Several years ago we mounted the very large full-scaled production of Mary Poppins on our regular stage. It was a large, full of special effects, show that pushed us to be better that we were. Flash forward several years and I decided that I wanted to do a theater camp that didn’t need much work costume or set wise since we all ready had both from the full production that we had produced several years ago. Ha!
Theater camp is a different experience all together. We audition on Monday. Tuesday we start developing characters, learning choreography and music, memorizing lines and working all the set and prop movements. We also build lights and sound and set and costumes and well, the work is still a lot! Eight days later we mount a full scale show! Whew!
Today was the eighth day. I might have cried a little. I am so proud of all these students have learned in such a short time.
So have we learned anything?
I hope so. I hope we’ve learned more than the lines, music and etc. I hope we’ve learned the value of team work and responsibility. I hope we’ve learned how much work it takes to put on a good show and HOW MANY PEOPLE IT TAKES to create the magic that goes with a good show.
There are lessons in the show itself that we have talked about as well.
Mary Poppins is a redemptive story about a father who can’t be bothered with his children because the pressures of life have him working hard to create the “right” impression for the “right” people and to work hard to because the pressures of the job demand it.
Who can forget his lament?
‘A man has dreams of walking with giants
To carve his niche in the edifice of time.
Before the mortar of his zeal has time to congeal
The cup is dashed from his lips,
The flame is snuffed aborning,
He’s brought to rack and ruin in his prime.’
Ah! The pressures of life.
We can all fall slave to them.
Let’s take a moment to remember that we don’t have to compete to always “keep up with the Jones'”. Let’s not work so hard at living that we forget who we are living with.
I wish I could spend one more day in the park with my kids that’s for sure!
Take a moment to watch this interview with our “Bert” and “Mary.” We open tomorrow!
Please make sure you like and share if you enjoyed this episode!
Until next time!
From the Wings 