This column is the eighth in a series devoted to promoting cultural tourism in coastal Georgia. It was published in the Tribune & Georgian newspaper in Kingsland, GA, appearing on October 21, 2005.
For a few weeks it has been my pleasure to offer you some ideas about cultural tourism, its importance in today’s economic picture, and what might be possible in our community. One of the points I made previously was that involvement in and commitment to such a production has benefits beyond economic ones. It has by-products that are highly personal and highly rewarding, mostly related to ways that involvement in community and commitment to a project that is vital and worthwhile yields good memories, positive relationships and long-term personal growth.
While writing, I considered if readers might wonder why they should be involved with Crooked Rivers’ Sisters Three; why should they come to a “gathering” and volunteer to be in this production. I also know that some people want to know what it will be like; exactly what will happen, what to expect when you get involved in a musical production, especially one that will be performed for the first time in its entirety. So this week, I want to share a little about what this might be like and what you can expect to give to and gain from such an experience. (I base these observations on more than 20 years of being part of a community theatre production team and on my own personal experiences of being part of such productions.)
One important thing you will gain from being a part of the Crooked Rivers’ Sisters Three production cast is a sense of family that is found no where else. You will be greeted as a friend, a family member and an appreciated link in a close-knit group. There will be highs and lows, accomplishments and frustrations. Some things will be difficult to learn, others will be sheer joy. You will leave each meeting or rehearsal sharing funny stories, revealing your soul to a new friend and singing snippets of songs that you simply cannot get out of your head. And when other friends, who are not in the cast, ask you about the experience, you will say: “Well, it’s like…it’s sort of a…well, you just have to be there to understand it!”
Another part of the experience of being in a production of this nature is that you learn things about yourself, as well as others. You often find new friends that you might not have met otherwise. You sometimes get tested and challenged to do things you haven’t done before or done in a long time. There are emotional and silly moments. There are compromises made and new principles established. As the production dates approach, you will find it difficult to concentrate on work and play; all of it pales in comparison to this new, intoxicating affair.
Finally, good things happen to people that do this stuff. Families that share the experience grow so much closer; neighbors and friends who collaborate gain new trust in and respect for each other. Children that are involved in such efforts show improvement in their reading, conversation and confidence. They benefit from their close proximity with adults that support and appreciate them and that are not their parents. Parents gain a new appreciation of their kids and share a great pride in their accomplishments, performance and improved behavior.
On a personal note, recently I had the opportunity to witness some of these experiences on a very personal level. When you fly long distances, get slightly sleep deprived and then see your own child perform in the national touring company of Les Misérables, it is a raw emotional phenomenon. I harkened to his first show when he stubbed his toe making an entrance in South Pacific, remembered him as a 10-year-old playing a dead body in Arsenic and Old Lace and his improvisation in Annie Warbucks that had me (as FDR) buffaloed when I went to shake his hand.
Through tears and pride, I wanted more people to share this experience. In Crooked Rivers, where there is a story around every bend, it can happen for you.
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