Jack & Pocahontas

This week has been Theatre Week for Joy and me. On Thursday night we went to see "Jack and the Giant," the 3rd and 4th grade musical at Joy's school. Joy helped be in charge of set design, and yes, the set was fantastic. You should have seen that beanstalk. Before the show started, we found some seats that were right behind two mothers of children in Joy's class. We chatted for a while and then settled in for the show. Well, after one particularly strugglesome number, I said, I thought quitely to Joy, "Oh gracious that was out of tune." Well, thankfully the mothers in front had a sense of humour (and their kids weren't in the show) and laughed with me, but for a second I felt like a rude and unappreciative critic. I mean, most of the people on American Idol can't sing on tune, I certainly can't have too high of expectations for 4th grade harmony.

Tonight Joy and I went to see "Pocahontas." And no, it wasn't the Disney version. No "colors of the wind" here. We went to support two of the best young performers around: Ellen and Khalia Wightman, the two girls of the family I lived with for the six months I lived in Chicago before getting married. And I am gonna brag here and I'm unashamed. These girls are THE BEST. I mean, they both have got loads and loads of talent. Ellen had some fantastic solos, and let's just say, a commanding attention and poise far beyond her years. And both Khalia and Ellen certainly know how to dance. They've got moves.If either of them go to Taylor (and it may be years away, but the interest just may be there...), they will most definitely be living it up in Airband and the Chorale.

As the show started, Joy and I realized we felt just like proud parents. I was so proud of them both, and honestly, am so thankfully for their consistent humility and down-to-earthness. Yup, they inspire me. I really think I'd like to get back to the theatre. I loved performing and these girls helped me remind me of just how fun it can be. It's a ton of work, but everyone who's been in a community show knows there's a sense of ache (and often some relief) when the final curtain goes down. Ladies, you both rocked it tonight. Enjoy your final show tomorrow and know that our love for you goes far beyond those quickly-dying flowers we stepped on during intermission.