robin hood

Another successful Deerfield Elementary School play is in the books. This year it was Robin Hood. Slade and Nathan both participated. Slade was Much the Miller's son, one of Robin Hood's Merry Men. Nathan was on the bad side as one of Guy's Guys. Again, I helped with choreography and photography.

It is a wonderful thing for our kids to participate in these plays every year. We saw Slade go from a 4th grader with major stage fright to a 6th grader who had a speaking part. I'm so thankful for awesome people who share their talents and collaborate on such a fantastic show year after year.

the wizard of oz

After a wonderful experience with last year's school play, Slade auditioned for the Wizard of Oz this year. In this play, he was one of the Munchkins. I also helped with choreography and photography again.

We still feel so lucky that our children get to participate in such a fantastic production. Slade's only regret was choosing a role that wasn't on stage as much as he would have liked. Next year, he says he will even audition for a speaking part, which for him is pretty huge deal.

More pictures here.
Even more pictures here.

peter pan

I think we might just live in one of the best neighborhoods around. We enjoy wide streets, parks and walking trails, a summer family festival, AND the elementary school play. The elementary school has a theater program which is truly amazing.

Emma was in Young King Arthur last year as a narrator. Despite having a wonderful experience last year, we basically had to force her to participate in the production of Peter Pan this year. She was cast as Wendy. Slade decided to be in it also and was a pirate. With my neighbor and good friend as one of the directors, I was also recruited to choreograph one of the dances and take lots and lots of pictures. Not to mention making 4 Wendy costumes. There was a lot of time involved for me and the kids but it was definitely well worth it.

Our beautiful Wendy Darling

I wish there was a way to fully convey how wonderfully done the play is. You'd likely dismiss an elementary school play as being merely passable in quality and entertainment. Peter Pan was not that. It boasted a cast of 130 children in grades 4-6, a cleverly written script, two dances, a cool pirate ship set, great sound and video effects and even lights. Here is a video with some small clips:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150629314833517

I took a LOT of pictures. 1759 to be exact. Here is a smidgen:

banished from the nursery

"Can I give you a kiss?"

Let's fly!

Pirates. ARGH!

"While we're gone, I want you to tidy up the hideout, get dinner prepared and make sure to be all ready for bed by the time we get back."

 

4 darling Wendys in the 4 costumes I sewed

You can see a few more pictures HERE. If you really want to see even more, you can go HERE.

Emma says, "The best part was the flying scene. It felt magical. I am glad that my mom made me do the play because I had a great experience. I was sad when it was over. And by the way, Peter 2 is really cute."

Slade says, "I was a little nervous but I just wanted to try it. I will remember being up there with my friends. I had a great time."

Perhaps the best indicator of the play's awesomeness is that Slade, who generally hates doing anything in front of people, wants to be in the play again next year. Hurray for that!

young king arthur

Have I ever mentioned how much I love my neighborhood? We love living here in large part because of our fantastic neighbors. Because of one of our neighbors, Emma had to opportunity to participate in the local elementary school play, Young King Arthur. She had a truly wonderful time as one of the narrators.

The play was really well done, as far as elementary productions go. We really enjoyed watching. Even Slade who went twice!

Emma had to deal with a very busy few months while practicing for the play. It is quite obvious that she does not enjoy being overly busy or having scheduling conflicts. Still, I think it was worth it for the chance to participate and I think she would agree.

More pictures here:
http://deerfieldplay.blogspot.com/2011/03/blog-post.html