Breathing..(edit)
These kids these amazing theatre kids .
On opening night of Our Town I walked into the rehearsal room while the whole cast was doing voice warm-ups. They usually do this with no directors, but they greeted me warmly as I apologized for interrupting.
I just want to quickly tell all of you how amazing you are. Im so proud of every single one of you I can barely breathe! I said.
At that they rushed over and gave me a huge group hug all 25 of them! As I stood grinning tearfully in the center of their affectionate scrunching pack, they said We love you Ms. Kari! You are like our own little shining sun.
This is why I do this.
Here are a few photos.
Our director made the (normally male) singular part of the Stage Manager into that of an older couple–which was a brilliant move. So many of the lines worked beautifully as those of a couple talking to the audience. Here (in this rather blurry shot) they help each other on with coats–which is a lovely tender moment while Mrs. Stage Manager straightens Mr. Stage Manager’s collar and tie as they speak to the audience about love and marriage. These two had an amazing stage chemistry and I am still in awe of their performance.
“Like Mrs. Gibbs said a minute ago: people are supposed to live two by two…”
Youre pretty enough for all normal purposes… Mrs. Gibbs to Emily Gibbs.
The choir practice
Family and guests at Emily and Georges wedding
Emily in her final speech Goodbye goodbye world goodbye to clocks ticking and Mamas sunflowers and food and coffee and new-ironed dresses and hot bathsoh earth youre too wonderful for anybody to realize you! Do any human beings ever realize life while they live itevery, every minute?
The cast gave us the most thoughtful director gifts before the final night performance. They presented us each with a basket filled with many of the things in Emilys last speech .a packet of sunflower plant seeds, bubble bath, coffee, etc.
We of course wept and told them (truthfully) that they were every directors dream cast. They truely brought meaning and maturity to this play. It was fascinating to watch the change come over the cast as they began to feel the true impact of the lines they had worked so hard to memorize. The tears that ran down their faces were real as the meaning and life-preciousness dawned on them during the course of their performances.
And especially on the final night there was not a dry eye in the house as the audience sat stunned for a quiet moment and then roared to an ovation.
Wonderful, wonderful moments.
My costume crew presented me with a box of chocolates and a dozen coral roses (we knew these were the right color roses for you Ms. Kari red or yellow or white were like, normal colors, and pink was just kinda woosie—but these were really YOU!)
Sweethearts.
I have taken this week off cleaning my house, cooking, puttering, doing the odds and ends that get set aside when these marathon days and nights are upon me. And I am still riding the high of this last production.
I am becoming better connected within our local theatre community and there are new things ahead. I am helping with two local theatre companies, and the community childrens chorus, and our new Shakespeare in the Summer program. But I will only work around the schedule of this high school program that I love so much.
These kids make it all worthwhile.
:)xo
Adagio
I’m sure feeling THE LOVE here, my friend, and THAT’S what it’s ALL about. Much aloha,
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Oh, how I would have loved to have seen this production! The teens of this day and age never cease to amaze me with the talent that they have in so much abundance. I would have been bellowing “Brave and encore” I’m sure. And bravo to you, Mrs. Kari, for your dedication and hard work. The cast will always remember, I’m sure. : ) Ah, those roses are gorgeous!
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This is soooo beautiful!! Congratulations to you. You must have had a lot of work! (Beuatiful roses!) Warm greetings,
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Congratulations on such a success…it really does look fantastic! Ride the high until the next production challenges you. You really seem to love and thrive on it!
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they are soooooooooo lucky to have you! fabulous costumes 🙂
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What a circle of joy these productions begin — for you and for the kids, and surely for audiences, too. I love hearing about them and seeing them, too. More joy. Joy all around.
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It looked like a lot of fun and a lot of work. Congratulations on both. 🙂
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Fabulous! xo
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Your love of the kids, of the theater, of all the hard work just blazes through this entry.
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Reading this made my heart feel better. Be well,
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lucky children, lucky Ms. kari. I always remember the scene in Our Town when the ghostly Emily is trying to get her mother to look at her as she relives a moment in their kitchen. It makes me stop sometimes and look into Morgan’s face as she prattles on to me about her school day. You’re amazing.
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Those kids are lucky to have someone who believes in them so wholeheartedly! I firmly believe that people live up to what you expect of them – and I’m sure that those wonderful teens know that you think the world of them. Wish I could have seen the production – it looks wonderful. 🙂
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…you did a wonderful job of describing the show and your emotions! I know you had a blast and can’t wait until the next production! You’re amazing!
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I always love reading these entries about the productions at the highschool. And what beautiful roses they gave you. Those are some wonderful, beautiful young ladies and gents you have there. Hey, how are your boys doing??
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🙂
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you make it seem so right. to do what you are doing. to connect with these wonderful young adults. thanks for sharing. it makes me have hope.
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Oh my goodness…another play! I so enjoy reading about them. What a wonderful life!
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wow, it is so wonderful that you get to work with them all, and they with you. 🙂
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So sweet! Congratulations on a job well done.
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thanks so much for your note of encouragement. per your edit of this entry–it is wonderful that you have found a way to use your extraordinary talents and a heart brimming with affection and love. it’s a great illustration of how volunteering time can have rewards far greater than imagined.
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Wow! What an amazing job you’ve done! The kids look incredible. You’re gifted with so many media- drawing, clay, cloth… I’d be jealous if you weren’t so wonderful!
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These kids and their beautiful costumes take my breath away. You are THE most creative woman I’ve ever known. Wow.
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RYN: You told me a while ago you couldn’t come. I completely understand and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we’ll see each other again somehow. That said, I DO want you to send us some broken pieces of something bright to add to the dragon mosaic. It wouldn’t be right if you weren’t a part of it.
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I’m soooo disappointed you’re not going to the BBQ. I’m planning to attend, and I was SO hoping to meet you! Ah well.. another time.
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RYN, thanks so much for stopping by! I have found some of my favorite people on OD by reading other fave’s notes and introducing myself to those people – I think it’s one of the great things about this place. I’ve added you to my faves so we can continue to get to know each other…. enjoy your week off!
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I get teary eyed reading this, the connections found that move the souls of all in the theater house, it is very special this way we humans have of bringing meaning to experience, reaching the soul through expression of heartfelt word, empathy, exposing ourselves to its work. Yes, it is amazing. And you, right in the middle. ox:)
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Hey by the way, I’ve been wearing the great purple and orange necklace you sent me and I get so many compliments! Everybody loves it, and when they say so, it reminds me of you. Thanks again. 🙂
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FANTASTIC! Great costumes! Wish I could see it in person. RYN: Thanks! Come over and we’ll cruise out to the beach. 🙂
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“Red or yellow or white were like, normal colors, and pink was just kinda woosie—but these were really YOU! – Hahaha! That was sooo right on! (Too bad they couldn’t come up with a lime and purple bouquet!) Isn’t the theater simply intoxicating to some people? And praise, and applause, too! *Thinking “awesome is as awesome does!”)
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