Hmmm. Head scratcher.
I’m meeting with my girls today for an extra tap rehearsal to try and figure out what made the wheels fall off at the beginning of “Broadway Rhythm” last night.
Is that obsessive? Should I just let it go? Aren’t they just high school kids doing their best? Yes, probably, and most definitely. But….I do obsess a bit, and frankly, they’re miffed, too. They were not happy with how the first 4-measure tap break, um, broke. HA
So the day is filled with stuff. Rehearsal at 11, actors’ call at noon, show at 2, break for meal (my absolute favorite part of the day — drop dead delicious homemade homestyle goodies — eeeyummy), show at 8, strike, drive home, collapse in the bed, think about Dinner Theatre music.
Then I get to see Justin and Jake. 
OK, time for coffee, shower, and the road to Greenwich-town. We’ll get this thing figured out yet.
Your key words are “They were not happy”. I’m sure they want to know what happened and how to fix it. No, you should not let it go. Blowing it off could be interpreted as not caring, and I know you do and they do too.
I have found that if you set the bar high, kids will do what it takes to clear it. You have obviously done that. Last night some of them fell short and they feel badly so help them get back up to par – set them up to succeed. ( I know I’m preaching to the choir, but sometimes it helps to hear it from someone else’s mouth/keyboard.) I would begin by asking *them* what they think went wrong, and then go from there. In live theatre _anything_ can happen – let them know you still believe in them and that tonight they will be perfect.
All of the above is my own humble opinion, and not necessarily the opinion of the rest of the world. Void where prohibited by law. Lave los manos. Please turn out the light when you leave. Do not feed the seagulls.
Best to you and them!
PK
You are absolutely right, PK. I have always believed that kids are not oblivious…they watch and know and feel your attitude, drive and commitment. They may not say it, but they want a challenge, and they want excellence. It’s up to us to show them the road there.
It definitely helps to hear it from a colleague once in awhile! Yer the best.