the Dickens' Festival

My friend, Andrea, planted the idea of the Dickens Festival in my mind an entire year ago when she stepped in as directer of its two plays. Her young boys were in the shows (and very cute in costume). Knowing it would return annually, and that it would only mean a 15 minute commute to rehearsals at the State Fair Park, she mentioned that my girls should give the stage a try this year. I mulled participating over. Push the girls and commit to the schedule of Oliver? Not join and remain ignorant of the event? I chose to participate...well, have the girls participate!

Participation has meant: worrying about each girl singing a song at auditions (I know nothing of what is expected in theatre), coaxing Meg's cold-feet at auditions to follow sister to stand in front of the "ladies at the table," realizing that Matt unexpectedly knew every detail and song of Oliver! - who knew?!, braving cold Saturday morning rehearsals since October, finding that each practice would have the girls changing position as that day's eager child or the one loudly dragging their feet, convincing Paige that she was to follow the director's instructions even if she firmly believed that she was "not an orphan," hearing "Food, Glorious Food" sung repeatedly, laughing when overhearing the girls whisper "let's pretend this is gruel and we have to eat it" over their less-than-favorite dinners these past months, learning the work and tricks required behind stage (cocoa powder as face dirt is really just the cocoa found in my kitchen cupboard?!), befriending other parents among those shuttling to support their children, sitting in rows of empty chairs as rehearsals were run, smiling while watching "grouchy-faced orphans" march towards the official stage, enjoying the confidence Meg has found and her pride in telling any and all about "the show", prodding Paige to stick with it until the whole run in done...and to not jump off the side of the stage...nor touch the stage lights' pole, wrangling groups of orphans while they waited off stage for the ending curtain call, and knowing that I'll love the cast picture once finally in hand. The group in costume is no longer just a bunch of unknown faces!

That long explanation said, here are a few peeks. Some pictures I took during an early practice and the first dress rehearsal when their dirty faces made it on stage.

Learning the orphan line.

One of two orphan tables.

First dress rehearsal. Back row committed. Front row more mesmerized by the lights.

Ready to march to the stage with both grouchy faces and bowls for gruel.

Listening to last minute details.

Andrea's #2 and my #2. Two troubles too close together! Love 'em both.

Just two out of six nights now complete, this is where we'll be this weekend and next. Enjoying the feel of the "London Streets," I hope to wander vendor booths, take our kids to see the authentic Father Christmas and his live reindeer, and watch the hour production of Scrooge which I haven't seen yet...on the days I'm not wrangling others' children. While I don't think that I would have paid the entrance fee and come without a connection, the Festival has proven to have a family feel (crowded, a bit chaotic, and cheesy around some corners...but GOOD) and it seems to be a great way to start the holiday season. Big commitment for sure, but I am glad we gave it a go and have our family involved with it!

Caroling with "street theatre." This time on a small stage.