The Making of a Musical: One week until CURTAIN!!

Time has slipped away and it is already a week to opening for Singin' in the Rain!  Here's what's been happening!!


The students have been working their little tails off.  First off, they filmed movies for the silent and talking pictures.  This was quite an undertaking in and of itself.  The filming was done at the Troy Hayner Cultural Center and Normandy Methodist Church in Centerville.  The films were both "period" films so our students got to dress up in some pretty awesome costumes and slip on some pretty wild wigs to fit the time period.  The students staged the scenes to be filmed and rehearsed them prior to going to the destinations to film.  The filming went far smoother than I think anyone anticipated.  The directors, filmographer, director of films, and the students worked so well together and I'd wager to say each of them will agree it was a wonderful experience.  We recently got to view the finished products--the hard work PAID OFF!  I think the audiences will thoroughly enjoy their addition in the show!

Next, the understudies had their chance to shine.  I, unfortunately, was unable to attend this performance.  However, I have heard nothing but positive things.  Each year the understudies, who do all the same work as the principle characters (often in addition to learning their actual part for the show), step up to the plate and have the first swing at introducing their families to the show they have worked so hard on along with their cast mates.  It is a risk to spend the time needed to get them to a point where they can perform as a group for their parents and families, but it gets everyone pumped and in the mindset that the "real deal" is right around the corner.  It really lights a fire of motivation and you can just sense the increased energy in the cast from this point forward.

The most recent big happening, is the integration of sets.  The building crew has done so much work this year and their efforts have yielded some great pieces, including a grand staircase that spans the width of the stage.  These guys volunteer so much of their time and energy into these sets--I certainly hope they know how much they add to each and every production.  They are the best and it would seem there is no problem they can't solve.  We are so fortunate to have them.

Last night, the orchestra and cast combined their creative efforts for the first time as they sang through the show.  I didn't hear all of it, but what I did hear has me excited for more.  The orchestra has progressively, over the past couple of years, become an element of the show that has added so much depth and color to the overall production.  An orchestra can single handedly make or break a show.  You notice when an orchestra is off because it negatively impacts the entire tone of the show.  An okay orchestra can go unnoticed, which isn't a bad thing.  An "okay" orchestra does what it needs to do--accompany the show.  A good orchestra adds excitement and energy, and you notice their presence as much as you notices the actors on stage.  I think this year's orchestra will fall under the latter category.  We have some excellent musicians this year and I am confident in their ability to take the production to the next level.

I also saw some busy bees (volunteer mothers) swarming around making sure everyone has perfect costumes for the show.  Costuming is a huge chore.  Not just anyone can do costuming.  You have to have an eye for it.  Costume design requires being able to see the big picture before it even happens and putting together colors and textures that look right together and pop on stage.  The costume moms take the vision the director gives them and they run with it.  They knock it out of the park every year.  They, like the set crew, are an asset to the production.

The other elements starting to come into play now that we're a week out are lighting design, scene transitions, and stage crew assignments.  The lighting, I haven't seen yet, but Jacob spends so much time studying the script and choosing lighting design that you can rest assured that whatever he has in store will be perfect.  You don't realize how much lighting design changes the big picture until you see the show without it.  It just makes me appreciate Jacob's talent and the capabilities of our facility even more.  The stage crew assembled last night to discuss their role and tonight they will focus specifically on their biggest most important task: making the show run smoothly.  Our stage manager, Angie, and her awesome crew of volunteer parents and students create a seamlessly running show year after year.  That is no small task.

I think that about covers it for now.  My next post will be after the show opens!  If you haven't gotten tickets yet--DO IT NOW!!!!  You don't want to miss this show.  Singin' in the Rain is: hilariously funny, lively, loaded with fast-paced dance numbers, bursting with bright colors, and boasts some bold and outlandish characters--oh, and of course, a forecast that says 100% chance of RAIN.  Come see it!

Enjoy the pictures!

"Kathy" busting out of her cake!

Set crew hard at work...

Students in action!

Our AMAZING cast!!!

The 2015 Poster

CALL ^^^ for Tickets!!!!

The Makin' of a Musical 2015--Gettin' Started!

It's that time of year again!!!  The VHS musical theater department is in full gear getting ready for the 2015 student musical.  Last year was such a wonderful experience for both the students and the production team.  Choosing a show this year was difficult.  It seemed as if anything we chose would be a letdown after Peter Pan.  How do you top flying?!?  We did a lot of debate on the matter.  We wanted something timeless, exciting for the students, and still technically challenging.  There are an seemingly endless number of musicals to choose from.  But, here was the winner for 2015:

2015 Musical Announcement

It was exciting presenting this to the student body.  We had actually taken a poll a few months prior asking the kids and other community members what they'd like to see us do in the future.  Singin' in the Rain was a very popular response.  We felt it was a perfect fit for our students this year.  Not only that, it was something they wanted to do.  We wanted them to be motivated for this year's show, so choosing something they were passionate about was important to us.  Also, we have new technical elements to conquer--creating films and making it RAIN!!  

We have been in rehearsals now for almost 2 months.  In December, our primary choreographer was in town and we did a large portion of the dances before Christmas vacation.  Once school resumed in January, we began blocking.  The kids are doing such a great job already.  I have no doubt this show is going to be absolutely wonderful.  

This year we have added a new assistant director, Ken, who comes with loads of experience and a vocal coach.  Vocal guidance is one area we've been lacking in the past few years.  Despite the absence of a good coach, the students have still done well.  However, the difference our new coach, David, has made is significant even at this early point in rehearsal.  He's taking them to a new level and not only are we thrilled but the students are LOVING him too.  Win-win!

Well, this marks the end of the first installment of this year's Making of a Musical series.  Check back for production updates the next few months and make plans to come see Singin' in the Rain this April 9, 10, & 11!!!

Here's some pics of our time together so far!  Enjoy!

Rosie teaching the audition dance sequence

Little Sophia ready to take the stage!

A small number of characters are getting staging and choreography taught by Lula Elzy, a choreographer and dancer from New Orleans!

We are sooooo excited for this show!!  

These two have grown-up in this theater!  My little side-kicks.

Ahhh, one of David's wonderful teaching methods ;)

And in case you want to see it live!!

Singing bums...

A good portion of our wonderful cast of students!

Very Merry Christmas 2014

My favorite time of the year has again come and gone.  I anticipate the Christmas season months before it begins.  This year, I began my preparations (from a shopping perspective) in August.  I have so much fun browsing websites and stores looking for gifts for my kids and family--I assemble my list early and then strike while the iron's hot (usually Thanksgiving weekend and in the weeks prior to Christmas) for the best deals.  I think I did pretty well this year.

In addition to shopping, I love love LOVE decorating my house.  As soon as I see the first signs of Christmas in stores, I justify Christmas-ing my own home.  This year we bought our new tree at Menards on the 1st of November and put it up that night.  The following evening we decorated it.  It was extra special this year because we're in our new home.  Our first Christmas here had some pretty big expectations to meet (at least from me).  The kids had a great time opening up the boxes full of their ornaments and finding the perfect places for them on the tree.  We only had one casualty the whole time.  It was Maggie's Minnie Mouse ornament she received as a gift last year.  It was my fault for letting her hold it, but her persistence nearly drove me to insanity, so I gave it to her.  She then attempted to "set" it in the tree--gravity did it's thing, and now Minnie is no more :(

We also put out a Christmas choo-choo decoration in the yard the kids picked out.

I think Maggie's little face says it all!

The remaining days in November and the rest of December were pretty busy.  We did find time for family, fun, and celebration.  I took a trip to Florida (to be highlighted in a separate post), we had school Christmas parties, cookie decorating, and visits to Santa.  

My little cookie-making helpers!

 Naughty or Nice?!?

 Lucy even sat on Santa's lap!

Of course as the days leading up to Christmas grew fewer and fewer, all of our excitement grew.  Christmas Eve was spent at our house with our families here to help decorate cookies and eat pizza.  The kids opened up their Christmas Eve presents (pajamas), we put out cookies and juice for Santa, wrote Santa his letter, threw some reindeer food on the lawn, and then went to bed.  

Santa, as always, found our new house--a detail that greatly concerned Max.  He was good to the kids, again, as always.  We had a wonderful day of exploring new treasures, celebrating the birth of Jesus, visiting families, and just being together.  

I'll end with a string of pictures of our Christmas '14 festivities.  It is safe to say that our first Christmas in our new house did, in fact, live up to the expectations of all!

Christmas Pajamas!!

Santa's Bounty

Merry Christmas, Max!

Merry Christmas, Maggie!

Merry Christmas, Lucy!

Queen Elsa in the house!

Cousins

Cousins

Future Cousins

Christmas at Nana's

Annual picture on the stairs at Nana's!

We are running out of room!!

Merry Christmas from our family!

For David

My story begins in the summer of 2000.  I was 16 years old and just getting ready to start my sophomore year of high school.  I played trumpet in band and it just so happened that a band director of mine thought I needed a new outlet beyond what was being offered to me through my school.  He suggested I audition for an organization known as The Muse Machine in Dayton.  They had a summer production coming up and he knew the director well.  He pulled some strings on my behalf and the next thing I knew, I had an audition.

For those who may not know me well, it is important to know that in my early years as a young musician--I was plagued with a serious amount of anxiety (performance anxiety, to be more specific).  It was really a curse because I wanted nothing more than to be a musician and to play music.  Performing was my life's passion at that point but the anxiety I dealt with was a huge stumbling block for me.  Knowing my apprehension, my director at the time, assured me that I was going to be just fine.  There was no reason for me to be scared or nervous.  In his words, "Dave was a great guy and I would love him."

This post is dedicated to that man...to "Dave."

Prior to my audition, I spoke briefly on the phone with David about the audition.  He simply asked that I prepare a few solos to play.  Yikes, a few solos?!?  Um, my repertoire consisted of just ONE.  It was the solo I'd played my freshman year for solo and ensemble, and the one I'd used to audition for several honors bands.  So much for subduing the anxiety.  He did seem nice enough, though, on the phone.  I explained that I didn't have a lot of material in my musical library because I had never done anything like this before.  He told me not to worry--one solo should do just fine.

Fast forward to audition day.  I had practiced like mad the days leading up to the audition.  My mom drove me that day.  We arrived in downtown Dayton and I was so nervous I was making myself nearly sick.  We got to the place of the auditions.  As David had instructed, I rang the bell that connected me to the Muse Machine's 4th floor office.  A man, I assumed to be David, answered and I told him who I was.  He seemed pleased at my prompt arrival and buzzed me in.  My last chance to flee had escaped me before I knew it, and then there I was, standing in the elevators on my way up to the 4th floor.  My mom and I walked out of the elevator and within seconds a man turned the corner and met us there.

A great fear immediately struck--his man scared the crap out of me (sorry, just being real here).  He was very tall, broad shouldered, and he had long blond hair that was pulled back into a low set pony tail--I would have felt imminent doom had I met him in a dark ally.  If I hadn't been 16 at the time, I would have hid behind my mom.  But then he spoke welcoming words to me and held out his hand to shake mine.  His tone was gentle and kind and his handshake friendly.  He introduced himself to me and my mom and thanked us for coming down--I responded with "thanks for meeting with me, Mr. Dusing."  I promptly learned that he did not, had never, and would never want to be called "Mr."  So, from the start, it seemed we'd be on a first name basis.

David took me to the office and I opened trumpet case, pulled out my music, and played.  It went as well as it could have gone, I suppose.  He told me he loved my playing--that for someone so young, it was so lyrical and songlike.  He said he wanted to give me a try and handed me a folder of music and a schedule--thus my journey with the Muse Machine, and with David Dusing began.

That first show is one I'll always cherish and hold dear to my heart because it was the one that made me fall in love with Muse Machine.  I had no idea what I had gotten myself into when I auditioned that hot summer day.  But what awaited me was an experience unlike any I had ever known or have had since. I was mesmerized by the talent surrounding me.  The other musicians, the singers, the dancers.  What was this Muse Machine and how did I get so lucky to be involved?  Through the course of the first production, I learned something else, and that is that David Dusing was a ridiculously talented musical arranger.  I had no idea that the music we'd be playing was pretty much all arranged just for us by him.  I remember the first rehearsal in which the orchestra and cast came together to combine what we'd each been learning and rehearsing separately.  The orchestra started playing, and then from behind me, came the most gorgeous assembly of voices.  The sound was full and rich and the harmonies were just so perfectly meshed and tight.  I stopped playing because I had to listen.  As I sat there, pretending to play with my trumpet still at my lips, I looked up to David and he was beaming with pride.  It's a look I saw take residence on his face frequently during my time with Muse.  Then song after song, the same beautiful collaboration of orchestral and vocal music filled the rehearsal space.  It is a sound, even now 14 years later I haven't forgotten, and is one I associate solely with Muse Machine and David Dusing because it is one I haven't found anywhere else since.  This man, he knew how to make us sound amazing, and I instantly felt so honored and humbled to be able to perform under his direction and leadership.

I continued to perform with Muse Machine for 10 years.  I loved every second of it.  Muse Machine changed my life in many ways--but one of the best things it brought to my life was David.  I became very close to David over the course of 10 years.  He saw me grow through high school and college and supported me, albeit reluctantly, when I decided to get married young and start a family.  We shared many long conversations about life, music, and whatever else came up via email or face to face when circumstances allowed it.  Somewhere over the course of time, David became family.

I could share so much in this blog about my experiences with David and the Muse Machine.  But for the sake of time, I'll limit it to a few of my favorite things about David.

One thing about David that I never understood was his confidence in me.  Since we've already established that I had the great misfortune of being ridden with anxiety, it should come as no surprise that I also doubted my ability as a musician.  I set ridiculously high and often unrealistic standards for myself which often set me up for disappointment and failure in my own eyes.  However, for whatever reason, David had faith in me and to prove it it continually gave me more and more responsibility as a member of the orchestra.  I can remember a specific instance in which he had me "pinch hit" last minute for a "revival" of sorts of our 2003 musical Guys and Dolls.  I had actually been in the cast that year and not the orchestra--so I wasn't familiar with the score.  I don't remember the exact circumstances, but DAYS before the show David asked me to play 1st trumpet because the kid who had played it originally couldn't for some reason or other.  Much to my dismay--I have this uncontrollable need to please people I think highly of, and despite the fact that every fiber of my being was screaming ABSOLUTELY NO WAY, the words, I'd love to! came spewing out of my mouth (panic ensued immediately).

I had so little time to prepare, and there was a solo at the very beginning of the score that, for lack of a better way to describe it, sucked big ones.  I hated it and it hated me right back.  Every time we rehearsed it, I butchered it.  I think David sensed my growing apprehension and ever diminishing self-confidence.  But he never once showed frustration towards me for not being able to get it correct or "perfect."  He'd simply give me a little smile and wink, as if to say, "you'll get it."

The night of the show arrived.  I begrudgingly found my way to my seat in the orchestra pit, nestled beneath the stage of the Schuster Center.  I was there far too early, as was always the case.  I thought an early arrival would give me more time to get in last minute practice when I was younger.  Now, looking back, I realize it only gave me more time to psych myself out, and increase my level of stress.  I'd have been much better off to show up at the last minute and not have had time to think so much!  But, I digress.  The house lights dimmed, David took his place at the podium, and the cue was given to begin the overture.  I still can remember so vividly the feeling of my heart beat pounding in my ears because it was beating so hard.  David raised his baton, and before beginning his downbeat, he looked at me with eyes that said, "you can do it."  I guess it was that last bit of encouragement I needed, because for the first time, I did do it.  I played that stupid introduction solo without flaw.  When I had finished it, I was shocked at myself.  I did it!  I looked up at David who was still looking down at me, and got the same wink and smile.  But this time it said, "I told you so!"

David's confidence in me is something I will always cherish.  He believed in me more than anyone.  I'll never understand why, but I am forever grateful.  Not only did his belief in me begin to whittle away at my anxiety issues as a young musician, but it also gave me confidence in myself in general.  The confidence transcended my life as a musician and crossed over and continues to cross over into other areas in my life.  David taught me to believe in me.   I've experienced so much in my life where, without confidence, I'd have failed.  In this respect, I can honestly say that David's impact early on continues to effect my life in pretty much every area whether it be confidence in myself as a mother, believing in my abilities as a nurse, or my continued struggle to believe I'm a talented musician.  But perhaps most importantly, I now consciously make an effort to encourage others to believe in themselves.  This world is full of people telling you what you can't do, there need to be more Davids out there who instill an inner personal faith in others--people who take notice of others struggling, and who can meet them at their level of need and tell them, yes you can!  

Another thing about David that I love was his complete lack of hesitation to show affection to those he cared about.  Once you got to know him, you should expect to be greeted with a great big smooch--smack on the lips!  I guess that's how they do it in New York?  Or maybe it was just another little thing that made David special.  He didn't care about what was the social "norm," he took it upon himself to always show others he loved them, no matter what.  I never doubted that I was special to David.  Even beyond the hello and good-bye smooches, he took time to let me know I was important.  And the amazing thing, is that he made so many others feel just as important--genuinely.  Yet another trait of David's I/we should all try to integrate more into our own lives.

My stories about David could go on.  But for now, they're wrapped-up safely in my heart where I revisit them often, and with immense fondness and gratitude.

It feels like yesterday my sister called me in tears to tell me the sad news of David's tragic passing, when in fact it has now been five months since that day.  I began working on this blog entry shortly after.  It's taken me this long to finally finish it.  David's passing has had a huge impact on me personally.  I think it's because I'd been meaning for MONTHS to call him just to catch up.  But there was always an excuse not to or I'd forget about my intentions when I had the time to actually sit and talk.  In fact, the first thing I felt when Lindsey told me he'd died, was guilt.  I'd wished him a happy birthday 2 months before, but I knew in my heart I needed to reach out to him beyond that.  It's almost as if deep down I knew the day was coming.  I knew he wasn't in great health and I'd watched his condition deteriorate relatively quickly the years leading up to his death.  My lack of action has eaten at me and now as I sit here revisiting this blog to finish it, my heart is saddened and the guilt still exists.  However, I truly believe that David knew how much he meant to me, how much I loved him, and how lucky and blessed I considered myself to be to be among the many young artists that got to work with him.  I believe this partly because I'd told him numerous times, but also because I believe a part of him lives on in me and in each person whose life he impacted just as significantly as he did mine.  I believe that somewhere out there, David is looking down on each of us, his "kids"/family/colleagues/friends or whatever else you want to call us, beaming with pride and joy as we continue on doing whatever it is we're each doing, as if to tell us all one more time, "I believe in you."


I'll close with a few pictures I have of David.

After David's performance with Peter Schickele at BGSU

THIS is the look I have referred to throughout the post.  So glad I have it documented.  Not that I need documentation, it is imprinted quite well in my memory even without the picture--for which I'm grateful.

Following a Peter Pan production in 2008

 If you read this, please share in the comments pictures or your own personal stories about David.  I'd love to hear how he impacted other people's lives and I'm sure others would as well.

The Making of a Musical: Peter Pan Takes Flight!!

"All good things must come to an end."  It's the phrase people throw out when some event of importance or significance comes to a conclusion.  For me personally, I feel a bit of an emotional sting when I hear this phrase--and that is indeed the case as I sit here and write down my reflections about the closing of Peter Pan.  

My mom, sister, brother and I have dreamt about bringing this show to Versailles for so long.  I don't know why we love it so much, but that mutual love was something we wanted to share with our community, and I just can't believe it actually happened.  When mom took over the musical 4 years ago and had a very successful run of The Sound of Music (TSoM), we knew we wanted to continue sharing a love for theater and performance with the students of Versailles.  We had this gorgeous new facility with endless possibilities (at least compared to our old stage--may she rest in peace).  It was literally closing night when talks of what the next year's musical would be (as is usually the case).  Lindsey and I had tossed our ideas around prior to this, but nothing serious started to take form until after TSoM was finished.  I remember it like it was yesterday, though.  My brother, Jacob, and I were sitting at my dad's place talking about how well the community had received TSoM.  We were on a high that night.  There is something so unique and special about a community like Versailles, which is predominantly sports enthused (and for good reason--our sports programs are wonderful), coming together to enjoy and appreciate live theater.  The feedback was just phenomenal and it lit a fire within us to try to produce an equally well-receieved production the next year.  

I asked Jacob, "so what are we going to do next year?"  If you know Jacob, you won't be surprised by his response which was to shrug and grunt.  This means, in case you don't speak Jacobese, "I don't know."  I perked up.  The idea had already been spinning in my mind just waiting for the opportunity to escape my lips.  Then before I could even think another second about it, the thought was out, "What do you think about Peter Pan?"  Again, a grunt.  But this was no ordinary grunt.  It was a grunt of interest and muted excitement.  And thus, the pursuit of Peter Pan began.  

I feel at this point, its important to remind you all that we had already talked dreamingly about being able to do Peter Pan--but I really don't think we ever took it too seriously as the magnitude of a production like Peter Pan is far beyond anything that had been attempted by our small town--it's expensive, technically difficult, and a hard name to live up to.  So in all reality, it was just a dream.  

Jacob and I immediately called Lindsey, who shared 100% in our enthusiasm.  Look out world, 3 Brown kids with an idea!  Wait, I should reiterate.  3 stubborn Brown kids who don't take no for an answer and who, for maybe the second time in our lives, agree on an idea!!  Next to pitch it to our mom.  I will be honest, she didn't immediately share in our excitement--in fact, she kinda bursted our Peter Pan bubble a little bit.  Or course she'd love to be able to do a production like Peter Pan.  But she'd been through one production of Peter Pan in Dayton, and she knew the challenges that would face us if we tried to do it.  She was the voice of reason amongst us.  Plus, she'd just finished TSoM, and she was exhausted from that.  However, we weren't finished pressing this issue.  In our minds, it needed to happen.  After a few weeks recovery from her first turn at directing, we convinced Mom to at least apply for the rights to Pan.  Shortly after our application was in, our planning and momentum came to a screeching halt.  Our request had been denied.  Talk about knocking the wind out of your sails.  No one was being granted the rights to Peter Pan because Cathy Rigby was touring the country.  In fact, they told us not to even ask again until 2014.  

If you've followed the theater program at all the past few years, you know that we moved on.  The next two shows were Grease and Thoroughly Modern Millie.  Both of which were wonderful.  In fact their success further deepened our desire to do Pan.  We continued to talk about it as we patiently waited for the opportunity to apply again.  So, it was maybe a week after Millie when Mom agreed to put in for the rights again.  This time, our expectations were lower.  But, we were cautiously optimistic.  The Rigby tour was over--so the biggest obstacle was now out of the way.  It was maybe a week or two later when I got the text from Mom, " We got it!"  I needed no further explanation!  Finally, the dream was ready to become a reality.

It's been about a year now since we marched into the school one weekday afternoon to announce the musical to the kids.  None of us could hardly contain our excitement.  It was the moment we had been waiting for--we could finally share our joy with the community and get the ball rolling.  If you didn't see it in my previous post: here's the video.  

2014 Musical Announcement

So that's the story of how Pan came to be.  If you've followed the blog, you've read about the progression since auditions.  So now I will focus on the last days of rehearsal and the production weekend itself.  

The last two weeks were mayhem.  It was the point where we married together the actors, the flying, the orchestra, the lighting, the sets, and the sound.  I went to watch a rehearsal about a week and a half out and I tell you honestly, I was nervous.  I was seeing where people's warnings about the difficulty of doing Peter Pan were legitimate.  It seemed a week before opening wasn't enough time to bring things together the way we'd hope they'd be.  I tried to assure myself that people would love it regardless of whether it met our expectations and that just the mere fact that kids were flying around stage would be exciting.  I am a little ashamed of my doubt now.  And if you saw the finished product you know why.

Here are a few of the final moments of rehearsal before the curtain rose for the first audience.

The Orchestra and cast meet for the first time!!  

A fun fact about this show is that we utilized several musicians from Greenville High School.  It was a wonderful decision.  They added so much depth to the sound and for them, it was a unique opportunity since their school does't do a yearly musical.  A win-win for all!

We also had several professional adult musicians which was a huge blessing.  It never ceases to amaze me the willingness of some individuals to participate in a high school production when they could be doing so many other things with their talents.  They see the value in it, and that is awesome.

Music Director Brian and Director Robin.  

 While the cast and orchestra were together for the first time rehearsing, the stage crew met with Doug from Muse Machine to work out scene transitions.

 Soon, it was time to bring in ZFX and begin to teach the kids to FLY!

Mason (John) getting hooked up into his harness by his flyman, Drew.

Elizabeth (Peter) takes to the air!

3 of the 4 fliers up and away!

Patiently waiting his turn!  Note: the bigger the kid, the harder it is to fly!  We teased him he wasn't allowed to eat any Easter candy before the show.

Don't they all look so graceful--apparently those harnesses don't feel too good in the nether-regions. 

Peter and Jane

The infamous window flight!!!

Window flight in action!

We did get them all in the air…eventually :)

Actual flying footage!!!

Pan's Window Flight

Learning "I'm Flying" Choreography

Kids Learning to Fly

Wendy on the Track

Elizabeth on the Track

As you can see from the footage, they came a LONG way!!!

Adam trying on his newest accessory for size!!  Perfect fit!

I'm sweet!

Stew, the man who taught our kids to fly

My personal favorite moment of the show: Michael's first flight.  It was just so exciting every time and the audience's reaction was priceless every performance.  

"Christmas!"

Our burly, masculine, menly-men, fly boys!  These guys made it happen every night!  They are awesome!

Stew and the flying kids.

So back to show time.  I unfortunately didn't make it to opening night.  I eagerly awaited phone calls during intermission from my sister to give me updates and for Brian to get home that night for a full run down on how things went.  I literally had no fingernails as I paced my house wondering how it was going.  The only thing I knew was that we had sold out and that people had been turned away.  How exciting is that?!?  The theater holds 451 people.  So, that's a darn good crowd!  I just hoped the show went smoothly.  According to my sister and husband's assessment--it went so much better than expected.  People loved it.  The reviews were absolutely positive.  The kids had a surge of energy that brought the show to life on a new level.  It was a hit.  Still, with all the positive feedback, I needed to see for myself.  Friday night wouldn't come soon enough.

 I got to the theater pretty early Friday.  This was the scene when I got there.

 This is about 5 minutes to curtain: full house, again!

As the lights dimmed, I held my breath.  My hands were sweaty and my knees shaky.  The anticipation was HUGE.  Finally the orchestra finished the overture (beautifully played, I might add).  So far, so good.  The Darling family was charming--that's the best word I can think of to describe their opening minutes on stage.  People giggled at the dog Nana, laughed at little Michael gagging down his medicine, and got a kick out of Mr. Darling and Nana's confrontation.  I started to let my guard down and enjoy the show.  Not completely, though, because the biggest sequence was yet to occur: flying.  As the lights dimmed and Tinker Bell's entrance began I felt my heart race again.  It was time for one of my favorite moments of the show: Peter's entrance.  Then it happened, the window doors flew open and in a fluid sweeping motion there she (or he) was.  Surrounded by a cloud of pixie dust it was just as I had pictured it would be.  Holy smokes--this was really REAL.   The dialogue between Peter and Wendy was seamless and natural.  As if it was the first time it had ever been spoken between two people and not something that had been rehearsed for months.  I forgot I was watching high school students.  Then FINALLY, it was time for THE moment.  The biggest reason why people told us to avoid this show--the choreographed flying song, I'm Flying, began to play.  As soon as Peter took to the air, the biggest, most joyful smile took residence across my face.  I felt like a kid again seeing Peter Pan for the first time.  Then the vamping of music began as Peter threw the pixie dust on the Darling children as they started to think their lovely thoughts.  I can't say I was surprised by what was coming because I know the show--but the pure glee I felt as Michael Darling sprung into the air as the orchestra ascended up their musical scale immediately sparked the water works.  Yep, I'll admit it.  I cried like a little baby.  As the ballet continued and the nursery set was pulled off the stage and the flying cut loose, I grabbed my sisters leg and just looked at her, tears streaming down my face, cheesy smile still there, and I knew she knew exactly what I was thinking.  "They did it.  These kids made it happen and I can't believe it.  Peter Pan is in Versailles."  

The next two acts followed suit of the first.  I can't put into words how genuinely proud I am of each and every student on that stage.  They pulled together in a huge way and my goodness, did it pay off.  

The lost boys--they were adorable, spunky, and acted and sang so well together.  What a tremendous group of young kids.  

The Indians -- precise, intense, polished, and authentic.  Their numbers were the ones I looked so forward to seeing because they impressed me months ago in rehearsal.  I knew they'd be good.

The Pirates -- my biggest surprise.  My word were they FUNNY!!  They had such quirkiness and energy!  I laughed so much during their scenes.  

The crocodile -- my son's favorite, and I'm sure many other kids as well.  Every time that tick-tock sound started he sprung out of his seat and just laughed and laughed at that crocodile.  

Liza -- an often unknown character because she doesn't appear in the Disney movie, but a lovely addition to the stage version.  She is a surprise in many ways in this show beyond the fact that she is actually IN the show.  Her flight to Neverland, her beautiful ballet with the animals, and her desire to learn how to crow made her lovable and memorable.

Captain Hook & Smee -- what a match made in heaven.  Their chemistry was electric.  They were brilliant individually, but together, wow.  What a team.  Two iconic characters portrayed so believably its as if they were originating their roles--the villain we love to hate and his approval seeking side-kick.

Tiger Lily -- I have been captivated by her movement and stage presence since auditions.  She commands the stage.  I often tried to make a point of watching others on stage with her but always found my eyes going right back to where she was.  Amazing dancer and equally amazing leader to the other students.  

Wendy -- such a sweet and innocent presence on stage.  She captured the essence of Wendy beautifully and effortlessly.  

Michael & John Darling -- these two rounded out the trio of Darling children perfectly.  Little Michael was as cute as he could be.  Never missing a line and so very talented.  It's pretty impressive that a little one his age can act so naturally and have the stage presence he displayed.  John Darling, I believe, set high the bar for the younger kids in this show.  He led by example and a great example he was, too.  A well-rounded kid who can not only sing, act, and dance, but fly!!

Mr. & Mrs. Darling -- These two had a hard job to do, and that was to become believable adult characters.  They had to set themselves apart from their peers who were playing "younger" roles, but not just that, they were portraying their children in this show.  I think they were both great!  Mrs. Darling a mature and nurturing presence and Mr. Darling a tough-love promoting, no-nonsense kind of father on the exterior but who really is a softy on the inside.

Old Wendy & Jane -- Their time on stage was short but sweet.  It pulled on our heart strings to see Wendy's pain in not being able to join Peter in another adventure.  However, to get to see another child learn to fly represented, in a way, the everlasting joy, promise, and innocence of childhood and the never-ending legacy of the boy who would never grow up…

Peter Pan -- the heart of the show.  Her performance was top notch.  The challenge she faced trying to bring to life one of the most lovable children's characters of all time was no easy task.  But, she rose to the occasion (literally).  She captured the essence of a fun-loving, care-free, and ornery little boy with ease (or at least it seemed that way).  She brought Peter Pan to life and in doing so awakened the child in each of us.  

Finally, to each and every parent, community member, or family member who became immersed in this show to whatever capacity it may have been--THANK YOU.  Your presence and help were what made it possible for this show to be successful.  Please, never question the value of your presence and invested time--it was worth more than each or your weights in gold.  It literally took a community to bring this show, this dream, to life.  

In case you didn't see it, here's a few pics from the final dress rehearsal--good pictures, but nothing will do the level of the true live performance justice.  It was an experience I will never, ever forget.  

Thank you to each and every one of you for making the dream a reality.

Lastly, my little pirate and his "idols"...he couldn't wait to get his picture with them!

 My conductor husband and his little pirate--such a happy little boy after seeing all his favorite characters live on stage!

And now, for your viewing pleasure!!  

(Sorry, it's not the greatest quality--filmed on a tablet)

I'm Flying!!