Saturday, December 12, 2009
Curtain Speech for the Final Performance of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"
My name is Christine Schaefer and I’m the director of KidsPlay, Inc. children’s theatre and the CrazyLake Acting Company. In the twelve years that I’ve been introducing plays in this community, our primary goal has been to make you laugh and applaud—we’ve never wanted to teach a lesson or deliver a message—just entertain you. But the show you’re about to see—“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”—has turned out to be quite different from what we usually do. Yes, it’s a comedy and a children’s play, but somehow, it’s been more than that, and I think I speak for everyone who has had the privilege of working together on this show when I say that this has been something special for us and for a good deal of our audiences. I honestly don’t know if it’s just because of the Christmas season, or…because of the message…but all of us, in some way, have been touched…and changed by our involvement with this show. It’s been an amazing experience for us…for me…and I hope—that when all is said and done--that that comes through in our performance and that what you feel is what we feel, during this most wonderful season of the year. And now, it is my great pleasure and privilege to invite you to share in the magic that has been and is “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
It's a sappy little show, really. Made into a stage play from a popular children's book. A fairly predictable story and script. Hoodlum kids invade the church's Christmas pageant. True meaning of Christmas "works its magic" and lives are changed. Everyone lives happily ever after.
We walk in some pretty deep footprints with this show. Creating storybook characters is tricky business, because when you read the book, you create the image in your imagination. Remember worrying if Harry Potter was going to be just like you imagined him? Or Frodo? Or Aslan? Would what you saw on the screen (or stage) live up to your imagination? The true Reader will tell you that the book is always better, so trying to bring to life the classic characters of Beth, Alice, Imogene, Gladys, Ralph, Mrs. Bradley is really going out on a limb.
But my kids--AND my adults--do it. They do it, and then some, making the characters their own. My adults: Rachelle, Kelly, Michael, Frances, Mona, Joe, and the rest--they've taken some fairly one-dimensional characters and brought them into 3-D, multi-dimmensional life. They've done a great job.
But my kids...oh, those kids...
They made me cry today. After 35 rehearsals and...six performances...still today, they 'got' me. Make no mistake, we pull out all the stops. The Herdmans smack each other so hard during the 'disruptive' scenes that you can hear the thumps and the slaps at the back of the auditorium. They race up and down the aisle at break-neck speed and get EVERYONE'S attention. Alice's disdain and perfectness are enough to make even model children gag. We use music to create a mood...and lights...the light on the manger, the spot on the family... Megan's timing on her heartfelt moments of understanding of the story...looking at the baby, laying in the manger, covering it, and leaving it...looking back...and leaving. And yes, Joe and Dennis, adding in the angel choir at the manger was the ne plus ultra. We've put together a beautiful little piece of theatre, if I do say so myself. And we're touching people. Making family memories. Creating a little Christmas magic all our own.
It's a wonderful show. It is. And it deserves an audience. We performed today the second of our matinees and it was a delightful experience. Sold out. The kids are truly the best audiences. They laugh and applaud. And then, they got quiet. They got it. We ALL got it. And, if you open your heart to the story, you will, too.
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever". It is. Go see it.
We walk in some pretty deep footprints with this show. Creating storybook characters is tricky business, because when you read the book, you create the image in your imagination. Remember worrying if Harry Potter was going to be just like you imagined him? Or Frodo? Or Aslan? Would what you saw on the screen (or stage) live up to your imagination? The true Reader will tell you that the book is always better, so trying to bring to life the classic characters of Beth, Alice, Imogene, Gladys, Ralph, Mrs. Bradley is really going out on a limb.
But my kids--AND my adults--do it. They do it, and then some, making the characters their own. My adults: Rachelle, Kelly, Michael, Frances, Mona, Joe, and the rest--they've taken some fairly one-dimensional characters and brought them into 3-D, multi-dimmensional life. They've done a great job.
But my kids...oh, those kids...
They made me cry today. After 35 rehearsals and...six performances...still today, they 'got' me. Make no mistake, we pull out all the stops. The Herdmans smack each other so hard during the 'disruptive' scenes that you can hear the thumps and the slaps at the back of the auditorium. They race up and down the aisle at break-neck speed and get EVERYONE'S attention. Alice's disdain and perfectness are enough to make even model children gag. We use music to create a mood...and lights...the light on the manger, the spot on the family... Megan's timing on her heartfelt moments of understanding of the story...looking at the baby, laying in the manger, covering it, and leaving it...looking back...and leaving. And yes, Joe and Dennis, adding in the angel choir at the manger was the ne plus ultra. We've put together a beautiful little piece of theatre, if I do say so myself. And we're touching people. Making family memories. Creating a little Christmas magic all our own.
It's a wonderful show. It is. And it deserves an audience. We performed today the second of our matinees and it was a delightful experience. Sold out. The kids are truly the best audiences. They laugh and applaud. And then, they got quiet. They got it. We ALL got it. And, if you open your heart to the story, you will, too.
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever". It is. Go see it.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Stars
It’s 4:57 a.m. My alarm just went off and I’m up. For some reason, it’s important to know the weather. I run outside in my bare feet to see if I can see the stars and there they are. It is just as it should be in December. Cold and clear. I can almost hear the Christmas spirit jingling in the air.
Today. Something is happening today. Something special. The something that is the first thing I think of when I get up and the last thing I think of when I go to bed.
And what have I got? What have I got? I’ll tell you. I’ve got stars in my sky and stars on my stage. I’ve got kids, all in their places, with smiles (or frowns) on their faces. I’ve got boys who are gonna ‘bring it on’ tonight. I’ve got two girls, one little and one near grown who are gonna make ‘em laugh, and then make ‘em cry. I’ve got adults with barely contained grins, thoroughly enjoying this chance to ‘play make-believe’ once again. I’ve got the best Grace Bradley to ever pace the stage. I’ve got a support system—back stage, in the booth, upstairs, in the dressing room, in the lobby—that can withstand gale winds and sudden showers and still make it happen.
What more could I want on this fine, cold clear December day? I’ll tell you. I made my wish out there in the cold, and I’ll tell you….tonight after the people take their seats…if it came true.
Today. Something is happening today. Something special. The something that is the first thing I think of when I get up and the last thing I think of when I go to bed.
And what have I got? What have I got? I’ll tell you. I’ve got stars in my sky and stars on my stage. I’ve got kids, all in their places, with smiles (or frowns) on their faces. I’ve got boys who are gonna ‘bring it on’ tonight. I’ve got two girls, one little and one near grown who are gonna make ‘em laugh, and then make ‘em cry. I’ve got adults with barely contained grins, thoroughly enjoying this chance to ‘play make-believe’ once again. I’ve got the best Grace Bradley to ever pace the stage. I’ve got a support system—back stage, in the booth, upstairs, in the dressing room, in the lobby—that can withstand gale winds and sudden showers and still make it happen.
What more could I want on this fine, cold clear December day? I’ll tell you. I made my wish out there in the cold, and I’ll tell you….tonight after the people take their seats…if it came true.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Watching Carie's Vids
There is a girl I know. She makes videos, videos for the drama department She makes five-minute time capsules of times and places that only come around once: montages of clips, photos, scenes from the show, vignettes of silliness, dancing, bloopers, funny faces and craziness. Watching, I know I am seeing something unique to this world. I am honored at this glimpse into the lives of these young people, privileged to share that joy, to see them as they are, as they practice for who they will someday be. Watching, I know now what I will know twenty years from now: that these moments in life were...are...precious and sacred--holy moments, here in this temple we call the theatre, among the secret society known as the drama department.
In this video I see future theatre legend Sophia Russelberg talking about the exhilaration of her first show at G-C; I see Meredith in an Indian head-dress and a Paul Revere coat, take hops to the right and hops to the left; I see my son's beautiful eyes as he unveils his dry sense of humor. I see my team, Jayme and Hudson--and me, all within arm's reach of each other; I see Ellen's beautiful smile; I see The Lauren Prazeau, a freshman actress, being what I've raised her to be; I see Kyla in a beautifully unscripted moment, blowing a feather from her hand; I see the kids, my actors, hauntingly lit, in the glare of the spotlight; I see Lucas and Alex stealing the show; and the Cop, who earned my respect and admiration, mugging for the camera; I see the Irrepressibles--Evan and Cody; I see elegant Rachel smiling into the mirror; I see all four doors open at once; I see cutie Hailey, and Bri, Mary and Alexander, Portia, Rahel, Shelby, and Lucia, she of the 102 fever; I see kids thinking, processing, learning, internalizing; I see everyone pivot in the same direction all at the same time; I see a slap that had to have hurt; I see blue hair and yellow roses; I see so much unabashed joy and happiness that it's almost hard to take it all in. And I see me smiling. I'm smiling in all my clips. Who'd have thought? Smiling then, smiling still. I hear the message in the music, see it on young faces. Hold on to that feeling, kids. Don't stop believing.
In this video I see future theatre legend Sophia Russelberg talking about the exhilaration of her first show at G-C; I see Meredith in an Indian head-dress and a Paul Revere coat, take hops to the right and hops to the left; I see my son's beautiful eyes as he unveils his dry sense of humor. I see my team, Jayme and Hudson--and me, all within arm's reach of each other; I see Ellen's beautiful smile; I see The Lauren Prazeau, a freshman actress, being what I've raised her to be; I see Kyla in a beautifully unscripted moment, blowing a feather from her hand; I see the kids, my actors, hauntingly lit, in the glare of the spotlight; I see Lucas and Alex stealing the show; and the Cop, who earned my respect and admiration, mugging for the camera; I see the Irrepressibles--Evan and Cody; I see elegant Rachel smiling into the mirror; I see all four doors open at once; I see cutie Hailey, and Bri, Mary and Alexander, Portia, Rahel, Shelby, and Lucia, she of the 102 fever; I see kids thinking, processing, learning, internalizing; I see everyone pivot in the same direction all at the same time; I see a slap that had to have hurt; I see blue hair and yellow roses; I see so much unabashed joy and happiness that it's almost hard to take it all in. And I see me smiling. I'm smiling in all my clips. Who'd have thought? Smiling then, smiling still. I hear the message in the music, see it on young faces. Hold on to that feeling, kids. Don't stop believing.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Defying Gravity into the Sunrise
Oh. My. Gosh!!!
Who would have thought? Who would have thought it???? They were wonderful! They were tremendous! I wanted them to have a standing ovation, but people here don't generally know what that is... Lord knows, they deserved it. I think I danced all during the second act. I couldn't have been happier with them. My rookies, my babies, my lifelong children. I love them, love them, love them.
They sure didn't look like rookies to me. I couldn't be more proud of them.
So, this morning, I JUMPED out of bed, ready to meet them all at the box office and freely give out smiles and hugs and love... I drove into a gorgeous sunrise of pink and blue combed clouds, listening to "Defying Gravity" and I wanted my car to just take off into the air, like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! And fly! I love my life and all is well in the theatre world when the show comes together.
Who would have thought? Who would have thought it???? They were wonderful! They were tremendous! I wanted them to have a standing ovation, but people here don't generally know what that is... Lord knows, they deserved it. I think I danced all during the second act. I couldn't have been happier with them. My rookies, my babies, my lifelong children. I love them, love them, love them.
They sure didn't look like rookies to me. I couldn't be more proud of them.
So, this morning, I JUMPED out of bed, ready to meet them all at the box office and freely give out smiles and hugs and love... I drove into a gorgeous sunrise of pink and blue combed clouds, listening to "Defying Gravity" and I wanted my car to just take off into the air, like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! And fly! I love my life and all is well in the theatre world when the show comes together.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Opening Night
It's opening night for my high school show. I should be feeling happy and excited. Instead, I want to just stay in bed. I think the show is okay, pretty good, excellent, really for what I started with and how it's turned out. But that's what I think.
But the people around me--the ones I count on for advice and support, the ones whose opinions I trust--they have nothing good to say about it. I guess I started that. I was so discouraged. I'd like to change my tune a little now and offer something positive to my actors. Lord knows for all the notes and criticism I've given them, they deserve it.
For some of them, tonight is their very first opening night. Exciting, wonderful. a THRILLING feeling. I feel sad that I don't feel happier. Feel like I've failed everyone involved. Feel like I've failed them for not loving them more. Failed them for leaving so much of the details (that may or may not get done at this late minute) up to others. Failed them for...for...caring too much? It's the caring too much that makes me cry when I get frustrated. I know they give that a negative interpretation...but I can't help it.
Well...let's see what the evening brings...
Break a leg, everyone.
But the people around me--the ones I count on for advice and support, the ones whose opinions I trust--they have nothing good to say about it. I guess I started that. I was so discouraged. I'd like to change my tune a little now and offer something positive to my actors. Lord knows for all the notes and criticism I've given them, they deserve it.
For some of them, tonight is their very first opening night. Exciting, wonderful. a THRILLING feeling. I feel sad that I don't feel happier. Feel like I've failed everyone involved. Feel like I've failed them for not loving them more. Failed them for leaving so much of the details (that may or may not get done at this late minute) up to others. Failed them for...for...caring too much? It's the caring too much that makes me cry when I get frustrated. I know they give that a negative interpretation...but I can't help it.
Well...let's see what the evening brings...
Break a leg, everyone.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Transformation
What happens? What makes it good? What is the difference between Monday night's rehearsal where I cried because I was SO discouraged....and tonight, where there were no emotive theatrics, and hope raised its weary head?
Yes, I know I'm overly emotional about stuff, but...I just...care. And maybe it's good to have things in your life that are worth crying over. I think so.
In any case, somehow, at least in my eyes (the ones that matter?), the show has gotten MUCH better. But...does it really GET better...or is it just that repeated viewings somehow subconsciously lower my expectations...alter my original vision, lower my standards for performance? Is it just that what I'm seeing is so beyond my recent expectations that it seems better than it really is?
I don't know. It's an interesting question. But what I do know is that...the show IS better. Timing, character, volume, delivery, the humor...most of these are suddenly THERE. Suddenly, I'm smiling. I'm seeing bursts of theatre beauty, moments of true entertainment. And I am PROUD of my 'rookies'.
Yes, I know I'm overly emotional about stuff, but...I just...care. And maybe it's good to have things in your life that are worth crying over. I think so.
In any case, somehow, at least in my eyes (the ones that matter?), the show has gotten MUCH better. But...does it really GET better...or is it just that repeated viewings somehow subconsciously lower my expectations...alter my original vision, lower my standards for performance? Is it just that what I'm seeing is so beyond my recent expectations that it seems better than it really is?
I don't know. It's an interesting question. But what I do know is that...the show IS better. Timing, character, volume, delivery, the humor...most of these are suddenly THERE. Suddenly, I'm smiling. I'm seeing bursts of theatre beauty, moments of true entertainment. And I am PROUD of my 'rookies'.
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