TELLING MY DAUGHTER TO BREAK A LEG!!

BY DAN MILLER
July 3, 2006

Well, not literally.... that's just show biz jargon.

That's something I learned -- among other things -- this past week, as my 7-year old daughter McKensie has been performing in "The Music Man", enchantingly presented by Circle Players.

McKensie (that's her holding her hat) is cast as one of the townspeople of River City, Iowa --and she actually has one speaking line, which she delivers clearly and flawlessly.

But.... at one point, late in her first scene, we thought we noticed our budding actress quietly sneezing on stage.

Later that night, after the show, we asked her if she had, in fact, sneezed on stage.
"Yes", she said, "but I tried to stay in character."

Wow, she already knows stage performers' jargon.
She knows all about "break a leg", "call time", "staying in character" and "hitting her marks".

This whole big-time musical production has been a wonderful, inspiring summertime adventure for our daughter.... and, as it turns out, for my wife and me.
I'm truly impressed with the folks at Circle Players.

These actors and actresses -- young and older -- volunteer for weeks of grueling rehearsals, that often last late into the night.
Many among them are seasoned professionals with impressive credits, who know their way around a stage and a song.
And Karen and I just couldn't ask for a more wholesome and enthusiastic group to share this grand experience with our young daughter.

The Music Man runs through July 16th on ran Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, with Sunday matinees. (OBVIOUSLY, IT'S OVER NOW)

If you get a chance to attend...... do it.
I promise you, at the Looby Theatre, there's not a bad seat in the house.

There are many highlights musically, but none touched me more than a beautiful blending of "Lida Rose" (by the barbershop quartet) with "Will I Ever Tell You" (by Marian the librarian).

By the way, on Saturday night July 8th, my wife Karen and I will make made a brief cameo appearance during the 2nd scene.
We did it the previous Saturday night as well.... and I kept in mind the advice my daughter gave me, "Dad, no matter what happens, stay in character!"

If can find more about the latest production by THE CIRCLE PLAYERS at their website.

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