Into the Woods JR!

Greta is in the green dress

the school musical was once again a smashing success. Greta thoroughly enjoyed being part of last year's production of Annie JR (she was too young to participate in the previous performances of The Music Man JR and The Sound of Music JR). this year, they put on Into the Woods JR, a mashup of classic fairy tale stories involving Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and others. Stephen Sondheim's music is brilliant and fairly sophisticated for an elementary/middle school ensemble -- but the kids pulled it off! 

the auditions were originally scheduled to be held just a few days after the audition materials were released, which led to much feverish rehearsing and quickly scheduled FaceTime calls with Auntie Kris and Kira (Greta is spoiled to have professional musicians in the family!). then, a sudden snowstorm postponed the audition to later that week, and then, a funeral was scheduled to take place during that same timeframe. finally two weeks later, the auditions finally took place. this was good for practicing as the girls' audition solo was a selection from "On the Steps of the Palace", with syncopated rhythms and a tricky melodic line.

Greta felt pretty well prepared going in to the audition, and just a few days later, the cast list was announced. she had wanted to land one of the principal roles, Little Red Riding Hood, but the leading roles typically (and appropriately) are given to the 7th and 8th graders. she was given the role of Lucinda, one of Cinderella's stepsisters. initially she was none too pleased to be playing the role of "an ugly stepsister", but it truly was a great role for her. she plays a bratty part so well ;) 

the day after her trip to the ER with the complex migraine, we were scheduled for costume fittings at a sweet little shop about 40 minutes south of Pittsburgh. she stayed home from school that day and slept until noon. fortunately, she was feeling well enough to go to the costume fitting. in previous years, parents have been left to their own devices to purchase or create costumes, and we were still given that option if we wanted to forgo using the costume shop. but I was absolutely thrilled to pay $60 in rental fees for a complete costume including accessories, that would show up at the school for dress rehearsals/tech week, and be brought back to the costume shop without me lifting a finger. 

they had to let down the skirt and opted not to go with the hat

somehow tech week snuck up on me and I had to do two last-minute Amazon orders to get her shoes that would fit -- the first pair were too big and so I panic-bought two other pairs in different sizes so we'd be sure to have one that would work. at least Amazon returns are so easy now -- I just walked into Staples, handed them the boxes of unneeded shoes, and voila! 

they put on three performances: Thursday evening, Friday evening, and Saturday matinee. this year I was able to go to all three! it was so much fun to see the show multiple times, catch details or lines I missed, and also see how the cast played off of the audience's reaction. Kira and Patrick made the seven-hour drive from North Carolina on Friday to come to the 6 PM show, and had to drive right back Saturday morning. I told them that this is how I know they are young and insane because at 39 I can't imagine doing that but in my younger years I absolutely would have. at any rate, it meant so much to all of us for them to come! 

sweet note from the director!

the high school where the performances were held put up this sweet sign: Break a Leg SHCA (also, didn't mean to cut Victoria out of the photo!)

"give me your best Lucinda face" (did I mention Kira and Patrick are both professional actors?)

story time on Saturday morning

we sure love Auntie Kira!

Nick's parents came out for the Saturday matinee, and they deserve gold stars too, for coming out twice in one month (first for this, later in the month for Cecilia's First Holy Communion). 

what stole the show this year was the school's own chickens, two of whom rotated in playing the part of the Golden Goose (like the Olsen twins playing Michelle Tanner in Full House). during the Saturday performance, the chicken pooped right on one of the boys who was holding her. the house absolutely erupted with laughter as he never broke character. he calmly said, in exactly the same style as his character, "what is that?! that is disgusting!" and walked off stage while the other kids ad libbed a few lines until he returned to thunderous applause (with his arm having been hastily wiped in the wings!). 

I learned this year that the soundboard and lights are exclusively operated by students as well. the director makes a point of recognizing all of the crew and the ensemble for their crucial roles in the production just as much as the leading parts. this year there were several school alumni, now high school freshmen and sophomores, who returned to work crew. I just think the whole experience is such a pivotal part of their education as well-rounded humans who want to create excellence and beauty by working together! I'm already wondering what next year's show will be...