Aftermath

I've run out of adjectives to describe the performances of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" that Ethan and Sam acted in this weekend. The set was stunning: real trees, blue lighting and SNOW"!! It was magic! I actually got to see the show from the "house" today. After watching from my stage manager's perch backstage for the past week, I knew the show was good, but seeing it from the audience perspective with the lights, makeup, etc...Wow, I will say it again...MAGIC!! It was not only well acted and well directed, it was a feast for the eyes. It was gorgeous!
The cast of children was superb! Yup, they hesitated or even forgot a line or two, but they pulled it off beautifully. We even had poor Edmund fall off a ramp as he was being attacked by the White Witch AND he choked on the Turkish Delight he had to eat (because he shoved too much of it into his mouth). It got a laugh, anyway:)
One member of the audience came up to the director at intermission and was nearly speechless with praise for the show. She kept repeating the word "amazing." There was a lot of positive feedback.
The local Opera House is a beautiful place with a very helpful staff. The "tech" guy was incredible to work with. My director had never worked with a more helpful tech guy. Thanks, Andy! Even more incredible was the fact that Andy asked to talk to the kids after the final show. He told them that he was so impressed with their behavior and professionalism, that they were such a pleasure to work with, that he had arranged to have his paycheck for working with us DONATED to the school's drama program!!! Wow! What a gesture!
It was an incredible experience, all around. Sam discovered a love (and talent) for theatre; Ethan developed greater self-confidence and strength to overcome his shyness.
Now, the "grieving" period starts. The director warned us about the post-show letdown. Narnia has been a huge part of our lives for the past 2 months, we will miss it very much, along with the other actors.
We tend to think of "drama" as something fake or not having much to do with reality, but I have discovered exactly the opposite. Drama teaches so many life lessons to our children: responsibility, commitment, self-confidence, public speaking, cooperation, and even, in a sense, dealing with loss after the show is over. Drama helps prepare our children to be healthy, well-rounded individuals.
I can't say why Hollywood actors tend to go off-track in their lives. I think it may have more to do with ego and celebrity status than the actual process of acting itself. I am thankful that my children have access to this drama program and director. It has been, and God willing, will continue to be, a blessing in our lives.

"Long Live the Kings and Queens of Narnia!"

Thanks, Heidi!