First off, I am so proud of these students. It is no easy task to audition, prepare, and polish a full musical. But here we are, performing Matilda Jr. for the people of Carver County! I cannot express my gratitude enough to these amazing students, on and off stage, for the hard work and dedication they have poured into this production.
I also want to thank Jon Christenson, who shares my passion for the theatre. His eye for design is the cherry on top of the cake with these productions. I honestly could not do these shows without him!
If I had to pick my favorite number in the show, I would have to say "When I Grow Up". When I was younger I had many career goals: animated film artist, owning a bakery, being an accountant (only because my dad was an accountant), playing timpani with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and eventually decided to go into music education. No where on that path did theatre ever appear on my radar. I didn't even know what Wicked was when we played a Wicked Medley in band i high school (EEK).
When I got my first teaching job I was told I was going to co-direct the fall musical, Seussical. I was terrified, I knew nothing of musical theatre, and I hadn't ever choreographed more than a light step-clap while student teaching. But what a blessing that was. I quickly fell in love with musical theatre, and more importantly directing students in musical theatre.
Thinking about "When I Grow Up" as a child did not have me headed in this direction, but I feel so lucky to have landed on this path. Directing Middle School theatre has become one of the highlights of my career. I honestly couldn't imagine a more exciting bunch of sudents to spend 5-7 days a week with for countless hours. Middle School students have so much talent. Combine that with their desire to explore and try new things, and I am always impressed with what they are able to do on the stage.
I hope when these kids grow up, they will look back on their time in middle school and remember the truly magical experience they created with and for each other!
