In January, at the change of semester, our parent-partnership school offered a new class option, "Musical Theater." Despite the fact that this class required we be on-campus with Bryce right during Graham's regular nap-time, we immediately signed him up (class was only held once a week).
We were soon informed that the kids would be performing Peter Pan Jr., and within in a few hectic weeks, all the parts were assigned. Bryce was given the role of "Mean Murphy," one of Captain Hook's pirates, which I found hilarious since Bryce is constantly smiling.
I should mention that this was a K-5 production, with only a handful of 4th and 5th graders. Parents helped out a lot, including helping with rehearsals and teaching choreography, and making all the sets and costumes.
The pirates had really complicated songs ("we pillage, we plunder, we rifle and loot...") and tons of choreography to learn. During class time, I helped with the pirates when I could, but also tried to corral Thane and Graham. Thane loved going to musical theater because he got to play with other little-sibling friends. I usually put Graham in the Ergo on my back and he often took a (mini) nap.
The months moved rapidly, and all of a sudden we were just a couple weeks from show time. The play was scheduled for a Wednesday evening mid-June. The Friday just before that, the teachers planned the first full run-through dress rehearsal (a 3-9 pm epic event). Bryce was really looking forward to the rehearsal, but instead spent that time at home vomiting. Towards the end of the rehearsal time, we got a text from a friend saying, "The best way I can describe tonight's rehearsal is.... complete disaster!"
"Well," I thought, "these are just a bunch of little kids, even if it's a flop, at least they had fun."
The teachers quickly scrounged up another dress rehearsal for Monday afternoon. Bryce, completely recovered, was able to attend this one, and it went much better. Bryce loved spending time with his good friends (one of his favorite friends, another kindergartener [!] was Tinkerbell).
The younger siblings had a great time playing trucks in the dirt.
The night of the play, I was still unsure how it would all turn out. I knew the "professional factor" would be low, but hoped the "cute factor" would make up for it. And it did! Those kids acted their little hearts out. It was a treat to see months of hard work come together in such a fun way.
When it was over, Bryce was beaming. "I LOVED it!" he kept saying, "and I didn't even get nervous at all!"
The next day in class they had a cast party and each kid got to tell about their favorite parts. They were all still giddy with excitement.
And the fun wasn't completely over. The following Saturday they all got to be in a float in our city's annual parade.
While Bryce paraded with his musical theater group, Aubree, Thane, Graham and I walked a few entries behind them with our friends who are trying to get a classical charter school established in our area. (!!!!!!)
One of the parents videoed the Peter Pan play. The videography isn't great, but if you're interested, the YouTube link is HERE.
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