The Tale of Snow White: Opening

It was absolutely terrifying to open this show. I've opened many shows and never has my chest got so tight. My reputation wasn't on the line, but rather the easily bruised souls of children who had poured all they had, for two months, into the show. Sure, they learned a lot and made many friends but would they be able to look back and remember this night with joy if nobody else liked it. If all they could remember was a quiet and bored house.

Of course, I didn't really have anything to worry about. Even if they didn't necessarily like theatre, the family and extended family would all be there to support the children they love. However, once the show got started, what we heard was not an obligatory chuckle but rather an involuntary uproar. They were eating it up.

It was during this first performance that I was able to appreciate Kiersten's directing fully, whether she meant it or not, she had included many jokes aimed at an older generation. In the first few minute we hear empty coconut husks as a horse's trot, reminding everyone of Monty Python. Right after that, we hear many recognizable movie soundtracks. Later, we have Frank Sinatra lyrics laced into the show. Now, not all of the cast understood the references but they still had a blast incorporating them into their show. 

With the house lights out and a sole mission of managing the stage and calling cues, I was able to take in all the stage images the show had to offer. In every scene Kiersten had at least one picture that sticks vividly in my mind. My favorite will always be the seven dwarves huddled around the bed while Snow White sleeps.

Just as I expected, riding the energy of the audience like mini rock stars, the kids absolutely killed the show. Reserves of energy they rarely tapped into for rehearsals, were seemingly at their fingertips as audience cheers egged them on. Moments that never rang true in rehearsal now twinkled every time.With every scene I became more and more confident in the kids, the show, and all the hard work we put into it.