Last Sunday Dear Husband and I had a date “afternoon”. We went to see a production of The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber put on by the University. We were told that it was a pretty good performance and that we would enjoy it so we went in with high expectations. Those expectations were met and then some. The quality of talent was at a professional level and I don’t dole out the accolades lightly. I was pretty impressed at these college kids. Okay, there was one number where it was clear they were singers first and dancers second, but still.
One of the really cool things about this production was that Hugh Wooldridge was here for one month to direct the show. In case you didn’t know (I didn’t know who he was until last weekend), Hugh Woodlridge originated The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and is friends with Lloyd Webber. He is a famous director/producer from London and has done some big time stuff. How amazing for those kids to get to work with someone of his caliber.
I have to admit that I was kind of jealous. When I was in college we never got to do anything this spectacular. Don’t get me wrong, I loved all of the productions I was in and have very fond memories but they were…amateurish.
This will probably be the highlight of the student’s college careers. This type of production doesn’t happen that often (the cost and amount of work that goes into it can’t be afforded every semester). What a wonderful experience for these kids to look back on.
A few of these students will go on to try their luck at the big time…living the starving artists life in New York or LA. Going to auditions and hoping for a break. An even smaller number may even “make it”. Some will go on to be music ed teachers and pass their passion for the arts on but most will have a career in something other than music or dance. They will continue their love for the arts as a hobby. 10 to 20 years from now most of these kids will be mommies and daddies or daddies and daddies or mommies and mommies. 10 to 20 years from now they will be doing local productions or concerts. They will be singing in church or a local band. They will be teaching ballet to little girls in pink tutus. Those who have a passion for their instrument might play in the local Philharmonic outside of their regular job. They will find a way to continue to feed their soul.
My point is that the arts can be found anywhere. You don’t have to go to New York to hear/see something amazing, something that moves your soul. However, I wouldn’t pass up an artsy-fartsy weekend in NY given the chance.
Beauty can be found right in your back yard. How wonderful.
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