The long drive up I-65 north and then around the east side of I-465 to Allisonville Road was not as hectic as it sometimes can be — maybe because it was Saturday afternoon or maybe because a section of the eternal interstate road work was recently completed. Or perhaps it was because we had other things on our minds.
Whatever the reason, Becky and I were focused less on the traffic and more on the upcoming theatre performance of our youngest grandchild. Easy traffic, front-row seats, and the chance to enjoy Adelaide acting, singing and dancing in a matinee performance of Mary Poppins. What more could grandparents ask?
On the drive we talked about how Adelaide and her middle school classmates have worked on this musical since school let out, forgoing many of the pleasures that come with being a middle schooler on summer vacation. Middle school is a time of exploring different activities and discovering new interests. Knowing this was not her first acting experience, we agreed that Adelaide seems to have found a passion for the stage.
We maneuvered through city street construction and arrived at the North Central campus. Once there, we steered through more construction barriers while simultaneously looking out for students involved in the various sports practices taking place. We parked near the door suggested by Rachel, Adelaide’s mom, and headed into the building. Showed our e-tickets and found our seats. Soon after, the lights dimmed and the show began.
The excitement of the actors was palpable from the first scene. Because Rachel had been to Friday night’s performance, we knew when to expect Adelaide’s appearance. We waited to see her act as a statue that eventually comes to life, as well as a child’s doll that also comes to life. Becky and I proudly agreed it was quite a stretch of her thespian talents.
Earlier I had explained to Becky that I would be approaching this theatrical experience as one who did not know the details of the story. She had found it hard to believe, but it was true: I had never seen the movie. Still, back in 1964, I had absorbed some cultural knowledge of the film.
How could I not be aware of the promotion for the Disney movie? How could I not know that Julie Andrews and Dick Vandyke were the stars? As a middle schooler myself, how could I have avoided the word supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?
But the details of the plot? Not a clue.
And it turned out I continued absorbing details from the film. Early on in our relationship, I learned from Becky that “Mary Poppins” contains a song, “Feed the Birds.” I learned this because she sang the refrain whenever I mentioned I was going out to put a suet cake or birdseed in the feeders. She still sings it to this day. I admit I get a distinct pleasure in watching and feeding birds. It is something I truly believe I am called to do. I was happy to hear the song performed.
After the play, we waited with the other families and well-wishers for the cast to come out. We smiled and hugged Adelaide and gushed about how much we enjoyed the show and about how excellent she and the entire cast performed. They were really good.
Perhaps Adelaide will pursue her passion for the stage beyond middle school. I was a middle school teacher for many years as well as an MS student myself, and I know how interests come and go. But our hopes for Adelaide are that, whatever direction she chooses, she will pursue it with the same passion and dedication for perfection she revealed throughout this Mary Poppins experience.
We had one last hug and then Becky and I headed back south for home. “Oh,” I said as we got in the car, “We need to stop and get some bird seed. We’re almost out.”
Norman Knight, a retired Clark-Pleasant Middle School teacher, writes this weekly column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
