Oct
18
2022
An Afternoon At The Theatre
Posted in Family Life 6 Comments
Some people think that buying children things is the best kind of gift.
Of course, there are special things that, when given, means so much to them.
However, spending time together is far better.
Making memories is a longer lasting gift.
I try to find things that my granddaughters will enjoy.
My one grandson and littlest granddaughter are not even one year old yet.
Finding things that the older three will love is important to me.
Months ago, I found just such a thing.
There is a local theatre company that gets rave reviews.
I have known many actors, actresses, singers, and dancers who have been in productions.
Many musicals intrigued me but dates or prior commitments kept me away.
I promised myself that one of these days, I would see a show there.
I learned that they were performing Rodgers & Hammerstein’s, Cinderella.
I knew it would be the perfect musical for my three older granddaughters to see.
Two of my daughters and one daughter-in-love were able to go on the date I proposed.
I bought the tickets for all of us.
As the day approached, I was so excited.
Making memories with them is precious to me.
The musical itself was like stepping back in time.
I had seen the live version of Cinderella on TV as a girl and showed it to my daughters.
The first time the Cinderella musical was performed made television history.
Never before had an entire play been performed filmed live.
Julie Andrews played the starring role.
Over 100 million viewers (60% of households) tuned into CBS to watch the performance.
Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote the musical for TV, purposely skipping Broadway.
In 1965, and then again in 1997, there were television remakes.
In 2013, the musical went to Broadway.
The story was based on the French version of Cinderella.
I found the soundtrack on Spotify, and shared it so my granddaughters could hear.
I knew that hearing the music ahead of time would be helpful.
I remembered so many songs from the 1965 version that I watched a few times.
The songs would help the girls follow along as they heard melodies they knew.
The afternoon was everything I hoped for and more.
I felt my own throat tighten as the overture began.
This was three generations enjoying the wonderful music together.
We all glanced over at the girls whose wide eyes and mouths agape said everything.
Their look of wonder thrilled my heart.
Something magical happened as the stage became Cinderella’s house and garden.
Something magical happened as props were moved and costumes were changed.
To them, we were transported right into the story, Bippity Boppity Boo.
The actors came out of a side stage and into the audience throughout the play.
The girls didn’t know where to look.
When Cinderella was transformed, bubbles came down from the ceiling.
I was seeing the musical through the eyes of child and I was mesmerized as well.
The talent of each performer would give Broadway a run for their money.
The costumes, the dancing, and the simple props were perfect.
Even soft blankets were handed out for anyone who might be a bit chilly.
All the touches added to the audience experience.
It was announced that there would be a meet and greet on stage after the performance.
The children were told the Fairy Godmother had a gift for them.
After a standing ovation, the actors came onstage.
One of my granddaughters grabbed my hand, Come on, Grandma! Come on!
We passed people who were not interested in going down to the stage.
My oldest granddaughter walked ahead, weaving in and out among the audience.
In seconds, I lost sight of her.
I knew that there were four sets of adult eyes who were looking out for the girls.
I giggled as I saw my oldest granddaughter right in front of Cinderella.
She was literally the first child down on the stage.
She was holding a conversation with the beautiful young woman.
Cinderella, ever in character, was gracious and kind to each child.
The Fairy Godmother had a large basket.
She handed each child a magic wand: a stick with satin ribbons and a bell.
The girls thought the gift was the best thing in the world.
They waved it here and there and Bippity Boppity Boo’d over everything.
It was a beautiful fall day.
Outside, the leaves made a colorful carpet on which we walked.
The girls ran through the leaves, tossed them in the air, and waved their magic wand.
The Prince is giving a ball, they sang for anyone who would listen.
My daughter sent a video this morning of the girls pretending they were in a play.
Memories made.
Imagination sparked.
Innocence treasured.
And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. (Mark 10:16)
My mother took me to lots of plays as I was growing up and I loved it so much! My favorites were at an outdoor theater in Portsmouth, NH. All of them were magical! I ended up minoring in Dramatic Productions and had so much fun directing Anne of Green Gables, Pride and Prejudice, and the Snoopy Musical. My niece played the stepmother in Cinderella with her school. So fun! Seems to me you were the fairy godmother in all this. Brilliant!
Carin,
What wonderful memories you have of the theatre. It benefited you in your course of study and your activities. I can truly imagine you as a director. Thank you for your kind words. I do pray that this early exposure will give them a desire for the arts. I know my oldest granddaughter has been performing plays around the house since seeing Cinderella.
Gina
This is beautiful. Thank you for coming to our show and for sharing the experience. We are so appreciative and moved by your words!
Impossible things are happening every day!
Its possible.
Cinderella
Cinderella,
How sweet of you! I am delighted that this Whisper blessed you. Your performance brought Cinderella to life! My granddaughters were enchanted. Thank you for giving us all an afternoon to remember. My oldest granddaughter has been performing plays around the house. A spark was ignited that day. Thank you. I hope to see you in more SALT productions.
Gina
what a wonderful grandma you are! I’m sure the girls will always remember this afternoon!
Thank you, Sue!
I was equally blessed by the memories we made together.
Gina