Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Memories of the theater

My parents loved to play the soundtrack for the musical "Evita". At 10, I would find myself humming the songs as I played with my Barbies. For a good couple of months, all these heartfelt ballads and politically charged anthems almost vibrated the walls of our apartment. My friends were used to listening to Irish folk songs and jigs in their Irish American living rooms. They got a hearty helping of Broadway fare when they visited me.

When I was pregnant with my third child, my husband and I wanted to have a "real" date night before the new baby turned our already chaotic house upside down. Opening up the mail one day, I came across a flier for an "Evita" production to be held at our local playhouse. So off we went arm in arm to enjoy "Evita" together.

I was very impressed by the dedication, professionalism and overall talent of the cast. Each powerhouse song was sung with passion and thoughtfulness. When Eva sang "You Must Love Me", I felt some tears remembering how that song touched my mother in a special way. As a little girl, I remember my Mom and Dad coming home elated by the Broadway production of "Evita". That was their first Broadway theater trip since their honeymoon. Sitting in the theater, it was just the two of them again enjoying a wonderful musical production. (On our little date, my hubby was probably not as caught up in the show, but I think he was glad to keep his achy, pregnant wife happy : ) I now understand why my parents felt so uplifted and rejuvenated by listening to the soundtrack over and over again. It took them away from all their worries and responsibilities for a while. I think I'll dig out my "Evita" CD this afternoon and watch my kids' faces when they hear the songs. I'm sure I'll get a lot of wisecracks. My oldest will definitely run for the hills clutching his Ipod :)

I applaud all those talented, dedicated actors, singers, dancers, musicians, directors, producers, choreographers, set designers, wardrobe designers and stage crew in our local community theaters. Bravo to you!

8 comments:

Kim said...

First of all I love that your hubby didn't put up a fight when you wanted to go. I keep losing more and more battles on that front - chick things.

There are several albums that I feel that special connection to as well - Fleetwood Mac Rumours, The soundtrack to I am Sam, and Sargent Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Maybe I'll dig one of these up and get my boy into it before he has time to think about it:)

Joanne said...

I love live music, be it at a show or concert. Music seems so woven into our lives, so many memories can be inspired by hearing a song from a certain time, a certain era. It's very transporting.

CDB said...

I definitely have a visceral reaction to certain music from my youth, as well.. namely Annie and Wizard of Oz. Amazing how certain music and sounds can take you back to that moment.

I have never seen Evita.. can you believe?

Paula RC said...

Music is a wonderful thing, sometimes I wish I could sing, but I must be good at something, well I hope so.

Lucia said...

This sounds familiar. I took my hubby to The Phantom of the Opera, even thoug it was Father's Day but he really enjoyed it. I also bought the soundtrack and play it for the kids periodically. They now know The Music of the Night by heart now! The soundtracks are a great way to introduce them to theater.

Jenners said...

My parents were big musical fans and we always had various soundtracks growing up. My favorite was always "Camelot." Whenever I was lucky enough to be able to stay home by myself, I would crank it up and sing all the parts and act them out.

And I've never seen "Evita" in the theater -- just the Madonna movie!

Shauna said...

I am new here! What a great blog :)

LuAnn said...

I love musicals- back in my single days I had season tickets with a friend to the theater. A different musical a month.