Stage Door has performed several venues since September and each time has left the crowd wanting more. One little boy stopped me in the hall and said "this was the most awesome assembly we ever had!" Sure, getting out of school is fun but he was impressed with kids his own age performing live theatre.
I was impressed with the ability of these young people to ensure that the show go on. Several team members were unable to make it to the performance today. Quickly the team had to determine who would pick up the lines, change the choreography and vocal parts in a matter of about 10 minutes before the curtain literally went up. Though the audience had no idea how many cast members should have been performing, the Stage Door team made the performance a flawless execution.
The theme of the show is about the unique qualities we all possess and how important it is to celebrate those unique talents rather than hide them or try to pretend we are other than who we truly are. The message came across loud and clear as these young thespians did their very best to communicate through song and dance with a dash of humor in the mix.
The last show, yes, is always bittersweet. Done are the long rehearsals, the nagging directors, the lights, fatigue and dialogue you could say in your sleep. But so are the funny moments, the awkward pauses, the tripping over each other's lines or forgotten dance step. Hopefully in their place are confidence in tight situations, pride in accomplishment and friendships that will last a long time. Texts, tweets, emails and Facebook walls filled with a job well done and the anticipation of what next season will bring.
