Flashback #2: The Hills Are Alive

     In December of last year, an announcement went out to all students at Lutheran South that the Spring drama would be The Sound of Music -- and any student who wanted to try out, could.

     We, or me, really and my kids by extension, are a musical-loving family so I asked all three kids if they wanted to try out.  They knew the movie, some of the songs, so if there was ever a play to try out for, this seemed like the one. Lydia wanted to.  I couldn't believe it, but she did.

I wasn't able to watch her tryout, but one night at bedtime, I did record her two songs and 30 second speech she was going to give for the tryout. It's a bit long and Lanie jumps in a few times, but I'm glad I have it to add here at the end.

I didn't want Lydia to get her hopes up since I heard 57 kids were trying out in all, and she
didn't. She would have been okay if she wouldn't have been chosen. I think that's what made everything so magical when I got the email that she was invited to a callback, and then the final email, that yes, my shy, quiet 7-year-old got the part of the littlest Von Trapp, Gretl.  What a shock it was and so perfect for her. I really have to thank Wyatt Schulz, the director, for putting so much faith in her and for really building her up throughout the process.4

Of course when we agreed, we had absolutely no idea how much work it would be.  The month of April is a complete blur as K and I organized pick up around her new schedule.  We often said, "if we can just get to the end of April . . . ."  I learned quickly that drama is intense - not only the practices, but the preparation - getting costumes, building a set, writing bios and for me -- trying to take off work so I could be there for every performance.

I will tell you though - Lydia LOVED it. Every minute of it.  Because she was the littlest, the high school girls treated her like a pre-schooler, carrying her around, braiding her hair, doting on her little-ness, giving her the Most Attention she's ever had.  And while I did remind her a few times of who she was, she handled it all like a champ.

We have so many friends to thank for taking time to come watch one of the performances.  It made it so real to have people she loves in the audience watching her.  For those who came more than once - double thank you -- because it was a lo-o-ng show.  I didn't mind.  I will be honest, I cried at least once in every show.  Something about watching your little girl sing on stage, watching her actually know her lines, watching her play out in public what she does in private all the time - perform, and watching her do something, to be honest, I never thought she'd do.  Talk about proud.  I was bursting.

With this play, and the number of children who watched it, we have a whole new crop of kids who are singing Do-Re-Me, Edelweiss, and The Lonely Goatherd.  In fact, little Addie - age 3 was in my Sunday School class last week and when I asked what song the kids wanted to sing - think Jesus Loves Me or Zaccheus was a wee little man, she says in her little voice, "Waindwops on roses."  And while I sang the Jesus Hokey Pokey instead, I loved her for requesting it.  The Sound of Music changed our lives for a month or two.  It definitely changed Lydia's and gave her confidence in her abilities, but also drew her closer to the high school girls who I would love to thank for being such great role models for her.  It's corny, I know, but the whole experience has been "One of My Favorite Things" this year.

For all those who came to see the play, Thank you!

   

The Practice Try-Out (It's 4 minutes long, but so glad I have it.)