After 9 weeks of rehearsals it was finally show time for the CYT kids. Riley was part of a High School Musical production put on by Christian Youth Theater. She was a "party kid/spectator" for her first CYT show. I was impressed that she made the cast because I've seen CYT shows in the past and they have a large talent pool. This time was no different, the lead male was a 17-yr old from Lee's Summitt and he could sing.
I worked backstage and to learn the ropes I had to attend 4-hr rehearsals Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday of show week, and then work all shows except one. All-in-all I put in 34 volunteer hours last week on the production, but not a minute felt like work. Here's a picture Tuesday evening working on the sets on stage while the choreographer reviewed last night's notes with the cast.
I was so inspired the kids, they were amazing. Riley loves this group of kids and I now understand why. Each night I would sneak down to the green room and act like I had business there just so I could hear them worship. The kids led themselves in worship with a guitar and bongos singing and praising God. I truly believe these kids are grateful for what they have, a trait I don't see in many people, adults and children alike.
This picture is Riley's carpool gang: Megan, Molly, Riley & Lauren taken in front of the photo opp. It was fun to watch Eric (lead male) sign autographs here every night for the all the 7 & 8 yr old girls who showed up in their blinking HSM clothing to meet Troy Bolton.
In total over 1500 people attended the 7 shows. The school shows didn't sell very well, but the public shows were packed! I guess teachers don't feel HSM has an education plot, but it really does. Don't place an image on someone and support your friends who might not be exactly like you are.
We're all in this together
When we reach...we can fly
Know inside...we can make it
We're all in this together
Once we see
There's a chance...that we have
And we take it
Wild cats...sing along
Yeah, you really got it goin' on
Wild cats...in the house
Everybody say it now!
