Since my hiatus from blogging began with the arrival of lovely daughter, it is only fitting that the kickstart I needed to get me back was her acting debut. Joy performed the part of Jesus in our church's annual Christmas play this past weekend. St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church started The Christmas Event four or five years ago and from the very beginning, it was quite a professional production. Intricate costumes, elaborate sets (for a small church production), and musical talent are consistent hallmarks of the annual event. Many members of our church and their children have participated over the years, but the one part that can never be reprised is of course, the role of baby Jesus.
We got a call last week from a friend involved in the production offering Joy the part in both the Friday evening and Saturday evening performances. We decided that I would take her after work on Friday, and we would go as a family to the Saturday show. On Friday, we arrived just as the production began with Luke, the evangelist, setting the stage for his story. Joy did pretty well for the better part of the hour long play despite it being her bedtime. We made our way behind the stage in the latter half of the show, right around the wedding scene. We waited backstage as Mary and Joseph finished their scenes and made their way back to us. Joy was intrigued with the young woman playing Mary from the beginning and so, she didn't complain when I transferred her. The next scene involved the angel Gabriel announcing the birth of Jesus, and as he retreated the curtains closed. Whether because of the bright stage lights, natural acting talent, or the involvement of a higher power, Jesus Joy began a cry that was very reminiscent of a child being born. Then as the curtains opened to reveal the family, she calmed down and took in the audience.
After handing Joy over to Mary, I made my way to the front of the stage where I was concealed but could see the production. I was pretty amazed that Jesus Joy had managed to perform perfectly and equally glad I had remembered to bring my camera. I got a few shots of the final scene, and Joy did great the whole time.
The following evening went just as smoothly. We attended as a family and joined some friends we had invited. Our son was interested for about the first 10 minutes, but after that, we walked around and played. He enjoyed the costumes with bright colors or bells but mostly just wanted to get closer to the stage to see what was going on. Unfortunately, since Joy needed to eat and wanted to be comforted, Jean didn't get to see much of the play. Again though, Jesus Joy offered a masterful performance with perfectly timed cries and calm. Once Michael figured out where his sister was at the end of the performance, he really wanted to make sure she was safe, so we did just that and hung out together for the rest of the night.
We really enjoyed the experience and were glad to participate as a family. We've already been contacted by the Tony Awards. We'll let you know in June next year if Joy wins, but no matter what, it's an honor to be nominated, right?
Friday, December 12, 2008
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