Jenni, Violet, and Bruce joined Lovegood’s The Wind in the Willows production with tepid anticipation because the main character wasn’t likeable and lacked character growth. That influenced my outlook on the play as I preferred likeable characters. I find it hard to stay engaged with stories when the main character is insufferable (Marty Supreme, cough cough).
When we reached tech rehearsal week, I finished the first day of photography surprised by the true message of the story: loyal friendship through seasons of life.
And the music grew on me with some beauties and standout bangers (as Bruce described them). One of the director’s daughters described one song in particular as “so pretty” and I completely agree. “The Wassailing Mice” will be included in my Christmas playlists.
Here are my favorite songs ranked:
- The Wild Wooders
- We’re Taking Over the Hall
- The Hedgehog’s Nightmare
- The Wassailing Mice
- A Friend is Still a Friend
- One Swallow Does Not a Summer Make
- The Open Road
- Messing About in a Boat
- A Place to Come Back To
The voices assembled for this production gave the songs life. During one rehearsal, I got to hear them sing “The Wassailing Mice” and the beautiful voices enveloped me was a treat. “A Friend is Still a Friend” included a poetic harmony of three male singers.
Jenni joined the cast as an ensemble to sing and dance without the worries of memorizing lines. She played both an otter and a weasel. Violet stepped up her responsibilities as rehearsal assistant and continued her love for crew. Bruce joined crew for his second main stage production. Violet and Bruce had brief appearances on stage during scene changes so they were included with costumes.
My favorite part of the Lovegood productions is the community. There’s an amazing group of artists coming together to create art. We’ve enjoyed meeting people stepping on the stage for the first time and reuniting with frequent collaborators.
And of course, our hearts are filled by the support of our friends and family who take time out of their busy lives to join us for a fun story. I was touched that Violet’s bus driver came out to see the show.
Here’s to all the friends who are still friends, to meet on the open road or be messing about in a boat or taking over a hall–may we all find Lovegood a place to come back to.
