When I was a kid, my mom used to get this catalog in the mail from the Columbia House Record and Tape Club. It was like a subscription and you had to order a certain number of things per year. It was always fun to look through it and decide, with moms help, what kind of music we wanted to order. She would usually pick something each time that we had asked for along with her favorites like Elvis, The Eagles, The Carpenters, Captain and Tennille, etc. She also liked to order soundtracks from musicals and film. American Graffiti stands out in my mind, I'm pretty sure I can sing every song on that recording. Jesus Christ Superstar came next, then there was Annie. I was 9 when the show was a hit on Broadway and I was an Andrea McArdle fan because I had seen her in magazines and on talk shows. I played the music endlessly. I imitated each character, I could sing the whole thing. To this day, it is the one soundtrack I know, inside and out.
Last month, I directed a production of Annie Jr., which is a shortened version, but classic. You
can only imagine the fulfillment I had in my heart and the confidence I had in knowing this material. It was a "full circle moment' in my life. I have discovered in the past few years, my true joy and purpose in life; teaching, being a positive influence, and encouraging kids in the arts community. The fact that there are fewer and fewer theatrical opportunities for kids in school is sad. I have seen many of my students who have been somewhat stigmatized by the fact that they are in musicals; "drama geeks" if you will. What used to be a normal elective in High School is now non-existent, in a lot of public schools. I have the opportunity to inform them of the greatness that is theatre, music, drama, musicals, dance, with the help of my fantastic colleges (yet another blessing) whom I learn from as well. So, I am thankful. Once again, God has fulfilled one of the desires of my heart. Because He loves me.
Thanks to mom for the 8-tracks.
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