matinee with the middles...

since january, the middles have been preparing and rehearsing for their parts in two separate productions with a local childrens' theater. so, we all packed into the mini-van, filed into the theater and settled into our seats to watch the middles matinee.

ethan was uncle albert in mary poppins. we had just received a hand-me-down sport coat from our friends the parsons~perfect timing! paired with a clip on tie from the dress up trunk and some khaki pants, uncle albert was born. ethan is so naturally comfortable on stage. it's really apparent that nerves don't even play a factor from the smile he beams. he really loves being part of a cast and enjoys all the hoopla of performance day. let's just say the singing and dancing part isn't really his favorite. he's looking forward to drama class rather than musical theater in the future.

olivia was "tola" in the king and i. we found her costume at the tibetan store in the mall on massive clearance. i'm going back to get the other girls one so we'll be set for halloween! we twisted her hair into a bun, shellacked it with several ounces of hairspray and used some dramatic black eye liner. she was a bit quiet this morning in the car on the way there. olivia does get jitters before performing, but after a few moments on stage realizes that she really wants to be there.

while we won't necessarily make it to hollywood, it's really not the goal. we're thrilled that they want to keep performing and learning the ins and outs of stage productions. the confidence they gain and the self-assuredness is reward enough. and it makes for great photo ops. next up is a musical theater camp this summer themed "Jesus is the rock hop", a 50's style sock hop for the savior. grab your saddle shoes and poodle skirt! we'll save you a seat!