And away we go again.
Great opening night — one of the best ever. Two shows remaining today, then tonight around 10, it’s another one in the books.
Stoney and I play the same record every year after opening night. We look back at all the hair pulling and sleepless nights and frustration and “if only they’d love it as much as we do” conversations, and realize that it was all worth it. They do love it as much as we do. I submit that there are few experiences quite like watching a group of 14-18-year-olds come together as a committed group of actors, singers and dancers and “give back” to their community. There’s not a diva in the bunch, and we couldn’t be prouder of how they pulled this thing off in front of a sellout crowd of awesome parents and friends.
Perhaps the best part is how this rural (and I do mean out in the middle of nowhere), small community completely and enthusiastically supports the performing arts, with their dollars and their attendance. The theory that only larger, wealthier districts have that kind of support is consistently disproved, year after year out here in Hooterville.
Now to match the magic of opening night this afternoon and tonight…yikes.
But hey…there’s food. Lots and lots of glorious food after the matinee and before the final show. I don’t know about anyone else, but that makes me sixteen kinds of happy. Bring it! Eat! Laugh! Sing! Laissez les freakin’ bon temps roulez.
What a fantastic show!!! I thoroughly enjoyed myself, Bird. It’s hard to believe that such talent lives in that tiny town. You bring out the best in all the students, honey! Thanks for a wonderful and entertaining evening!
You’re welcome, Mavis! It was a fun, fun show, and I’m proud of all of them. Thanks for coming, and I hope it was a fun evening!
:'(… I don’t want it to be over and it is, and I can’t do anything about it! I seriously just want to cry! The realization I will never perform a theater performance on that stage is way to much! I want to grow up an go on amazing adventures but I never wanted this part of high school to end. :'( love you Jax!!
I love you too, Sammie! Thanks for the last seven years of fun. I hope your memories are fabulous…I know mine are!
They are beyond fabulous!
I won’t ever forget them!
<3 <3 <3 Samantha's words <3 <3
Jax you are providing so many good experiences for those wonderful young people.
<3 <3 <3
Thanks, luv.
I really do count myself very fortunate to have the opportunity to do what I love, and maybe inspire someone along the way. These kids inspire me all the time!
Congrats on such a great show!! I wish I could have snuck away for a surprise visit to see the show (and you, of course). ONE of these years before you retire…when you least expect it!
Oh, and that Harlem Shake video with cast & crew? [[rolling my eyes]]
LOL was that ridiculous or WHAT? I loved it. They are a bunch of great kids.
And I wanted so much to invite you up to see this show — truly, you would have loved the singing — but I know you’re buried down there with work and projects of your own. Someday we will have you come up and sing for my students! <3