Meanwhile, Elizabeth makes jewelry

The Jungle Book

Miranda performed in an after school enrichment production of Disney's The Jungle Book through the Bay Area Children's Theatre, which was really great. She got cast in the role of Baby Elephant, which has a couple of lines, and she got to sing a duet as well.  Her performance was great, and she really hammed it up. Many of the kids sort of move through the thing in a monotone, but Miranda and a few of the other kids seemed to really understand that they are performing a character. 

She's been doing theatre for a while now, and I think she's starting to get some comfort and confidence in herself, and what performing really means. It's a perfect fit for her personality and creativity. I think once she gets into a functioning improv group, it will all be over.

Pirates of Penzance

Parker's 4th grade classes got to work with a professional theatre company this year on a production of Prirates of Penzance that was extremely well-done, and well-enjoyed. Parker wanted the part of the Major General very badly, and was very excited to be cast. 

Each class had their own production, and his pal Miles was the Major General in the other class, so leading up to the play we would find them singing with eachother over skype, which was awfully sweet.

Parker was nervous but did a fantastic job, and seemed to have a really great time. 

Yes, yes, I am a Major General!

And then following the school performance, the company asked several of the kids to come perform at their annual fundraiser, which Parker was happy to do. They actually did a custom bit with Parker that was really funny, where the Adult Major General comes out at the same time that Parker does in the play, with both of them announcing, "Yes, Yes, I am a Major General!" after which they notice eachother, stare eachother down, and proceed to have a Major General battle. Parker did his part of the song, and the adult did the extended verses, and they finished together in triumph. It was extremely well done.

I took bad pictures of the quick rehearsal.

Overall it was a really positive experience, and it wouldn't surprise me if Parker did more theatre. And that surprises me, and also delights me. He worked really hard and was a great Major General.

Terrible photography, but good shots of Parker enjoying himself.