Robinson Crusoe

Each year our school hosts the Missoula Theater group. This year the play was a loose adaptation of Robinson Crusoe. The Missoula Theater company provides the professionals, the props, the scripts, all of it. Our school provides the kids and the PTA volunteers. The plays are always very impressive, especially given the fact that they only practice for four days and perform on the 5th. The only downside about Missoula is that because it is done so quickly, they can't accomodate all kids. So unlike many elementary school plays, not everyone gets a part. Many don't, actually. The auditions are on Monday afternoon. Lots of parents stay, but I was so relieved when Sela just told me to come for the very end. It's pretty brutal and there are lots of tears from both parents and children, understandably. For some reason, Sela's grade has a ton of girls who try out. Sela didn't make it last year but didn't hesitate about trying again. I was proud of her for her persistence. I was very nervous for her all day because I knew how much she wanted to be a part of the play. I said a prayer for her and I also had a little consolation gift for her in the car, in the event that she didn't make it. I think I was more nervous than she was.

I had only entered the gym for about 30 seconds and they called Sela's name. What a relief! I think she finally figured out what they were looking for. And it's not just a smiley face like they mention in the flyer! I could see in her face how totally thrilled she was. As soon as I heard it I wanted to get out as fast as possible because once everyone is announced, then the tears come. It's heartbreaking for me, because the kids are so young and all want it so badly. But I had to wait until all the parts were announced for them to release the kids.

All Sela talked about all week was the play and how much fun she was having. She was part of an "evil" tribe on the island. They sang and tried to scare other characters. Sela looked like she was having a blast on stage. She was very animated.

Zig, Rollin, and Nina went the the first show and Nina and I went to the evening showing. Nina was so excited for Sela...she gathered flowers for Sela from the yard and we made some little bouquets.

Nina finished up the evening with what is seeming to be her new favorite past-time, chasing her little buddy, Mason.

I have to say, one thing I do love about Missoula is that they go hard and long for one week, and then it's done. Sela was at school from 8:30-8pm several times, but it doesn't drag on. Five days start to finish. I love that.