Friends in the Woods

I love, but and am not really well-versed in musicals. I do know some titles. I do know some songs. I had Seven Brides down by heart growing up. I heard Rent and Ragtime from my theatre friends during highschool lunch runs. I saw Salt Lake's showing of Les Mis twice on separate (awkward) college dates. I attempted to read Wicked. I have a short list of what I'd really want to see if I ever visit Broadway...

When a college roomie recently made known that she'd gotten the part of "Little Red" in a performance of Into the Woods, I made plans to head to Taylorsville and see it last week. I could support her and come to understand another musical at the same time! Win-Win.

I took Meg along. I knew the writing wasn't aimed to children, but still knew she would enjoy recognizing the fairytale characters on stage. I knew she'd sit still long enough. I knew she'd stay awake for the late 8-11 PM showing. And, I knew that her arm would be far easier to twist than getting Matt to come along. Thank goodness for an older kid who is a night owl! While it is not the most flattering self-clicked picture above, I like it for the fact that it records Meg and I together enjoying licorice. Huddled together on an amphitheatre's bench. Watching lightning clouds in the distance, while wearing summer shorts. Doesn't get much better than that!

So, back to the fact I knew nothing of the storyline, I had to laugh at Meg's questions along the way: "Do you think your friend Red Ridinghood will try to be friends with the wolf?" (don't know) "Will the wolf be scary?" (she was concerned about this one) "Is that cow real?" (k, I could answer that by looking at the wooden prop) "Is Rapunzel's hair real?" (nope, different long wigs) "Do you think these pink cookies made by the Baker's wife taste better than the ones made by the baker?" (referring to prepacked cookies sold at the concession stand during intermission!) Obviously, we were both figuring out this musical together. I enjoyed watching the show alongside Meg.

(some of my favorite pictures floating around FB that I copied "for personal use"...hope they don't mind)

Even more, tho, I enjoyed watching the show for myself. Sitting back and closely listening, I realized the lyrics were PACKED of ironic hopeful phrases. Rather than just cute songs that costumed people could prance around to on stage, these characters were sharing important things as they sang each midnight's conclusion. Proverbs meant for the audience to apply off stage: "The slotted spoon can catch the potato...Every knot was once straight rope...The greater the good the harder the blow...The knife that is sharp today may be dull tomorrow..." To those familiar with the songs, it may not have caught them so off-guard, but I was really taken back by the power of the music this go around.

When the final song changed its focus towards being "Careful the things you say, children will listen. Careful the things you do, children will see...." I realized a song for my current stage in life was playing out on stage. I was sincerely touched. There I sat next to my oldest child. There I sat knowing I'd return to my own "woods" and be challenged by the daily grind once the claps ended.

After giving my friend a "great job" hug, I somehow managed 1-15's night construction and returned home. I have been humming the finale song to myself. While trying to more calmly influence my kids, I have realized that this song might just serve as my replacement for the anger management list on the fridge.

And, I have kept thinking of "Little Red" - who was the whole reason I even knew about the local performance. It would have been easy to lose track of her after our short first year at Utah State. In fact when she left Logan, I did lose all contact with her. Facebook and blogging, years later, was what reconnected us... During a week when petty comments on Facebook have had me questioning any need to keep tabs on some local few, I have found myself realizing that it is a blessing to keep contact with those who influence life in a positive way. It is important to have friends in "the woods."

Sure, I went as support "for her." But turns out the tables were really being turned and she was letting me in on a night that would be a support to me. I am grateful for Andrea (and other sincere friends who share their light in an uplifting way) this week! A sincere thanks and standing ovation for you "Little Red" (You'll always be that in Meg's book). You were part of a great thing this weekend!