On Saturday, my husband and I spent the evening watching our daughter, Sam, perform in her college's production of A Little Night Music. The voices were amazing. The pit orchestra was excellent. All in all, a very high quality production. My daughter was an extra, barely noticeable. She was also in charge of moving one of the set panels throughout the show. The few weeks before the opening night, I got several stressed out phone calls, which surprised me. My daughter was worried about keeping up with her class work while she spent countless hours every night at the theater. I never once reminded her that it was her choice to become a musical theater major. I just listened and told her to push herself as m
uch as she could.
uch as she could. After the show, we waited for Sam. I could tell she was glad we made the trip to see her, even though she was just a moving set panel. She was exhausted, getting a cold, frustrated. My husband and I told her we thought the show was very good and she agreed. When we got to her dorm, we hauled up a box of food we brought her, handed her money, then hugged her good-bye.
On the ride home, I thought about how proud I was that Sam had worked so hard to just be a moving set panel. Paying dues was building her character and her determination.
A friend's son moved set panels, then built them, then managed sets, went on to grad school, and now has a great job working with theatres in NY. One step at a time can turn into a career for a lifetime.
ReplyDeleteYou must be proud that she is sticking it out, asking for support which is good, but persisting. Sounds like a nice time between parents and grown up child.
ReplyDeleteCollege life can be so stressful and tiring. It sounds like she is burning the candle at both ends. The play will eventually end but she'll have the memories to last a lifetime. It will be well worth it. She's lucky to have such supportive parents.
ReplyDeleteI know how much my daughter appreciated our visits to her at college - the drive was long but connecting to her in her life felt so good. Your visit is such a statement of support for your daughter.
ReplyDeleteI think it often takes more character to play a role like hers than to play the most strenuous lead role. Kudos to her and to you for recognizing her greatness!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you were able to be there to enjoy the experience! Theater is such hard work - especially when one has to juggle school work as well. Good for your daughter that she know how to do this!
ReplyDeleteDiana,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed learning about your daughter's theater adventures. I liked how you didn't reveal her role until the end. I didn't think about all the other people involved in a theater production. I just assumed she would be an actor. I thought this was clever writing, using the surprise ending.
Erin