School Play!

Gavin was able to participate in the school play this year, Alice in Wonderland. I have really enjoyed going to all the rehearsals with him and getting to watch from the audience and helping out in little ways when needed. I have enjoyed watching how well behaved Gavin is when he is has been on stage and back stage. It was like watching a completely different kid, listening attentively to instructions, following directions, and working with his fellow caterpillar ensamble actors. A small glimpse of how I hear he is when he is away from me all day at school!

It was an awesome experience for him and he had a great time. He was the only one from his class and one of only a few kindergarteners that chose to participate, so it was really special for him to do performances for the school (one for the K-2nd graders and one for the 3rd-5th graders). His classmates had lots of nice things to say about him and how much they loved the play. Dane and I had fun backstage during the school performances helping to entertain, help the students get ready, helping to ensure everyone was where they needed to be, and keep the noise level quiet. I stayed to help out backstage for their Friday night performance as well, I gave Gavin the choice and he wanted me to stay, I take advantage of any time he actually wants me there because some day (all too soon I am sure) he won't want me to stick around! Saturday we all were able to watch the show. I had seen most of it from the audience at various points in rehearsal but it was so much more exciting getting to see everyone in costume and the amazing sets that were created.

After the Saturday performance, they had the whole group on stage for a group photo and then to show the kids the slide show that the director created from pictures of rehearsals and back stage creating sets and props. Part of their performance is singing a group song after the play is over and the audience getting to see all the behind the scenes hard work from everyone involved. The kids hadn't had a chance to see it yet because their back is to the screen when they sing at the end of all the performances, so it was really exciting for them to get to watch the slide show before getting to celebrate their hard work at their cast party.

Then we went to the cafeteria for pizza, cupcakes, and juice for their cast party. A wonderful end to a fun experience!

It was certainly a special experience because the amazing mom who has been in charge of this the last 5 years will not be around next year, her daughter is moving up to the middle school. I don't know if they have anyone else that would be willing and able to put in the time and effort needed, she truly was amazing with the kids (and with 60 plus elementary school children included that is no small feat) and clearly loved being involved and exposing these young kids to theater. It was a wonderful time for both Gavin and me!