big the musical, part II

 ... cast shot on poster board in the foyer ...

There is always lots to say about musicals.

This morning I was looking again at the programme that Gabe signed for me.

He had a red felt pen and crouched down on the ground with one knee up so that he could use that knee to steady his programme and print his name.

Gabe signs between the
"b" and "i" of big

He just didn’t print one name, but in brackets he added the name of the character he had played on the film.

All of the perks of stardom were there.

Gabe’s picture was up on the poster board along with the pictures of all of the leading actors.

"chopsticks played on foot"

A terrific photo shoot ended up photo shopped and placed at the centre of the programme.

Young Gabe is shown in an ill fitting tux along with the “old” Gabe whose clothes actually fit.

 ... Gabe crouches to sign with red felt pen ...

One of the charming dance sequences played itself out on the piano – literally, two actors jumping along an enlarged keyboard, playing everything from the theme of a famous Beethoven concerto, to that old familiar tune that has been passed from generation to generation of would-be pianists: Chopsticks.

Andrew holding programme signed by Gabe

No one has really lived until they have learned how to do that on the piano ... so it was enchanting to see it done as a duet ... with feet.

Wyona and Greg had Kalina sitting between them, about six rows up on the most excellent and comfortable chairs on the risers.

 ... Zoe, happy to be at the show ...

Near the end of Act I she was no longer manageable and slipped out between them to the isle, not to run away, but to stand watch Gabe doing a dance.

She mimed from afar her cousin's dance moves, her hips and arms joining in with him and the whole the cast as they did “Cross the Line” before the end of Act One.

... Kalina having an after performance ride in the halls ...

The path toward stardom stars young.

It was a late night for a three-year old and she was not happy to have Zoe and me squeezed into the back seat of the car beside her.

She started with “go away”, pushing us to get a little more room.

By the time we were headed up Harvard street to her house she was murmuring, “I love my bed”, “I love my pink pyjamas”, “I want my mommy” ... all signs that she was ready for home.

From all of us to all of you ... we had a good time at community theatre -- a Christmas treat for all.

Arta

Look for Charise,Alicia, Wyona,Kalina and Chelsea
at the after-the-show party

...  Greg and Zoe against the backdrop for the musical,
big: the musical