The middle school summer musical intensive was such a big part of our June, it deserves its own post! Over the last two years, Emma has loved her experiences on stage, and over the last year Adam has joined her. Stilwell has a great drama department, and this was the one chance that these two had to perform together before Adam heads off to high school in the fall. I was so very impressed with their ability to practice and work together on their auditions- when it came time to sing, speak, and dance, they were ready!
We had a hunch that Adam, as an outgoing 8th grader with a full year's experience with the director and far less competition against other boys than outgoing 6the grader Emma was facing against the older girls, would have a opportunity to perform in a leading role. And, as Sir Harry, he did an absolutely fantastic job!
In this play, Sir Harry is the most mature male, already in love and working to get the silly Prince Dauntless married off so he can finally marry his girl Lady Larkin. He worked so hard to memorize his lines and perfect his love song with Emma's help before the week-long play practice started.
And Emma did the absolute best job that she could as Ensemble Gal Number 8. She had fantastic positioning on the stage at all times, thanks to her confident stage presence, familiarity with the story and comfortable interactions with the other students and the directors.
She even helped tweak the blocking for Adam's love song! which was delightful to watch. Like most 14-year-old boys, Adam basically has a look but don't touch relationship with girls, so watching him sing and dance and swoon over Lady Larkin was both adorable and terrifying. He's a sweet lover boy for sure (it took me straight back to his days with Alayna from preschool) and I have no doubt there were girls in the wings and the audience swooning over his performance!
Emma's dance moves and songs were fantastic too- she played a depressed maiden who wanted a chance to fall in love, which meant she wasn't smiling much but she played her part so well!
After the first night she asked me about some of the other players on the stage and I had to admit that I wasn't looking at anyone else but her- she was too fabulous to miss!
I loved seeing the play twice- the first night we had several friends (and Grammy Q!) joining us, and the second day, we enjoyed a closer seat for better pictures. Beginning to end, this play was a huge undertaking for Adam and Emma and everyone involved! They started practice on Tuesday and presented two fantastic performances on Saturday and Sunday, complete with about a dozen choreographed songs and full costumes! Adam also had twice daily marching band practice this week, but he handled both beautifully.
I loved watching Adam and Emma doing what they love! And I loved looking over at Noah, their Number One Biggest Fan- he was a huge help with lines and songs too!
And a huge shout out to Nick, Adam's friend who has encouraged him to give drama a try this year (they keep each other on their toes as they compete for drama roles, choir solos, show choir spots, and trumpet chairs).
After the second show's bows, the teachers presented outgoing 8th graders with roses and letters, and I agree with Ms Coleman's words- this great experiences would have only been better if Adam had started with the drama in 7th grade. It's hard to know what to expect from high school drama, but this experience has been a wonderful one for him, and we're all delighted that Emma has so many Stilwell plays ahead of her still.
What a sweet experience for these sweet siblings! (Leah helped me create these candy and flower bouquets.)
Here's to a performance to remember for Emma and Adam!
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