Directors Note:
When I first started this Theatre Company, I loved that I could pick my own shows. I branched out weaving popular shows and a few classics. I first choose "Into the Woods" and followed it up with "The King and I" and they were both wonderful and amazing shows. During these early days, someone had suggested "13" -- I listened to the cast recording and I thought the songs were quite good, in my range, and I enjoyed singing them. But the casting was limited. You had to have enough teenagers to pull it off. I had about 3 those first couple shows, so I never thought it was something I could do for the masses.
So I kept plugging away all all ages shows that everyone could participate. During the 2018 summer "High School Musical" camp, the teenagers all started telling me they didn't want to do a "Jr" show. They wanted to do a full length musical. (NOW...as a parent, I am very happy with these junior versions, because the shows are only an hour long.) But I too wanted to give the teens a better sense of auditioning. I wanted to direct a show that spoke to them. I knew that this show would be "13". So I lobbed out the idea of doing "13" and there would be a CUT. Not everyone who auditioned would get a part.
DRAMA.
The kids all started chatting, and picking songs and rehearsing. I sat quietly in the studio with a big smile on my face. This was THEIR show.
This show really only has 13 characters, but by creating two casts, again, each cast could be ensemble in each others shows (and I wasn't going insane with 50 kids and multiple cast names.) As long as each actor could come to a couple rehearsals over Winter break...I knew I could do it.
And what a fun winter break! For 3 hours each day, we learned dances, made videos, picked out costumes, blocked the show, sang songs, and really bonded. Most importantly, it gave your kids something to do over the holidays other than being on their new electronic devices. I watched as new kids, got new freinds, they took trips to Starbucks, the mall, hung out at friends house, made videos together...amazing stuff. This group has become such good friends, it boggles my mind. (and congrats parents on supporting all these activities!)
Along the way, we've put together an amazing show. Our live band, sort of fell apart and tried to get together...and while I'm printing this program before I actually know we fixed everything, thank you Paul for being our calm cool Musical Director Genius. The kids all love working with you and I hope to continue doing at least two shows a year, if not more in the future!
To Ms. Brenda and her amazing children Carlos and Arielle. These dances have been amazing and with such energy. So awesome. While we might NOT have the knees for all those hops...the kids look amazing and they are having so much fun.
To James from Rockademy. When I walked blindly into your studio and said..."let's do this show" and you kinda looked at me sideways. Well...I'm glad I did. You are one cool cat. I love supporting other locals...and I highly encourage all my kids to join a rock band (its a different experience for sure!) But thank you for continuing on and rocking with us.
To Lindsay and Kirra. You two.....These two girls get together and cut videos they shoot at rehearsals to make a promo video. I just love that they took on this project...not to mention (some of my favorite people on the planet.) Momma is very proud of your video and your efforts. Congrats girls for going that extra mile.
To my Mom Marion Dodson (huge supportor of us and the arts); SEAS for providing equipment, and to Golo for renting us this wonderful space!
I'm SO pumped for Auditions of Legally Blonde and 101 Dalmatians on March 3rd! Both shows are so fun and high energy. I can not wait to get started. Please tell a friend, because word of mouth is my best advertisement. And more kids just mean more casts.
But tonight...enjoy this tale of a bunch of 13 year olds....and how glad I am NOT to be 13...but remember it well. :) Ah...first kisses and crushes. Enjoy the show!
