It’s been a musical week. Maxine and I went to see HB’s production of 9 to 5: the Musical this evening. She started attending HB this year as a ninth grader, and she has a good friend in the play.
I knew right away this would be special because they had real live musicians in the orchestra pit. Is this normal? Do high schools usually have this? I have a feeling this place has a pretty strong community of alumni and parent volunteers. I’m just starting to dip my toes in.
The play begins and ends with commentary by Dolly herself on a big screen at the back of the stage. As the ensemble launched into their first number, a smile spread on my face and pretty much stayed put for the entirety of the show as they executed their choreographed routines. Some were born to move and others you could see counting in their heads and following their more self-assured peers, but they all put their whole hearts into it.
The leading ladies each brought their own style of charm and talent, and the kid who played Mr. Hart nearly stole the show- he had the prefect blend of smug and smarm. The only kink they need to work out is the sound: the live band, talented as they were, often overpowered the kids’ voices even though they were mic’d up.
When the play ended, the cast broke into whoops and free dancing. I’m still getting choked up watching kids sing, dance, play, express and just live in person after a long, forced pause on their lives.
My Corner of the Village 