Just As Sweet The Second Time Around…
(By Denise Paulson, parent of a senior theater student)
Last year at this time, I was in the audience for a performance of Moorhead High’s Tommy, as a member of a very special group: theatre parent alumni. Our daughter had graduated the previous June and I was marveling at the magic that is Moorhead Theatre – but this time I was completely unaware of all of the behind the scenes buzz that leads up to opening night. You see, Moorhead theatre parents are encouraged – and welcomed with open arms – into the pre-production process for their fall and spring musicals and plays. As a new “alumni” parent, the long rehearsals and hours spent painting, sewing and creating were long gone and our time in the auditorium was now dedicated to watching the magic on stage. Well…what a difference a year makes!
I am experiencing life as a Moorhead theatre parent for the second time – this time with our senior son who is new to the fall musical stage in Children of Eden. And I couldn’t be happier or prouder! As it turns out, life as a theatre parent is just as sweet the second time around! I have watched with wonder the transformation of a blank stage to one complete with elevation and incredible illumination, all thanks to countless hours provided by dedicated parents, students and technicians. I have witnessed parents who were previously strangers, come together to feed the almost 100 strong cast and crew prior to long rehearsals. And, as was the case my first time around…I have been inspired by everyone who has “channeled” their creative talents. Who knew parents, working alongside students, could help create incredibly beautiful puppets out of newspaper and some hot water and cornstarch! And “prettify” them with paint and some decorative “bling”! I am amazed every time I see the animals of Noah’s zoo enter the auditorium and how they come to life through the creativity of the cast.
Children of Eden ignites us with the “spark of creation” and delivers a bittersweet message - “the hardest part of love…is the letting go.” For everyone involved with this production, the countdown has begun. And after today’s performance, there will only be two more opportunities for the senior theatre parents to relish the sights and sounds on stage, the laughter and hugs of cast and crew members greeting family and friends after the performances, and of course, listening for the sounds of our children coming home after another parent-hosted post-performance party. So, thank you to all of the student cast and technical crew members, to the creative directors and to all of the parents who make Moorhead theatre a life-changing experience for everyone involved. I have enjoyed every memorable, tear-filled moment of this “second time around.”
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The last two performances of Children of Eden will be this Thanksgiving weekend, on Friday and Saturday nights, November 25 and 26. Both shows begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $6 for students ages 18 and under. $10 for adults. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the MHS Activities Office or by calling (218) 284-2345. Tickets will also be sold at the door before performances. Cash or check only – no credit or debit cards. Please arrive early for time to be seated and to get the best seats remaining if buying tickets at the door! Enter on the north side of the high school by the main parking lot.
