He has much in common with the Captain too; he's already used to ordering around his younger siblings off-stage, and now he will get to do it on-stage as well! He is very good with kids, and he'll enjoy working with them in this show.
(The performances are March 1-4, local friends, but we don't know yet which performances will feature the Red Cast. So don't rush to buy your tickets yet! We'll let you know.)
The bad news is...I was in a car accident on Saturday, on my way to pick up Chicklet after her callback was finished. I was heading north when the light turned yellow....and since I was going about 40 mph (under the 45 mph speed limit), and since there was still snow and ice on the roads in places, I kept going. A southbound pickup truck waiting to turn left apparently had his eyes on the light but not on the traffic, and he began his left turn just as I entered the intersection. I slammed on my brakes but had no time to stop.
My air bag cushioned me both from the sound and much of the impact of the crash. I am sooo grateful for that air bag! Both of us drivers were okay, it seemed, and his passenger, a child in a car seat, was too. What a mercy.
Almost 48 hours later now, I am sore all over. But my head and neck are better than my shoulders and ribcage, and I have pretty normal range of motion in my neck, able even to look over both shoulders, so I am better than I was after my other accident nearly three years ago. It was a lower-speed accident and the air bag didn't deploy, so my body took the full shock that time. (I really am grateful for that airbag!)
But I am heartsick about my beloved purple Prius. I am so afraid that it's totaled. Both airbags deployed, and it's turning 10 years old in 2012, with nearly 100,000 miles on it. But it was still running after the accident, and surprisingly, it didn't appear too badly damaged. I expected the whole front end to be completely crumpled, but it wasn't. I think my brakes must have really slowed me down before impact. So I still cling to some hope that the adjuster will find it worth repairing. It's a Toyota, and a hybrid, after all. And it's my baby!
How life can change in an instant! The remaining bit of "good news" that I am trying to soak up today is how every minute of life and health is a gift from God. I am trying not to let my grief over my sweetheart car, that I may never drive again, overshadow the fact that my kids are not motherless and my husband is not a widower. I am not crippled, hospitalized or in a wheelchair. I am trying not to let the financial concerns crowd out my gratitude for God's mercy on all three of us in the accident, and for the blessings of life and health.
I am reminded too, of the Advent truth that no one knows the day or the hour that Christ will return, and we should live as those prepared. My heart echoes that Advent prayer from the first Sunday in Advent, that "when he shall appear, he may not find us sleeping in sin but active in his service and joyful in his praise." And from the second Sunday in Advent, "when he comes again, we may be ready to greet him with joyful love and firm faith."
Joyful, active, serving, praising, loving, firm, faithful and joyful (again).
Lord, let it be so.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Return to the Theater
I am so excited. A new 10-week session of theater begins this week!
I really missed it, while our kids were doing soccer this fall. Even though I taught a drama class, it wasn't the same without my kids. And I missed being involved with a production. There's nothing like the thrill and the camaraderie of making that ten-week journey together.
So although we missed the Christmas Carol journey, we are excited to begin a new one: auditions for The Sound of Music are this Friday night! I am delighted that three of our kids are auditioning. Chicklet8 and Bantam12 were givens, but B16 wasn't sure until recently. For me, it simplifies my life when most of my kids are going in one direction, and I'm also happy when more of my own children benefit from the sacrifices of my time and energy that theater requires. I love making these memories with my kids, though, so I'm glad that B16 will be making them with us.
B6 isn't old enough to audition for the production, but he's going to classes with us! He'll be in Our Gang, an introductory theater class for 6- and 7-year-olds. B12 is taking Improv, and Chicklet8 will be in Musical Theater. B16 is going to be my aide in Drama 1. It's a large class of 17 students, including one student with special needs; so he's a good fit, with his experience growing up with a brother with autism. I'll be staying late to teach Drama 3: Scenes and Monologues in the second time slot of classes. I've been busy pulling together curriculum, scenes, and monologues, and I'm excited to teach this advanced class for the first time!
We have over 100 kids enrolled in classes for this winter session of our Christian theater group. It has grown so much in 2+ years! There were so many new families last session. I am eager to see how many more lives will be touched by this program as it grows. And I'm so happy to be part of it!
I really missed it, while our kids were doing soccer this fall. Even though I taught a drama class, it wasn't the same without my kids. And I missed being involved with a production. There's nothing like the thrill and the camaraderie of making that ten-week journey together.
So although we missed the Christmas Carol journey, we are excited to begin a new one: auditions for The Sound of Music are this Friday night! I am delighted that three of our kids are auditioning. Chicklet8 and Bantam12 were givens, but B16 wasn't sure until recently. For me, it simplifies my life when most of my kids are going in one direction, and I'm also happy when more of my own children benefit from the sacrifices of my time and energy that theater requires. I love making these memories with my kids, though, so I'm glad that B16 will be making them with us.
B6 isn't old enough to audition for the production, but he's going to classes with us! He'll be in Our Gang, an introductory theater class for 6- and 7-year-olds. B12 is taking Improv, and Chicklet8 will be in Musical Theater. B16 is going to be my aide in Drama 1. It's a large class of 17 students, including one student with special needs; so he's a good fit, with his experience growing up with a brother with autism. I'll be staying late to teach Drama 3: Scenes and Monologues in the second time slot of classes. I've been busy pulling together curriculum, scenes, and monologues, and I'm excited to teach this advanced class for the first time!
We have over 100 kids enrolled in classes for this winter session of our Christian theater group. It has grown so much in 2+ years! There were so many new families last session. I am eager to see how many more lives will be touched by this program as it grows. And I'm so happy to be part of it!
Friday, June 03, 2011
Heigh Ho, Robin Hood! (Part Two)
So in my last post, I said that it's swordfighting and adventure that make Robin Hood different from other shows.
But Robin Hood also has singing...
Dancing...
Boasting...
And pathos. One of the sub-plots involved this old widow and her three grandchildren, taxed to the last farthing by the Sheriff of Nottingham, who enter Sherwood Forest seeking assistance from Robin Hood. This is their reaction as scary-looking Little John approaches. That's Chicklet8 on the right, who has the next line: "I'm afraid, Grandmother."
Here she explains, "The Sheriff took ALL our money!"
To the tall stranger (really King Richard) she denounces "the horrible old Sheriff!"
She had a lot of fun in the crowd scenes too.
Little John reminisces about the first time he met Robin Hood. You know the story...
How they both wanted to cross a bridge and decided their staffs would have to settle the impasse, the fight ending with Robin Hood in the water...pulling Little John in, when he offers his hand to help Robin out.
Will Scarlet also shares the story of his first meeting with Robin Hood, not recognizing him, sword fighting with him, then discovering that his dueling partner is his cousin, Robin Hood!
Then B12 steps up. "I remember the first time I met Robin. He was walking in the forest and I was walking in the forest. And I stepped on a stick. And he turned around and looked at me. And I kinda...waved at him."
This little story is followed by silence and the sound effect of crickets chirping. "Good story!" Will Scarlet finally exclaims, clapping B12 on the shoulder. B12 enjoyed his part and got a laugh every show.
Look closely at Maid Marian's dress, as she suffers the unwanted attentions of Prince John.
Blondechick wore this same dress, six years ago, when she was a Maiden in Robin Hood! The gold band has been added to the bottom, and the cape at the shoulders, but the rest of the dress and the headpiece are the same. (Hmm, I wonder if we could find a picture of her in it?)
Oh, so many reasons why this was one of my favorite shows EV-ER. So thankful...
To God!
 |
| Robin Hood always gets his man...and so does B12! |
Dancing...
 |
| B12 in front row |
Boasting...
 |
| (Little John is cheating.) |
Here she explains, "The Sheriff took ALL our money!"
To the tall stranger (really King Richard) she denounces "the horrible old Sheriff!"
She had a lot of fun in the crowd scenes too.
 |
| That's one of B16's friends on stilts right behind her! |
Little John reminisces about the first time he met Robin Hood. You know the story...
Will Scarlet also shares the story of his first meeting with Robin Hood, not recognizing him, sword fighting with him, then discovering that his dueling partner is his cousin, Robin Hood!
This little story is followed by silence and the sound effect of crickets chirping. "Good story!" Will Scarlet finally exclaims, clapping B12 on the shoulder. B12 enjoyed his part and got a laugh every show.
Look closely at Maid Marian's dress, as she suffers the unwanted attentions of Prince John.
Oh, so many reasons why this was one of my favorite shows EV-ER. So thankful...
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Heigh Ho, Robin Hood!
What fun we had doing this musical!
To start with, I love the story. When I was in elementary school, I read Howard Pyle's The Merry Adventures in Robin Hood and fantasized about speaking the King's English and being a castaway with the Merry Band! Will Scarlet, Little John and Allan-a-Dale were like big brothers, in my imagination.
When we first started in theater, Robin Hood was our first show, so the musical version has always held a special place in my heart. Blondechick was just 12 years old, and she was a Maiden. B16 was then B9, and I couldn't talk him into auditioning. But he ushered and watched all 6 shows, and by the end of the run, he was ready to try out for the next one.
So I was thrilled when I heard that our new theater group in Kenosha was going to do Robin Hood! To my delight, even B16 decided to audition. Turns out he always thought Little John looked like a fun role, and he had the height and the voice for it, so he worked hard to convince the directors that he could do the part. And he certainly pulled it off, winning a Screwball Award for his comedic performance...that kept getting funnier every show!
It's sword-fighting and adventure that makes Robin Hood so different from other shows.
The Sheriff's soldiers surround Robin, Little John, Will Scarlet and Friar Tuck.
While Robin Hood battles the Sheriff of Nottingham...
Little John takes on Kaspar, the Sheriff's henchman (who did not have a green t-shirt showing during actual performances!). Their battle ends with them holding each other at swordpoint, and each show, they became more menacing and mocking of each other after they had dropped their swords. Finally, one night Little John ended it by turning away, brushing his hair off his forehead as he did so, to the delighted amusement of the crowd...so naturally the "hair flip" stayed for the last two performances.
See Bantam12 in the middle there? (Wearing socks, because his boot laces were being fixed during this dress rehearsal.) He got compliments on his great facial expressions, like the one above (click to enlarge)--during this slow-motion epic action scene. So other boys began to work on their facial expressions, including his brother, who decided that Little John concentrates on his fighting the way Michael Jordan does on making a basket--with his tongue pushing out of his mouth! Audience members loved it, so every show the tongue went further and further out of the mouth--and from side-to-side too--in slow-motion.
One other funny moment happened during the slow-motion scene, when Little John and Kaspar swing their swords toward each other and hit at the top of their arc...but in one performance they missed! In slow motion! "It was an epic FAIL," they joked afterwards.
But the best scene was when Robin Hood and Little John dress up like gypsy women to distract Prince John while the Merry Band robs him blind.
B16 had to speak up high, sing in his head voice and dance in a dress. He did it all with lots of high-pitched laughter and without a trace of self-consciousness. We were so proud of him!
"Listen, listen to the gypsy dance...it will put you in a gypsy trance...."
The scene ended with the gypsy dancers stripping the entranced and dancing Prince John of his royal robes. Here's when he "comes to."
"Guards! Bring me a royal covering!"
Lots more to come--B12 and Chicklet8 got to do lots of fun stuff in this show too! But I was especially proud of B16 for the way he embraced his role like he's never done before. He says he's not interested in any of the shows they are doing next year and it would take a special show for him to invest that kind of time again. I hope it's not his last one, but it may have been.
To start with, I love the story. When I was in elementary school, I read Howard Pyle's The Merry Adventures in Robin Hood and fantasized about speaking the King's English and being a castaway with the Merry Band! Will Scarlet, Little John and Allan-a-Dale were like big brothers, in my imagination.
When we first started in theater, Robin Hood was our first show, so the musical version has always held a special place in my heart. Blondechick was just 12 years old, and she was a Maiden. B16 was then B9, and I couldn't talk him into auditioning. But he ushered and watched all 6 shows, and by the end of the run, he was ready to try out for the next one.
So I was thrilled when I heard that our new theater group in Kenosha was going to do Robin Hood! To my delight, even B16 decided to audition. Turns out he always thought Little John looked like a fun role, and he had the height and the voice for it, so he worked hard to convince the directors that he could do the part. And he certainly pulled it off, winning a Screwball Award for his comedic performance...that kept getting funnier every show!
It's sword-fighting and adventure that makes Robin Hood so different from other shows.
One other funny moment happened during the slow-motion scene, when Little John and Kaspar swing their swords toward each other and hit at the top of their arc...but in one performance they missed! In slow motion! "It was an epic FAIL," they joked afterwards.
But the best scene was when Robin Hood and Little John dress up like gypsy women to distract Prince John while the Merry Band robs him blind.
B16 had to speak up high, sing in his head voice and dance in a dress. He did it all with lots of high-pitched laughter and without a trace of self-consciousness. We were so proud of him!
The scene ended with the gypsy dancers stripping the entranced and dancing Prince John of his royal robes. Here's when he "comes to."
Lots more to come--B12 and Chicklet8 got to do lots of fun stuff in this show too! But I was especially proud of B16 for the way he embraced his role like he's never done before. He says he's not interested in any of the shows they are doing next year and it would take a special show for him to invest that kind of time again. I hope it's not his last one, but it may have been.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Lost in Sherwood Forest
Y'all know what has happened to me, right?
I'm lost in a Sherwood Forest of...
dress rehearsals...
makeup...
hair...
prom...
soccer games...
extra piano lessons...
laundry...
graduation announcements (done) and invitations (umm....)
graduation...
preparing for house-guests...
performances...
last-minute ticket sales...
...emotions...
...regrets that I can't find time to record it all for posterity and share it with all of you!
It's crazy, stressful, over-the-top busy, but it's also what I signed up for when I started having kids. It's tough when it all converges like this, but it's all good and joyous and happy-making and I am grateful, soooo grateful, to be part of it all.
Now if I can just live through it...!
I'm lost in a Sherwood Forest of...
dress rehearsals...
makeup...
hair...
prom...
soccer games...
extra piano lessons...
laundry...
graduation announcements (done) and invitations (umm....)
graduation...
preparing for house-guests...
performances...
last-minute ticket sales...
...emotions...
...regrets that I can't find time to record it all for posterity and share it with all of you!
It's crazy, stressful, over-the-top busy, but it's also what I signed up for when I started having kids. It's tough when it all converges like this, but it's all good and joyous and happy-making and I am grateful, soooo grateful, to be part of it all.
Now if I can just live through it...!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Weekend Wrap-Up
It was a big weekend at the Henhouse. Papa Rooster came home, after a week of absence--his second in a row. All this traveling on his calendar, and my inability to join him, has got us thinking about ways of celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary, coming up this December. We always say we'll get away some other part of the year, when it's not as busy as Christmas time, but then we rarely do. Or it's connected to his company's big March conference, like when we went to San Antonio last year and Orlando the year before, and that's what he just returned from. So we're thinking of celebrating early this year. We're looking online at last-minute deals, and I'm getting excited!
He returned on Friday in time to make the kids' auditions for Robin Hood, our spring musical. Wish I had time to figure out how to share video. (PR thinks it's complicated and hates doing it, which doesn't encourage me, and our teens never use the good camera, just their phones, so they're no help.) So let me describe them briefly, because they all did so well!
B12 performed the theme from The Muppet Show: "It's time to play the music/ It's time to light the lights/ It's time to meet the Muppets/ On the Muppet Show tonight!" He started out marching, walking like an Egyptian, and playing the tenor sax before the singing actually began, and he did two character voices in the middle for the two old guys in the balcony who ask, "Why do we always come here? /I guess we'll never know/ It's like a kind of torture/ To have to watch this show!" His facial expressions were hilarious throughout.
Chicklet8 performed "Do-Re-Mi" from The Sound of Music, from "Let's start at the very beginning...." After years of watching her parents help her older siblings think of movements and choreography for their audition choices, C8 hardly needed any help coming up with her own little moves and dance steps for "doe, a deer" and "ray, a drop of golden sun," and so on. She is especially good at facial expressions, and she tries hard to put expression in her voice too. She was just so darn cute! You'd never have guessed it was only her second audition.
B15 auditioned as well--his first time in over a year. He ended up using the same romantic ballad he sang last time, "Till There Was You," by the Beatles. But this time, instead of doing it straight, he decided to lighten it up unexpectedly. So he sang the first lines beautifully, "There were bells/ On a hill/ But I never heard them ringing," reaching a hand to his ear as if listening; on the next line "No, I never heard them at all," he began twisting his finger in his ear as if digging out earwax, then pulled it, examined it, and then pointed with it as he sang the next line, "Till there was you." Then he wiped it on his pants and continued on in that lighthearted, only-half-serious vein. It was great.
Both boys were called back for lead roles on Saturday, and C8 was slightly disappointed not to get a callback too, since there were three speaking parts for little children. Meanwhile, Blondechick was at a Solo and Ensemble contest as part of a trio from her school choir. They sang "Nelly Bly," a very cute arrangement, with one girl singing the melody and the other two singing "bum, bum; bum, bum" as accompaniment. The judge had almost nothing but good things to say, and they are going on to the State competition in May!
BC showed me a video of her trio that her friend had put on Facebook, and I asked as I listened, "Are you in the middle?" BC knew I was referring to the vocals, but B15, the true "blonde" of the family, said, "Mom, I can't believe you don't recognize your own daughter!" Oh, B15....
But maybe that "blondeness" helped him get the role of Little John! In the script, Little John is rather a simpleton, and B15 came home from callbacks feeling that he had done especially well at that part. He'll have a fair amount of singing to do, too, and has to sing in his head voice in one song, as a gypsy woman pretending to tell fortunes. B12 is a Merry Man--a short one--which means he'll spend a lot of time on stage and get to sing and sword-fight! And Chicklet was delighted to be cast, after all, in the speaking part she had wanted; she is Cindy, one of the Widow's children. (I have no idea how such an anachronistic name worked its way into this medieval show, but there it is.)
On Sunday, our church sponsored a concert with the Lenten theme of "Dust." It was a new work, a song-cyle for soprano, string quartet and live electronics, based on seven poems that our worship leader wrote over a period of years while she was living in Israel at different times. It had a meditative and modern sound, with a classical feel. The soprano had a beautiful operatic voice, the string parts were full of dissonances and some beautiful resolutions, and the electronic sounds--mostly words and parts of words--served to reinforce the themes and images of the poems, which were about our humanity and our smallness: "We are but dust." The concert was well-attended by many besides those in our congregation, mostly those who knew someone involved in the project, so it was good exposure for our little church and blessed many people, I believe. To God be the glory!
B12 performed the theme from The Muppet Show: "It's time to play the music/ It's time to light the lights/ It's time to meet the Muppets/ On the Muppet Show tonight!" He started out marching, walking like an Egyptian, and playing the tenor sax before the singing actually began, and he did two character voices in the middle for the two old guys in the balcony who ask, "Why do we always come here? /I guess we'll never know/ It's like a kind of torture/ To have to watch this show!" His facial expressions were hilarious throughout.
Chicklet8 performed "Do-Re-Mi" from The Sound of Music, from "Let's start at the very beginning...." After years of watching her parents help her older siblings think of movements and choreography for their audition choices, C8 hardly needed any help coming up with her own little moves and dance steps for "doe, a deer" and "ray, a drop of golden sun," and so on. She is especially good at facial expressions, and she tries hard to put expression in her voice too. She was just so darn cute! You'd never have guessed it was only her second audition.
B15 auditioned as well--his first time in over a year. He ended up using the same romantic ballad he sang last time, "Till There Was You," by the Beatles. But this time, instead of doing it straight, he decided to lighten it up unexpectedly. So he sang the first lines beautifully, "There were bells/ On a hill/ But I never heard them ringing," reaching a hand to his ear as if listening; on the next line "No, I never heard them at all," he began twisting his finger in his ear as if digging out earwax, then pulled it, examined it, and then pointed with it as he sang the next line, "Till there was you." Then he wiped it on his pants and continued on in that lighthearted, only-half-serious vein. It was great.
Both boys were called back for lead roles on Saturday, and C8 was slightly disappointed not to get a callback too, since there were three speaking parts for little children. Meanwhile, Blondechick was at a Solo and Ensemble contest as part of a trio from her school choir. They sang "Nelly Bly," a very cute arrangement, with one girl singing the melody and the other two singing "bum, bum; bum, bum" as accompaniment. The judge had almost nothing but good things to say, and they are going on to the State competition in May!
BC showed me a video of her trio that her friend had put on Facebook, and I asked as I listened, "Are you in the middle?" BC knew I was referring to the vocals, but B15, the true "blonde" of the family, said, "Mom, I can't believe you don't recognize your own daughter!" Oh, B15....
But maybe that "blondeness" helped him get the role of Little John! In the script, Little John is rather a simpleton, and B15 came home from callbacks feeling that he had done especially well at that part. He'll have a fair amount of singing to do, too, and has to sing in his head voice in one song, as a gypsy woman pretending to tell fortunes. B12 is a Merry Man--a short one--which means he'll spend a lot of time on stage and get to sing and sword-fight! And Chicklet was delighted to be cast, after all, in the speaking part she had wanted; she is Cindy, one of the Widow's children. (I have no idea how such an anachronistic name worked its way into this medieval show, but there it is.)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Magnets and Wrappers and Wigs, Oh My!
Both Papa Rooster and I are going to have lots of memories of this show!
He got more involved than he really had time for, with what sounded like a simple picture-taking assignment. When he learned that the pictures were to be Photoshopped onto a background and made into fridge magnets, parent badges and candy bar wrappers, to be sold as show souvenirs, he volunteered to help out with the Photoshop piece of it as well.
He did a beautiful job with the individual magnets and badges, then combined them to create photo montages of different groupings of kids. You could buy a "Wonka Bar" with School Kids, Soda Pop Dancers, Oompa Loompas, Townspeople or Ticket Winners on the wrapper--and they were so popular, they sold out immediately. They're making more for next weekend! Imagine this image wrapped around a jumbo bar of chocolate:
With and without wig and makeup, as you can see. And speaking of wigs and makeup, although I wasn't officially on the makeup committee this time, I've helped a good bit with turning these...
He got more involved than he really had time for, with what sounded like a simple picture-taking assignment. When he learned that the pictures were to be Photoshopped onto a background and made into fridge magnets, parent badges and candy bar wrappers, to be sold as show souvenirs, he volunteered to help out with the Photoshop piece of it as well.
He did a beautiful job with the individual magnets and badges, then combined them to create photo montages of different groupings of kids. You could buy a "Wonka Bar" with School Kids, Soda Pop Dancers, Oompa Loompas, Townspeople or Ticket Winners on the wrapper--and they were so popular, they sold out immediately. They're making more for next weekend! Imagine this image wrapped around a jumbo bar of chocolate:
Wouldn't you want to buy one?
Chicklet8 was his guinea pig for the magnet and badge shots:
With and without wig and makeup, as you can see. And speaking of wigs and makeup, although I wasn't officially on the makeup committee this time, I've helped a good bit with turning these...
...into these...
(yes, that's how you keep 28 green wigs looking good between shows: you store them on skirt hangers, with hair nets to minimize friction between them!)
...into these on-stage cuties!
You would never know it was C8's first show! She's having the time of her life, already mourning that there are only four days and five shows left.
And her brother?
He's having fun too.
(This is my parent badge, which clips onto my lanyard identifying me as a parent and which committee I'm on. B15 thinks he's too cool, but we should have put him on it too; he's working backstage for this show and having a good time.)
Good times for the whole family!!
And her brother?
He's having fun too.
(This is my parent badge, which clips onto my lanyard identifying me as a parent and which committee I'm on. B15 thinks he's too cool, but we should have put him on it too; he's working backstage for this show and having a good time.)
Good times for the whole family!!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Me, I'm a Wonkerer!
At least I feel like one after the last week!
After three nights of dress rehearsals, two school day shows and three public performances of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, we are all a little Oompy-Loompy.
Ah, and here's our favorite little Oompa Loompa now!
That's her, directly underneath the Woody doll that Willy Wonka is holding. Woody is the miniature version of Mike Teavee, of course. That's a TV screen behind them.
And there's her reaction (click to enlarge) after Wonka suggests they put Mike into the taffy-pulling machine to stretch him back to normal size. In just a moment, she will take Mrs. Teavee's purse, they will drop Mike into it and she'll be the one to carry purse and doll offstage. It's the one moment that we can tell our friends to watch for and know it's her!
Because you know those Oompa Loompas...they all look alike. (She's directly behind the two seated girls. I notice this crew doesn't look as enthused as they should, but these photos were taken at dress rehearsal, and probably the director is talking to them or the tech folks while they "freeze.")
On the other hand, our friends will have no trouble picking out B12. He sings the opening lines of the first number: "I can't stop eating sweets, all those wonderful Willy Wonka treats; you can keep the others, but me, I'm a Wonkerer!"
He's a School Kid named James, and he is a friend of Charlie Bucket, the main character, in the middle. The girl on the left is Matilda, another school friend of Charlie's.
James, Matilda and Charlie help the Candy Man sing "The Candy Man." Can you guess why these friends are named James and Matilda?
Anyone? Anyone?
My parent commitment this time was acting as a docent, visiting schools who were bringing classes to see the show. I asked each group lots of questions about the characters, but this question, about these two characters, stumped every class. They're not in the movie, for one thing. But then I would ask if the kids had read any other books by Roald Dahl, the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Eventually some child would come up with "Matilda" and another with "James and the Giant Peach"--and there you have the answer!
After three nights of dress rehearsals, two school day shows and three public performances of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, we are all a little Oompy-Loompy.
Ah, and here's our favorite little Oompa Loompa now!
That's her, directly underneath the Woody doll that Willy Wonka is holding. Woody is the miniature version of Mike Teavee, of course. That's a TV screen behind them.
And there's her reaction (click to enlarge) after Wonka suggests they put Mike into the taffy-pulling machine to stretch him back to normal size. In just a moment, she will take Mrs. Teavee's purse, they will drop Mike into it and she'll be the one to carry purse and doll offstage. It's the one moment that we can tell our friends to watch for and know it's her!
Because you know those Oompa Loompas...they all look alike. (She's directly behind the two seated girls. I notice this crew doesn't look as enthused as they should, but these photos were taken at dress rehearsal, and probably the director is talking to them or the tech folks while they "freeze.")
On the other hand, our friends will have no trouble picking out B12. He sings the opening lines of the first number: "I can't stop eating sweets, all those wonderful Willy Wonka treats; you can keep the others, but me, I'm a Wonkerer!"
He's a School Kid named James, and he is a friend of Charlie Bucket, the main character, in the middle. The girl on the left is Matilda, another school friend of Charlie's.
James, Matilda and Charlie help the Candy Man sing "The Candy Man." Can you guess why these friends are named James and Matilda?
Anyone? Anyone?
My parent commitment this time was acting as a docent, visiting schools who were bringing classes to see the show. I asked each group lots of questions about the characters, but this question, about these two characters, stumped every class. They're not in the movie, for one thing. But then I would ask if the kids had read any other books by Roald Dahl, the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Eventually some child would come up with "Matilda" and another with "James and the Giant Peach"--and there you have the answer!
Everyone loves a good ending pose.
Papa Rooster tried out a new wide-angle lens (click to enlarge).
What a brightly colored spectacle!
Monday, December 06, 2010
Wonka Land
For the last nine months, we've had an unusual break from theater, for our family. Last spring, the show was Snow White, and only Bantam11 was interested in auditioning. Show weekend was the same weekend as B19's high school graduation, so it was an easy call to skip that one.
Then this fall, the show was Schoolhouse Rock, and Bantam11 (and his older siblings) had already been in it before, plus he wanted to play soccer. Chicklet was turning 8, and finally old enough to audition, so she really wanted to do it, but we were also starting a new school year, with a new curriculum and outside accountability to a virtual school, plus piano lessons, so it seemed prudent to get those off the ground before we added another commitment to her life.
So here we are, at the winter show, and both C8 and B11 auditioned Friday night. Chicklet was really hoping for an Oompa Loompa...and she got her wish! What a fun role for her very first show. Bantam11 was called back for a boys' lead and was very pleased to be cast as of James, a school friend of Charlie Bucket's who has a few lines and who sings "The Candy Man" and "Think Positive" with Charlie.
Bantam15 got involved a little bit this weekend by running sound at auditions, and now he's saying he'd like to do tech or backstage crew for this show. So maybe we'll have three kids participating again; one of the reasons we were attracted to this program in the beginning was the potential for many of our kids to be involved in the same activity, so I'm excited. He definitely plans to audition for the spring show--Robin Hood!
So maybe we'll have three involved in that show as well--although there are few parts for little girls in it, which makes me nervous for Chicklet8. The good and bad news for Kenosha County is that we've grown!--yay!--which means over 100 kids auditioned for Willy Wonka; but that means that for the first time, some kids had to be cut from being in the show.
Tomorrow night, I'm subbing for a drama teacher, and six kids from that class were cut. Pray with me that we can have a discussion about it that will be both healing and encouraging.
So today we are rejoicing with those who rejoice--and weeping with those who weep.
Then this fall, the show was Schoolhouse Rock, and Bantam11 (and his older siblings) had already been in it before, plus he wanted to play soccer. Chicklet was turning 8, and finally old enough to audition, so she really wanted to do it, but we were also starting a new school year, with a new curriculum and outside accountability to a virtual school, plus piano lessons, so it seemed prudent to get those off the ground before we added another commitment to her life.
So here we are, at the winter show, and both C8 and B11 auditioned Friday night. Chicklet was really hoping for an Oompa Loompa...and she got her wish! What a fun role for her very first show. Bantam11 was called back for a boys' lead and was very pleased to be cast as of James, a school friend of Charlie Bucket's who has a few lines and who sings "The Candy Man" and "Think Positive" with Charlie.
Bantam15 got involved a little bit this weekend by running sound at auditions, and now he's saying he'd like to do tech or backstage crew for this show. So maybe we'll have three kids participating again; one of the reasons we were attracted to this program in the beginning was the potential for many of our kids to be involved in the same activity, so I'm excited. He definitely plans to audition for the spring show--Robin Hood!
So maybe we'll have three involved in that show as well--although there are few parts for little girls in it, which makes me nervous for Chicklet8. The good and bad news for Kenosha County is that we've grown!--yay!--which means over 100 kids auditioned for Willy Wonka; but that means that for the first time, some kids had to be cut from being in the show.
Tomorrow night, I'm subbing for a drama teacher, and six kids from that class were cut. Pray with me that we can have a discussion about it that will be both healing and encouraging.
So today we are rejoicing with those who rejoice--and weeping with those who weep.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
(1 Corinthians 10:31, the "show verse")
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Unemployed
Tuesday night was the final Showcase performance that wound up our spring session of classes for our new theater group here in Kenosha! I was so proud of my teachers and of the kids. Each class performed so well; every number was entertaining and impressive. I emceed the evening, and made the announcement to our families that I would not be coming back in the fall.
Afterward, we had a fundraiser/social event at Culver's (a Wisconsin restaurant chain), and many people thanked me for my service and especially for bringing this children's theater organization to Kensoha. They are so delighted that there is something like this for their kids, and they are enjoying the community aspect themselves. One teenage girl who is graduating told me how God had used the experience to bring about much growth in her life. It reinforced to me, once again, what a ministry this program is, and how all my time--and the occasion hassle--has been worth it.
Yesterday, I went out to the home office for my final Area Coordinator's meeting, over an hour away--I've had these meetings every other Wednesday all year long, and though I've always enjoyed them while I was there, I will be glad to have the time back. It was bittersweet to say goodbye to some of the other AC's and the office staff that I will rarely, if ever, see again. But it also felt good to turn in my supplies and manuals, and let go of the responsibilities I've carried all year. I feel God's approval--His "well done, good and faithful servant"--for all I have done this past year. But now I know He is asking me to shift my priorities and pick up a different weight, the education of my younger three kids, and invest myself in homeschooling them, just as I invested in my oldest three when they were younger.
From a homeschooling standpoint, this past year hasn't been great, and not just because of the part-time job. It was also the transition to a private school, and the driving that comes with no school buses (about 1.25 hours/day), plus all the homework that clogs up our evenings. (When they all were homeschooled, we could count on evenings free.) Primarily I had to let things go for Chicklet and Bantam5. Bantam11 was able to get through a lot of material on his own, though I would have liked to spend more time with him. But it actually wasn't a bad year to have invested in the theater group. Chicklet spent the first half of the year in public school, in first grade, and B5 technically isn't even in kindergarten yet, though he's ready for first grade work next year. With no job, and hopefully a teenage driver or two by then, I look forward to spending lots more time on education next year! Having more or less taken this year off from homeschooling may have been a good change for me, as I already feel a renewed interest and enthusiasm.
Today is the last day of school for B15 and Blondechick17, and B19 only has four more days. But we can't relax into summer yet: We have grandparents coming to stay, and a graduation party for B19 to host, so we have to clean house...and I mean all the nooks and crannies we've been overlooking for months! Sometimes we need a reason.
So I'm happily enjoying my unemployment today, in this present moment...thankful for what is past, and looking forward to what is to come!
Afterward, we had a fundraiser/social event at Culver's (a Wisconsin restaurant chain), and many people thanked me for my service and especially for bringing this children's theater organization to Kensoha. They are so delighted that there is something like this for their kids, and they are enjoying the community aspect themselves. One teenage girl who is graduating told me how God had used the experience to bring about much growth in her life. It reinforced to me, once again, what a ministry this program is, and how all my time--and the occasion hassle--has been worth it.
Yesterday, I went out to the home office for my final Area Coordinator's meeting, over an hour away--I've had these meetings every other Wednesday all year long, and though I've always enjoyed them while I was there, I will be glad to have the time back. It was bittersweet to say goodbye to some of the other AC's and the office staff that I will rarely, if ever, see again. But it also felt good to turn in my supplies and manuals, and let go of the responsibilities I've carried all year. I feel God's approval--His "well done, good and faithful servant"--for all I have done this past year. But now I know He is asking me to shift my priorities and pick up a different weight, the education of my younger three kids, and invest myself in homeschooling them, just as I invested in my oldest three when they were younger.
From a homeschooling standpoint, this past year hasn't been great, and not just because of the part-time job. It was also the transition to a private school, and the driving that comes with no school buses (about 1.25 hours/day), plus all the homework that clogs up our evenings. (When they all were homeschooled, we could count on evenings free.) Primarily I had to let things go for Chicklet and Bantam5. Bantam11 was able to get through a lot of material on his own, though I would have liked to spend more time with him. But it actually wasn't a bad year to have invested in the theater group. Chicklet spent the first half of the year in public school, in first grade, and B5 technically isn't even in kindergarten yet, though he's ready for first grade work next year. With no job, and hopefully a teenage driver or two by then, I look forward to spending lots more time on education next year! Having more or less taken this year off from homeschooling may have been a good change for me, as I already feel a renewed interest and enthusiasm.
Today is the last day of school for B15 and Blondechick17, and B19 only has four more days. But we can't relax into summer yet: We have grandparents coming to stay, and a graduation party for B19 to host, so we have to clean house...and I mean all the nooks and crannies we've been overlooking for months! Sometimes we need a reason.
So I'm happily enjoying my unemployment today, in this present moment...thankful for what is past, and looking forward to what is to come!
Monday, February 22, 2010
A Week in the Life
I keep feeling guilty that I'm not blogging more. Okay, guilty is the wrong word--I'm feeling SAD because I MISS blogging. So many unrecorded stories and thoughts! But I guess my blog will reflect that I was truly in a season when I had far less control over my schedule than I enjoyed for years previously.
I wish I could say that last week was an unusual week, but with the exception of Saturday, it was pretty typical.
Last Monday:
day--homeschooled, cooked and cleaned, two trips to school and one trip to the orthodontist (result: B11 can get started with braces any day--and B14 gets his off tomorrow!)
night--had a newer family from church over for dinner
Tuesday:
day--one trip to school, homeschooled, prepared for theater classes, caught up on emails
night--theater classes, stopped at Mr. and Mrs. A's (the couple who started our church) for a little "Fat Tuesday" celebration, stayed up late with B14 doing homework
Wednesday:
day--meetings at the home office of our theater group, over an hour from home (5 hrs total); two trips to school and one to tap, jazz and guitar lessons (all at same time, fortunately!)
night--quick dinner and on to the Ash Wednesday service
Thursday:
day--homeschool, laundry and too many necessary phone calls. Ran to Walmart during B11's cornet lesson; two trips to school, including stops at library, Target and Sally's Beauty Supply (black hairspray for Mulan).
night--stayed up late with B14 completing science project, research paper introduction, Bible project, and history project--most not due till later, but our only block of time to work on them!
Friday:
day--Papa Rooster drove kids to school and met me at B19's school for an IEP meeting with his team--we met for 2+ hours to talk about transitions ahead (great meeting). Back at home, on computer for an hour completing open enrollment registration process to keep virtual school options open for Chicklet7 and B11 for next year. Trip to Aldi during B11's piano lesson, pick up BC and B14 at school.
night--5 to 9--Mulan rehearsal for B14 and B11. I brought Chicklet along and experimented with makeup designs to show the directors (lookin' good!).
Saturday:
day: woke up with a headache that got worse as I drove boys to 9 a.m. Mulan rehearsal. Decided not to stay but to go to Panera and see if coffee would help, in case of a migraine. Stopped at Walmart on way to check my blood pressure, which had been high on Thursday, and it was higher. Coffee didn't help and headache got worse; I felt nauseous and unbalanced and couldn't keep eyes open. Didn't think I could drive myself home; called Papa Rooster to come and get me. We decided with my blood pressure up, we should go to Urgent Care instead. UC sent me to ER. CT scan of my head was normal, blood work was normal, blood pressure came down after they knocked out my headache with an IV cocktail, which put me to sleep for several hours. Need to follow up with doctor regarding my blood pressure (After extensive testing over the past six months for various other medical concerns, one more thing! At least I now know that all my major organs seem to be in good shape.)
night: through the narcotic haze, I somehow managed to help B14 write outline for his research paper we've been working on together for weeks, on the Harry Potter controversy. (Had to check it again on Sunday to make sure it made sense, but he's good to go.)
Sunday:
day--woke up feeling better, but still with a residual headache. Went early to church for rehearsal; sang with Blondechick on worship team. Lunch at friends' home, helped B14 finish one more homework project before driving him to an activity and running a couple of quickie errands. Home for a movie with friends--it was good to relax and watch a really redeeming, sacramental story: Henry Poole is Here. (Check it out if you haven't seen it!)
This week IS an unusual week:
--Mulan dress rehearsals Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
--Mulan school day shows: 2 Thursday morning, 2 Friday morning
--Mulan public performances: Friday night, Saturday night, Saturday afternoon, Sunday afternoon
I'll be there every time, doing makeup...and then, maybe I'll get a week off!
Pray for my health, if the Lord leads you. I am making changes--doing less with the theater group next session and probably next year as well. And in late April, Blondechick will hopefully get her license--Woo-hoo! That will return HOURS to my week.
I wish I could say that last week was an unusual week, but with the exception of Saturday, it was pretty typical.
Last Monday:
day--homeschooled, cooked and cleaned, two trips to school and one trip to the orthodontist (result: B11 can get started with braces any day--and B14 gets his off tomorrow!)
night--had a newer family from church over for dinner
Tuesday:
day--one trip to school, homeschooled, prepared for theater classes, caught up on emails
night--theater classes, stopped at Mr. and Mrs. A's (the couple who started our church) for a little "Fat Tuesday" celebration, stayed up late with B14 doing homework
Wednesday:
day--meetings at the home office of our theater group, over an hour from home (5 hrs total); two trips to school and one to tap, jazz and guitar lessons (all at same time, fortunately!)
night--quick dinner and on to the Ash Wednesday service
Thursday:
day--homeschool, laundry and too many necessary phone calls. Ran to Walmart during B11's cornet lesson; two trips to school, including stops at library, Target and Sally's Beauty Supply (black hairspray for Mulan).
night--stayed up late with B14 completing science project, research paper introduction, Bible project, and history project--most not due till later, but our only block of time to work on them!
Friday:
day--Papa Rooster drove kids to school and met me at B19's school for an IEP meeting with his team--we met for 2+ hours to talk about transitions ahead (great meeting). Back at home, on computer for an hour completing open enrollment registration process to keep virtual school options open for Chicklet7 and B11 for next year. Trip to Aldi during B11's piano lesson, pick up BC and B14 at school.
night--5 to 9--Mulan rehearsal for B14 and B11. I brought Chicklet along and experimented with makeup designs to show the directors (lookin' good!).
Saturday:
day: woke up with a headache that got worse as I drove boys to 9 a.m. Mulan rehearsal. Decided not to stay but to go to Panera and see if coffee would help, in case of a migraine. Stopped at Walmart on way to check my blood pressure, which had been high on Thursday, and it was higher. Coffee didn't help and headache got worse; I felt nauseous and unbalanced and couldn't keep eyes open. Didn't think I could drive myself home; called Papa Rooster to come and get me. We decided with my blood pressure up, we should go to Urgent Care instead. UC sent me to ER. CT scan of my head was normal, blood work was normal, blood pressure came down after they knocked out my headache with an IV cocktail, which put me to sleep for several hours. Need to follow up with doctor regarding my blood pressure (After extensive testing over the past six months for various other medical concerns, one more thing! At least I now know that all my major organs seem to be in good shape.)
night: through the narcotic haze, I somehow managed to help B14 write outline for his research paper we've been working on together for weeks, on the Harry Potter controversy. (Had to check it again on Sunday to make sure it made sense, but he's good to go.)
Sunday:
day--woke up feeling better, but still with a residual headache. Went early to church for rehearsal; sang with Blondechick on worship team. Lunch at friends' home, helped B14 finish one more homework project before driving him to an activity and running a couple of quickie errands. Home for a movie with friends--it was good to relax and watch a really redeeming, sacramental story: Henry Poole is Here. (Check it out if you haven't seen it!)
This week IS an unusual week:
--Mulan dress rehearsals Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
--Mulan school day shows: 2 Thursday morning, 2 Friday morning
--Mulan public performances: Friday night, Saturday night, Saturday afternoon, Sunday afternoon
I'll be there every time, doing makeup...and then, maybe I'll get a week off!
Pray for my health, if the Lord leads you. I am making changes--doing less with the theater group next session and probably next year as well. And in late April, Blondechick will hopefully get her license--Woo-hoo! That will return HOURS to my week.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Ancient China, Here We Come!
So I forgot to pick up this thread until now, but in our upcoming production of Disney's Mulan, the Bantams both have fun roles!
B10 is Chi Fu.
If that visage rings no bells for you: He's the Emperor's consul, who alternates between being comic relief and the brunt of other soldier's jokes, and the bad guy who threatens the hero (Shang) with removal from his position as Captain of the regiment. He's exactly the sort of humorously evil character that B10 enjoys becoming!
B14 is Fa Zhou.
He's Mulan's gentle father, crippled from a previous war. When he is called into service again, to fight the invading Huns, Mulan goes in his place (sneaking away at night, without his permission; cutting her hair and pretending to be his son).
He also plays the Emperor of China.
In the exciting climax, there is an assassination attempt on his life! (Then, unbeknownst to the audience, there will be another exciting moment backstage as he'll have to quick-change back into his other role as Fa Zhou, for Mulan's return to her village.)
I just found out I'm chairing the makeup committee, and I'm full of questions. Are we dying hair, or just using spray-on color? Are we copying the hairstyles and facial hair from the movie, or not? What's the vision for the Ancestors, who are supposed to be statues? What do the costumes look like? Like I don't have enough to do already...but planning makeup and hair is such a fun, creative outlet for me!
Blondechick17 didn't audition for this one; instead, she's doing show choir at her school. (Although she almost changed her mind at the last minute!) It's hard when kids get to high school and have so many opportunities--and there just isn't time for them to do everything they would like to. She says she needs a break from theater, and B14 is planning to take one too, after this show. I'm just glad they've been able to help get this new chapter going--it's been so rewarding to be part of it and see God at work, growing and shaping it.
B10 is Chi Fu.
If that visage rings no bells for you: He's the Emperor's consul, who alternates between being comic relief and the brunt of other soldier's jokes, and the bad guy who threatens the hero (Shang) with removal from his position as Captain of the regiment. He's exactly the sort of humorously evil character that B10 enjoys becoming!
B14 is Fa Zhou.
He's Mulan's gentle father, crippled from a previous war. When he is called into service again, to fight the invading Huns, Mulan goes in his place (sneaking away at night, without his permission; cutting her hair and pretending to be his son).
He also plays the Emperor of China.
In the exciting climax, there is an assassination attempt on his life! (Then, unbeknownst to the audience, there will be another exciting moment backstage as he'll have to quick-change back into his other role as Fa Zhou, for Mulan's return to her village.)
I just found out I'm chairing the makeup committee, and I'm full of questions. Are we dying hair, or just using spray-on color? Are we copying the hairstyles and facial hair from the movie, or not? What's the vision for the Ancestors, who are supposed to be statues? What do the costumes look like? Like I don't have enough to do already...but planning makeup and hair is such a fun, creative outlet for me!
Blondechick17 didn't audition for this one; instead, she's doing show choir at her school. (Although she almost changed her mind at the last minute!) It's hard when kids get to high school and have so many opportunities--and there just isn't time for them to do everything they would like to. She says she needs a break from theater, and B14 is planning to take one too, after this show. I'm just glad they've been able to help get this new chapter going--it's been so rewarding to be part of it and see God at work, growing and shaping it.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Jojo, Son of the Whoville Mayor
We're Who's here, We are Whos here,Smaller than the eye can see...
I'm the mayor of Who. Why, I've just been elected.And upright behavior is thus forth expected.
We just had a talk with your teachers today
And they didn't have one single good thing to say!
You invented new Thinks which defy all description!
You gave Miss O'Dooley a nervous conniption!
Your Thinks were so wild they disrupted your classes
And made Mrs. Mackel-Who drop her new glasses!
...We don't mean to scold you. We love you, oh yes, dear.
But couldn't you try thinking just a bit less, dear?
...Now take your bath and go to bed.
And think some normal Thinks instead!
This might be a pool like I've read of in books,Connected to one of those underground brooks
An underground river that starts here and flows
Right under this bathtub and then--who knows?
It's possible! Anything's possible!
Alone in the universe...Dear Mom and Dad,
I'm thinking of you,
And wishing we all were in Solla Sollew.
Follow your hunch, follow it,Follow your hunch, follow it,
Follow your hunch, follow it...HOME!
Anything's possible!!
***
JoJo, think of something!!
Now just for a moment, young JoJo looked grim,
The fate of the Whos rested squarely on him!
But then came a Think, a peculiar new word.
The kind of a word no one ever had heard!
YOPP!!!!
Horton: Do you hear what I hear? Do you see what I mean?They made themselves heard though they still can't be seen!
...Their troubles were ended,
They hailed his great YOPP!
And JoJo was honored
As "Thinker Non-Stop!"
(all text from Seussical, the Musical)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
