After The Show...The Wizard Of Oz Musical.

After two months of hard work, and late rehearsals opening night for The Wizard of Oz has come and gone, and although Chelsea was exhausted from staying up late doing homework on top of rehearsals that ended at 9pm during tech week she's a little sad that it's over. She's a tough trooper, and carried on until the very end. She has fallen in love with musicals just like her sisters, and she is already looking forward to auditioning next year! 

The Little Mermaid.

As much as I dislike how late the teacher/director keeps the kids late from school every single year when it comes to the high school plays due to rehearsals especially when it comes to extra curricular activities I always look forward to the high school musical. I recall being in a drama class once throughout my high school career, but we didn't have any plays or musicals so it's always a thrill to see what musical my kids school are going to do next in this generation. 

I'm amazed at the stamina and energy these kids have when it comes to wanting to be a part of something they love. Being in the high school musical requires a lot of hard work in auditioning for the part, memorizing lines, endless hours of rehearsals, and hoping to hit those high notes while singing. 

And all these kids did an amazing job! 

Luckily "tech week" doesn't last for too long, and that the exhaustion only lasts for a couple of weeks. I can't even imaging the life of a broadway actor, because in their case they do shows that last for years, and years! It's amazing to see how, no matter how stressful those weeks of rehearsing can get that at the end of the day, things work out, fall into place, and that the show is terrific. 

Regardless of all those late, and sleepless nights Lexie always makes the best out of every activity, and in this case the role that she was chosen for the musical this year was one that she was pleased with. She always makes the best of each role no matter what part she plays, and enjoys being a part of something she enjoys. She did her very best in hitting that high note in the end, and did a pretty good job. 

This year she played one of the princesses, Sleeping Beauty in the Little Mermaid.

Since I didn't come early enough to get a good seat in the front I didn't take too many photos, but I managed to save a few blurry ones from my Snapchat, and the one I posted at the top I stole from the school's Facebook page! 

She was cute playing one of the fishes under the sea, and even more beautiful as a princess. She really enjoyed being a part of this production, and looks forward to the musical next year.

Each year we are proud of all her accomplishments, and even though she's like a zombie throughout those weeks of rehearsal she says those late nights of rehearsing are worth it, because she enjoys being a part of something she enjoys doing all in the name of fun! 

***You can see other plays she's been in here, here, here, and a combination of all of them here.

Little Women.

Little women has, and always will be a favorite movie classic in my library. Ever since it came out in 1994 I have loved it, and love it even more now that I have three daughters of my own. I love a good show that portrays siblings, especially sisters going through a "coming of age" phase, and how it encompasses all kinds of drama! Typical sister roles, but then again I love all movies that entail bonding between siblings that end good. It is on the top of my favorite movies next to Pride and Prejudice, and Dan in Real Life (which takes place in a totally different era!) I love the characters in the book as well as the scenery, and the time it takes place in (I love Massachusetts!)

This past weekend Lexie's high school presented the broadway musical of Little Women. I have never seen the actual broadway show, and even though the play was nothing like the movie it was very well received, and I enjoyed every minute of it! All the players did such a fantastic job from the costumes to the acting and all the people that they chose as the characters were right on point, and their acting was very impressive. It was lovely to see Lexie onstage even if she had minor roles. She definitely stood out and looked so beautiful in her gown when she and Justin (pictured below) had the ballroom dancing scene as well as playing an old hag in which she didn't even come close to looking like one! She looked so mature with all that stage makeup on, and it's hard to believe that she is growing up, and looking more beautiful every day! 

 It was a fun evening spent with friends, and my 10-year old daughter. This totally motivates her even more to get involved with theater as she will be entering middle school in less than two years!! 

Other movies that entail sibling drama that are my all time favorites are: 
The Sound of Music 
Hanging Up
Hannah and Her Sisters
The Family Stone
Sense & Sensibility 
...and of course my favorite from Masterpiece theatre Downton Abbey! It's not a movie, but in my eyes is the best show ever produced in this century! 

Aida

This past weekend was the high school's musical production of Aida. We all love the theatrics, and being that this is Sierra's senior year we wanted to show our support by attending all three nights. This was the first time in four years where I've seen a high school musical for three nights in a row, and I'm so glad I did! 

On opening night one of my best friends came with me for support, my husband and I went on Friday night, and on closing night I had a mother/daughter date with Alexandra.


Aida has got to be my favorite high school musical thus far. Maybe it's because I love a good love story, and it also reminded of the broadway musical Ghost. 

Although Into the Woods, and Rent were performed very well in the previous years Aida in my opinion was the best.  

We had front row seats, and it was a perfect view to not only be in view of the violinists (which Alex was thrilled to be close to), but to see Sierra as well. 

This year instead of acting, or being a part of the stage crew Sierra played with 10 adults in the orchestra. She looked like a professional in being a part of the orchestra, and played exceptionally well on the keyboard. 

Who knows...this could have been practice for when she plays in an orchestra for a broadway show in the future. 

Another dream thought i suppose!

As always when the show is over I take pictures of Sierra with her acting buddies. 

picture via T.J.

This show was phenomenal, and what an amazing talent these kids have! They all did very well, but I have to give a huge BRAVO to the three key players that had lead roles. 

Lindsay as the fashionable Amneris

Desiree as Aida, princess of Nubia

the one and only t.j. as Radames

They all have acting potential, and are all majoring in musical theatre in the fall. 

Now I normally don't take pictures with any of Sierra's friends, but I just had to take one with T.J. who played Radames. He was amazing, and I truly felt as if I was watching an actual broadway show. 

My daughter teases me and says that I have a crush on him because every time I see him I give him a big ol' hug. 

I may not have a crush on him, but I do love the way he sings, and acts on stage. He is the nicest kid anyone would want to hang around with and is truly humble. I am glad they are friends, and that in their senior year they ended with this show.  

This young man definitely has the potential to star on broadway. 

Okay...besides my husband I do love this kid. He's quite tall too...just like Jon! 

Amazing, amazing, amazing performances from everyone!! 

Scenes from RENT

When I first heard that this year's high school musical was going to be "RENT", I have to admit I didn't think it was appropriate for the kids, and I didn't want my daughter to be a part of it. I wondered how they were going to pull this off with all of the drug, gay, and aids scenes that are entailed in the show. After some serious thought, and having watched the movie back in 2004...I remembered the challenges behind the story, and how it truly does define the meaning of unconditional acceptance, love, and friendship.

Apparently we are one of a very few high schools in the nation currently staging this production. Luckily it's the high school version of RENT, and let me tell you...they really pulled it off!

This show was amazing!

Mimi and Roger-"Light my candle" scene

This year Sierra wasn't interested in auditioning for a role, and wanted to try something different. She wanted to be a part of the musical, but didn't want to 'act' so this year she was part of the stage crew, and was in charge of the stage lights. She was happy to have experienced this part of the job other than 'acting', and says that she will definitely try out for a part in next year's musical.

She'll be a senior! Yikes!!!

Stage crew

RENT was done very tastefully, and I became quite emotional while watching certain scenes of the show. I was so impressed with the talent that was portrayed from these students for three nights in a row. It is amazing what all these kids brought to the stage. Although these kids are between the ages of 14-18...I didn't judge their acting, or them in any way. They were definitely in character. Their singing voices were amazing, and they all harmonized so well when they sang "Seasons of Love".

Mark and Roger  "What you Own" scene 

r

"Roger"

"Mark Cohen"

Mark, Tom, and Angel

Mimi and Roger

Sierra with "MIMI"

I am so glad that we went to see this performance. It reminded me to be nonjudgmental towards those who live a different lifestyle. We are all Heavenly Father's children, and no one is perfect. When you look past those gay, drug, and aids scenes this show really is all about love, hope, challenges, and bringing all of those whom you love back into a bond of a friendship.

Now...if only everyone could do that in the "real world". 

"There's only us,

 there's only this

 forget regret,

 or life is yours to miss.

 No other road,

 no other way,

 no day but today."

Three Midnights Gone

The Players

The cast of Highland Regional High school's musical "Into the Woods", held audiences captive for the past three nights. It was entertaining, engaging and very enjoyable.

My husband and I went on opening night. It was amazing to see my daughter display her talent in acting and singing. Sierra played Cinderella's step-mother and gave a beguiling performance. My husband took our two other daughters who are ages six and eleven on Friday night. Even though Lexie had already seen the show with her dad the night before...she wanted to go again. So on the last night of the show, we spent it together. That was our mother and daughter date.

Sierra as the Step-mother

The Royal Family

I was very impressed with how all the students exemplified their character. They were all magnificent! Cinderella, played by Megan Dettrey sang with an angelic voice.  I couldn't take my eyes off of the wicked witch who was played by Chelsea Fields. Her voice was (no offense to Bernadette Peters) far more superior and stronger. They both did such a great job and will both be missed, being that this is their last year at Highland Regional.

Cinderella

  Wicked witch with Rapunzel

We can't forget all these other amazing performances given by Algeron and Cierra who played the Baker and the wife:

Eddie who played the little lad Jack, and Joylynn who played his mother:

Carlos and Thomas who played Rapunzel and Cinderella's Prince:

I was so moved with the last song in the finale that was sung by the witch and the rest of the players titled, "Children Will Listen". I was listening carefully to the words and with raising four children...these lyrics really hit home:

"Careful the things you say, children will listen. Careful the things you do, children will see and learn...children will look to you for which way to turn, to learn what to be. Careful before you say, "Listen to me." Children will listen."

This was Sierra's first musical and we both didn't know what to expect. I knew she would be spending countless hours at school and I was a little hesitant in her doing the musical. I remember behaving impatiently in such a way that I didn't want the negativity to rub off on her. I wasn't pleased with the long hours she was going to be enduring. Talking with her teacher who is also the director of the play, Mrs. Rowland, assured me that this was going to be great for her. She spoke highly of my daughter and through her words...I knew that Sierra needed to be a part of this. Yes...flattery does work!  I began to realize how important performing in this play was for her. She was so willing and committed to do all that was required of her. I was selfless and I am grateful that both her father and I supported her in this. She LOVES to act and sing and she looks forward to auditioning in next year's musical.

Thank you Mrs. Rowland for encouraging Sierra to be a part of this, and for being her mentor...and a friend.

"It is so important... especially in this day and age to be mindful of the things we do and say around our children."
~ Rose J.