On Saturday, July 25, 2015 I went to see a play, South Pacific, at Kids Coop Theatre at Derry Opera House, Derry, NH. I support this group regularly and thoroughly enjoy the plays they put on. My two grandsons were in this one, Dan, my oldest grandson, 17, and my middle grandson, Joey, 9. I sat mesmerized as I watched the opening of the play in which Joey appeared as one of the children (youngest actor in the play) came on stage. He sang in French and the tears started welling up in my eyes. I managed to hold the flow back until the end of the play. That is another story.

The amount of time and effort on the part of the producer and directors is astronomical. I commend these creative people for doing this and providing an environment that is an educational learning experience that involves teamwork, acting and singing and dancing skills, stage presence, a confidence builder of self-esteem and leadership.

Dan on the left

Each time I attend one of their wonderful plays I leave with a swelling heart full of pride for my grandsons and all the other talented actors. As I watched this play I could see the joy displayed in each actor’s performance. It gave me a blissful feeling as I rode the wave of each act.

Dan in the middle with the grass skirt! He was quite a character! He has acted in several plays and many more to come.

There is no part that he cannot take on, the more intense and difficult the better to test his extraordinary talents.

In order for any play to be successful the actors have practice nearly every night for hours, as my grandsons told me. They were exhausted but happy to be doing what they love to do – sing, act and dance. They are, of course, very talented. What else would you expect this proud grandmother to say!? Lol!

If you have ever seen South Pacific the play or movie then you will know what a talent it takes to play Bloody Mary above. This young lady did a fabulous job!

The dancing was energetic, fun and entertaining!

The lead actors did an incredible job in their roles!

Here is my middle grandson sitting at the table at the end of the show. He also opened the show!

   Star-crossed lovers!

Complete fantastic cast of actors!

       Standing ovations!

The show was outstanding in every way from the actors to the musicians and due also to the patience and assistance of all the proud parents! I can’t say enough about the quality of the play and behind the scenes work involved to make it such a success. The scene changes were many and varied and kept the backstage crew extremely busy. Bless them for all they did!

About this time the tears were flowing big time! I tried to keep them back for most of the play. When my grandsons came running over to me I couldn’t hug them tight enough or give them more praise! I was so proud and happy for their accomplishments. This is Joey’s third play and he loves it so much that he can’t wait until the next one. Dan has been in several plays and will continue until he is 18. That is the cutoff age. But Joey will take over for him along with Joey’s other brother, Jason, 11, who has been in two plays.

I want to thank all the actors, directors, producers, musicians and parents and backstage crew and helpers for putting on such a wonderful play. The next plays will be just as wonderful I am sure. Until then I thank you, readers, for stopping by to read this post. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did posting it.

The lovely photos are thanks to Doug Rathburn.

Blessings to all!

-Janice-