Lessons from "Annie"

Although our family is THRILLED, THRILLED I TELL YOU, that this show is over, we learned many things from the experience.  Here are a few of them, in no particular order.

Beau Brummell

• Family is a thing that is DONE.  A person is like family when they care for you without reservation or comfort.  While we were freakishly ILL, my father-in-law (the EX husband of my mother-in-law) took immense and wonderful care of us one evening until we all felt so loved.  On the other hand, one of my family members was incredibly unhelpful...  (say no more, say no more)
• George Bryan "Beau" Brummell is a 18th century man who changed fashion in London.  He started the trend for men to wear tasteful and fashionable clothing as well as to bath regularly. 
• Children require food often during a long show!
• Children AND adults could use some positive feedback often.  The amount of work going into a show of this magnitude takes such effort and, indeed, love.  It is easy to find people to appreciate and to honor for their input!
• Even if you bite off more than you can chew, a committed group of people can accomplish much!
• Surround yourself with positive people; negative people make group work that much more difficult.  This director did his best in bringing in collaborators who were very positive and buoyant.
• The show MUST go on!  Although I took a kid out of the show the last day due to a flu, the cast was able to cover her parts admirably!  There were other cast members who dropped out for a variety of reasons and DARNED if the show didn't GO ON!
• A cast is like a small family.  Each person has his or her own strengths and weaknesses and everyone can work to make things happen.
• The "squeaky wheel" can be very beloved.  In this cast was a child who was SO unable to focus.  His family life was NOT good.  The cast and crew loved and cared for this child completely.
• Feverish dreams are NOT improved after having been so immersed in a musical.  All night, all day, feverish dreams involving a red head and orphans singing again and again and again...
• and Never, ever forget:  Tomorrow is only a day awaaaaaaaay.