Even though the little kids’ pageant is over, the next week flies by in a mad rush. I visit the post office to mail off our Christmas packages to family and friends. Each day one of my children runs the day’s gift over to our next-door neighbor. My younger boys are busy with last-minute projects for school. Lyric’s schedule remains packed with basketball practices and games. Musical practices continue each night for my two eldest children and Emmie.
Thursday night arrives almost too quickly. Tonight is the first night of the high school musical. Thankfully, I will just be an observer this evening. Able to sit in the audience with my family while enjoying the performances of my eldest son and his soon-to-be girlfriend.
I settle into my seat after my younger twins flank me on both my right and my left. Everett is seated in between Alastair and their daddy. I lean back and relax as the curtain finally opens, and the play begins. A while later none other than my own son, Kookie, is seen wandering across the stage. His Petruchio to Emmie’s Kate is quite captivating. Upon meeting her, he opens his mouth in a song.
“You are called plain Kate,
But there is nothing plain about you.
Have I come too late?
I swear you’ll always be my dear shrew.
“Kate, I thought you knew.
I was born to share your lovely laugh,
To marry a shrew,
To claim your lips; you’re my better half.
“Kate, you are my dream.
You’re as lovely, as fair as can be.
You’re my bright sunbeam.
Lighting up my day with your decree.
“Kiss me; kiss me, Kate.
Your sweet meekness is roping me in.
I will take your bait.
Marry me, Kate, and we both will win.”
I grin at my adorable Petruchio. And his lovely Kate who responds with a flat-out refusal of all his aims.
“Marry a fool?
No way, no how.
Won’t be your tool.
Please just go now.”
Emmie turns her back on her crooning suitor. But he persists. Delighting both me and the rest of the crowd. Two hours pass with ease as our whole family sits enjoying both the acting ability and singing prowess of two of our favorite teenagers. I can see the hand of my daughter at work too. The entire musical is delivered flawlessly, every costume and prop in perfect place. Their hard work is evident.
The second night of the musical also passes without a hitch, and afterwards, we take our talented actors, our brilliant backstage manager, and our other children – including Noel and Lyric – out for ice cream to celebrate the end of an era. We have all survived a Christmas pageant and a high school musical. And tomorrow night is the Snow Ball. And both of our children have a lovely date to dance with. After that, we get to enjoy Christmas together. We have much to celebrate. This will definitely be a Christmas to remember.
