The Show Must Go On!

Last night was opening night to Katie's Middle School musical, "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown." (Click the link for a video of the opening number by the company.) For her first foray into the dramatic arts, Katie chose to be in the crew backstage rather than try out for a singing/acting part. I think that she made a wise choice. She's not a jump-into-the-deep-end kinda girl. She has enjoyed the whole experience. She has made a lot of new friends, learned most of the lines of all the actors, and has pretty much had an overall positive experience.

Opening night was a wonderful, adrenaline filled evening for all the kids. The performances are being given at our Livermore High School, where there is a theatre available for these venues. Not just some stinky multi-purpose room. There is even an orchestra pit. These middle school kids pulled off a pretty wonderful performance. Of course, being a musical, they all had to sing and dance. There were some very good singers, and some not so very good singers (kinda hard on the ears, but oh, well - they're just kids!). It all evens out when sweetened by the fact that these are kids in our community. We saw our elementary school principle and her partner there, as well as many, many parents with whom we have become acquainted over the past school year.

Katie's middle school PTA sponsored the event providing the money for costumes, props and any other expenses associated with the production. Kandy, my partner, is VP on the PTA, so she was quite thrilled to see their support come to such fruition.

Afterward we went to Stone Cold Creamery to celebrate with scoops of creamy ice cream or sorbet. Yummy! It seemed as if everyone in the cast and crew were there with parents in tow. We kept them open about an hour after closing time, and happily, if wearily we made our way home.

This morning Katie woke up complaining that her stomach hurt. No fever. Hmmmm... Thinking that perhaps the daily doses of Naprosyn were having a detrimental effect on her stomach, i gave her some Mylanta to try and see if it helped.

It didn't help. Can't this girl catch a break???

Becoming more concerned, but not knowing what was going on, we decided to wait and see.

Didn't have to wait long. Everything came back up. The kid has a stomach virus. So much for tonight's performance. By the time we called the director and others involved, we heard of 3 others coming down with the same thing - including the girl who plays Lucy, a central character, next to Charlie Brown himself.

No under-studies, either. Ack!

I can' t wait to hear how the show goes tonight. I hope Lucy (Jenny) can pull it off. Knowing that Katie is feeling better tonight, I hope Jenny feels well enough to sing and dance and stay upright while doing so!