I’m surprised that I still get surprised that I enjoyed a Lovegood production more than I thought I would. My family didn’t have a positive initial impression of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, which I understand. However, the musical includes several fantastic song and dance numbers with humor and heart that aren’t wimpy at all.
My brother introduced Into the Woods to me seventeen years ago, but I only made it through act one of this wonderful play. I was not interested in theater in 2008, so sitting through the first half of the 1991 version on YouTube was enough for me. I was amused by the first half but I didn’t realize the second half was the payoff.
My favorite Disney movie in their renaissance era was Beauty and the Beast. It’s because I’m too pragmatic for love at first sight and an effortless happy ever after. I’m grateful that Belle and the Beast grew to love each other through their story.
I’m delighted that the musical version of this story exceeded my expectations and am proud of the production that Lovegood showcased. The songs have been on loop in my household throughout the three-week run and we’ve quoted our favorite lines repeatedly.
The story of Tuck Everlasting impressed me with how it handled immortality. I’ve found that immortality to be easily pigeon-holed into a superpower when it comes with drawbacks. I enjoyed how this play subverted my expectation and made death a necessary part of life’s journey.
This production required less photography before the show as it was Lovegood’s experiment at something bigger than a class show, but smaller than a main stage production.
So I didn’t do the typical headshots, costume parades, and souvenir photos I did for the previous three shows. However, it was Jenni’s acting debut, with dual roles no less.
The lighting for this production stepped up and used color to distinguish locations, moods, and character intentions. It also gave a bold color splash for my photography.
After Fiddler on the Roof, the director asked if we would be interested in SpongeBob. I’ve seen the memes and have heard of the character. I even watched an episode for research, but I didn’t see the appeal.
But the musical for SpongeBob has become one of my favorites.
Fiddler on the Roof was a movie that Jenni loved and wanted me to watch it with her. It was years ago and I don’t remember any of the storyline or songs. Perhaps I fell asleep during the movie.
But Jenni continues to make references to it, mainly the iconic songs like “If I Was A Rich Man” and “Do You Love Me?” So it came as no surprise that she wanted to be part of a local theater’s production.