This column is scheduled for publication in the 4.05.06 edition of the Tribune & Georgian newspaper and in the 4.06.06 issue of the Kingsbay Periscope.
When dreams come true in your own life, it is a thing of wonder. However, when you get to see dreams realized in other people's lives, there are so many more possibilities. If you are able to observe these happy occasions from a distance without jaundice or judgment, you get a double pay off, experiencing not only the recipient's wonder and joy, but your own as well. And if you played even a small role in helping another's dreams coming true, then add pride and satisfaction to the emotional equation. You may heap on one more layer of goodness if the recipient is your child. As you can see, this experience is both overwhelming and draining, but worth repeating. The only cautionary note is that one should space these experiences out, if they are controllable at all, as the reservoir of tears and elation can become exhausting. Lately, I think some friends of mine have met their limit. I'll explain.
Thanks to many of you that attended, “Footloose” was a huge success in many ways. The student performers are cherishing and re-living the experience, having found skills and capacity in themselves they didn't know they possessed. In every performance I watched them give so much love to their audiences and their teachers; I got to see first dreams come true on both sides of the equation. One cast member, whom I had never really gotten to know, told me: “This was the best experience of my life.” He had never been in a play before or worked in a theatre production, but in this experience he found all the things that make the arts so powerful: self-awareness, loyalty and commitment to others, and the knowledge that you, and a group of new friends, have worked very hard to make others happy. The selflessness of that awareness and mere effort is daunting.
During Sunday’s performance, I had the privilege of being near show’s choreographer, listening and watching her reactions to all the big and tiny things that her charges did on stage. Over four months, she spent countless hours with them, creating movement in ways and in places, which, at first, the students didn’t think was possible. By challenging, cajoling, supporting and, occasionally, chiding her charges to reach for lofty goals, she created a living body of work where there was nothing. By her mere suggestions, dance and performance nuances were perfected. And in her laughter, tears and joyous reaction, I got to see her dreams come true in those young actors movement, their prowess. Since this talented teacher is the mother of my grandchildren, I think I reached a state of emotional nirvana for a time.
For the next few weeks, we will explore all that is intriguing about “Crooked Rivers’ Sisters Three.” The homegrown, historical play is slated for three weekends beginning Thursday (April 20). The performances dates are: April 20, 21, 22, 23; April 27, 28, 29, 30; and May 4, 5, 6, 7. Thursday-Saturday performances begin at 7:30 pm. Sunday performances begin at 2:30 pm. All performances are scheduled at Crooked Rivers State Park, which is seven miles north, at the end of Charlie Smith Sr. Hwy (or Spur 40). Tickets are available by calling (912) 729-3154 beginning April 1. Also, “Crooked Rivers” tickets are available at these area merchants: The Blue Goose, Once Upon a Book Seller, and Sheila’s Hallmark. They will also be available at the show box office at Crooked River State Park on the day of performance. Put this on your calendar now!
Opportunities for this week and the future: find jazz and art in the self-guided First Wednesday’s Art Walk in downtown Jacksonville, free, April 5, 5-9 p.m.; The Great American Jazz Piano Competition kicks off April 6 at the Florida Theatre, 7 p.m.; do not miss the extravaganza that is Cirque du Soleil’s “Delirium” at Veteran’s Memorial Arena, April 6 & 7; Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Metropolitan Park, April 7-9, 5-10 p.m.
If you have ideas or events you want me to share with readers, send me a note at pkraack1@tds.net.
4.5.06
