School Play

The last two nights i spent at Sheboygan Falls Middle School's play;

The Pirates of Penzance Junior. My daughter was one of the Police in

the play.

I remember when play tryouts were arriving and Emi was sooooo excited

to join the cast! She wanted a speaking part but unfortunately didn't get one.

The speaking roles are usually given to the 7th and 8th graders. She's in 6th.

Instead she was part of the chorus as a Police. She was disappointed. I told

her there were no small roles and it is because of all the background actors

that makes the show complete. That was not what she wanted to hear. Her

response was, "that is what you are supposed to say...you are my mother!"

She was right, but i wanted her to be happy.

Play practices were after school from 3:15-4:30 three times a week for six wks.

The last week practice was in full costume and went until 5:30. It was a lot of

running but i was glad to do it. We had to come up with a black blazer, black

pants, white shirt and white gloves to complete the look. They had Police hats

from back in the 1900's England for them at school. With each practice all i

heard was: the play is boring, why do i have to go, and can i quit? i explained

to Emi that she committed to the cast and couldn't let them down.

Well, Thursday this week they preformed the play for the school and she came

home so excited. I couldn't believe this was the same child that was complaining

the week before. I, of course had tickets for both Friday and Saturday night. That

is what mom's do. She had to be at school about an hour before the play started

so i went early with her and got a great seat in the front and just chatted with

other mom's i knew who were also there extremely early but also didn't mind to

get a good seat in the small auditorium of the middle school.

The first night i just took pictures of her and the cast; but the second night per

Emi's request i videotaped the play for her. Of course i went early again in case

u were wondering. i don't mind a little down time. i was in the front row so no

heads to video around!!

Being there both nights, i think that Saturday night was much better. The kids all

seemed to be more comfortable on stage. They sang out more and enunciated their

words much more clearly. It was very enjoyable and now that it's all over the kids

wish they could do it again! Emily came home and is watching the video i taped

and singing along. She realized that her part was just what it should be and some

day it will be her day to have a lead. She already said that she's trying out next

year.