I’m writing today as Scarecrow and Dorothy dance and sing on a stage to my left, and “Toto” keeps cozying up next to my feet. Rehearsals are full-steam ahead for “The Wizard of Oz” at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, and I’m having a great time. I can’t believe how fast this show is coming together. I just sent Dorothy back to Kansas with three clicks of the famous ruby slippers for the first time yesterday, and today, we’re running the whole show. Opening night is this Thursday!
Of course, it’s been a big, BIG challenge to figure out how to balance work, parenting, and a full-scale musical theatre run. I had a pretty big parenting “fail” on day one of rehearsal, when I got a series of frantic texts from my husband, asking about a Chuck-e-Cheese birthday party Clara was supposed to be at. I had completely forgotten about it. Luckily, my parents were visiting, and my mom managed to get Clara out of filthy play clothes and into a party dress in about two seconds flat. They got her to the party about 30 minutes late, while her space-cadet mom was sending Dorothy down a yellow brick road. Thank goodness for my “village!”
I know I’m not alone in these struggles. My uber-talented actress/dancer friend Deb, who is also in the show, was worrying about her two boys, who were being picked up from school by a neighbor that day. “That NEVER happens,” she explained, as she tugged nervously at her hair. “My eye has been twitching all day.” But we all know that once the madness of the two-week rehearsal period subsides, we will settle into a rhythm. We’re fortunate to have loved ones who support this passion of ours, and little ones who get a huge kick out of meeting cast members and getting behind-the-scenes glimpses of theatre life.
Gotta run – almost time to wave my wand to make it snow on some sleep-inducing poppies. Hope your kickoff to summer is as fun and fabulous as my trip to Emerald City!