What an incredible four months its been as Evelyn has prepared for the Lion King. She was honored and thrilled to be cast as Your Nala and it made the whole experience that much more exciting for her! Although any part- lead or ensemble at The Classical Academy with Mrs. Grimes as director is an amazing experience and worth every second of hard work and training. Mrs. Grimes teaches the kids to "choose joy" and "esteem others above themselves". She teaches them to take notes without giving excuses and to be responsible in all things. The kids at TCA are amazing students and friends and I feel SO SO SO grateful that we discovered the school and musical theater program. Next year, Evelyn will be on M track, which means she'll attend the charter school three days a week and do homeschool on Mondays and Fridays. It will be a good compromise for both she and I and I couldn't be happier. The Lion King was a beautiful production and Evelyn was a star in every way. I was so proud of the darling acting, singing and dancing- not to mention the stage presence! She is a natural and her passion for theatre shines through. So many friends and family came out to support Ev and it was very sweet to see have them there. As mom I was required to work backstage for 30 hours and I couldn't have done it without Nancy being willing to come down mid week and tend the kids-- making dinners, doing homework, getting boys to soccer and spoiling Anna rotten with fun one-on-one pedicure and movie dates. I LOVED my time working backstage with the kids and directors. It was hard work but also a fun experience away from all of my normal duties. I think my favorite day was Friday when the kids from nearby schools came to see the Lion King on a field trip. Afterwards, so many of them came up to Evelyn in awe and excited to meet her. It was basically her dream come true so I loved seeing her so happy. I can't imagine anything more wonderful then seeing my children doing the thing they love the most in life. It's such a blessing. Now on to Seussical! But not till mid-August thank goodness:)
