It’s a mystery

Tonight will be opening night for Nate in his school production of Hairspray. He is playing Edna, mom of the heroine Tracy. Last night we say their first run-through as the cast and crew put the show on for families. It was wonderful.

I thought it was pretty gutsy of Nate to take on this role. He’s never been in a play before, he does not even like to sing in church, and he has to appear on stage night after night in a dress and curlers. And yet, on top of all the other things he does at his school, he took on this challenge. I couldn’t be more proud and impressed! That smudge in the spotlight of the picture below is Nate as Edna in the opening scene last night.

Over the past few days I’ve been arriving early and remembering why I love theater. The chaos reminded me of nothing more than this exchange in Shakespeare In Love:

Philip Henslowe
Mr. Fennyman, allow me to explain about the theatre business. The natural condition is one of insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster.

Hugh Fennyman
So what do we do?

Henslowe
Nothing. Strangely enough, it all turns out well.

Fennyman
How?

Henslowe
I don’t know. It’s a mystery.

It is, indeed, a mystery. But the kids of Crosswinds are sure pulling off the miracle of theater tonight. If you are in town, join us for opening night or for one of the other performances over the next two weeks.

Hairspray

Crosswinds Arts & Science School

600 Weir Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125

Friday, 6/15, 7:30pm

Saturday, 6/16, 7:30pm

Sunday, 6/17, 2pm

Thursday, 6/21, 7:30pm

Friday, 6/22, 7:30pm

Saturday, 6/23, 7:30pm

Sunday, 6/24, 2pm

Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students.