But yet we're having lows in the teens for the next couple of nights, and it's 36º at the moment. The winter was pretty busy - I directed a production of Cinderella, and just for giggles, decided to set the whole story in Japan, add some elements from kabuki theatre, and added a HUGE fan as the backdrop for the ballroom scenes (these pics were taken by the yearbook advisor at the final dress rehearsal):
All the kimonos were made by several mothers, and when they got done, all the kids looked fabulous! Cinderella and the Step Mother and Step Sisters after the ball:
The little white globes in the background of the ballroom were lanterns (manipulated by students all in black) that not only became part of the set, but also did their own choreography around Cinderella and the prince while they sang:
All the set pieces were moved and held by people all in black. Ninja costumes were just the thing (even their faces were covered, so they really blended into the background:
We're very lucky to have an art department in the high school that is willing to build and paint the sets. The base for the carriage is a rolling cart borrowed from the custodial staff, which was also manipulated by a "ninja". All in all, it was a success artistically, and the parents and community were very happy, the kids are walking away with another positive theatre experience and memories, and now that it's over, I can get back to some knitting - directing plays is such a time comsuming project.
What little knitting that has been going on has been the start of a sweater (the bottom cuff of the body is completed), and a scarf that I started on the train to New York to see the BF and Operas at the Met is not even half finished, but I have been working on it a little bit this past week - neither is picture worthy yet. So, that's been my life the past couple of months.
I hope everything in your world has been terrific! Thanks for stopping by!
This is probably the most bang up fab high school production of Cinderella ever! - and just what that ol' Rogers and Hammerstein chestnut needed!
Love the concept the costumes, the set - and those lanterns!
congrats - hope to see video (ahem)
Posted by: Tristan Robin Blakeman | March 22, 2009 at 04:05 PM
Wish I could have been there to see it... and you!
Posted by: The BF | March 22, 2009 at 05:13 PM
Now that looks like it was a great performance! What did you do for the glass slipper?
Hope you'll have time to do some knitting.
Hi to David.
Posted by: Ted | March 22, 2009 at 06:49 PM
The script only mentioned a slipper, not that it was glass. SO, we had these lovely little silver/sequined slippers that looked absolutely adrable with her white kimono. Easy to get on and off, so it worked really well!
Posted by: Paul | March 22, 2009 at 07:13 PM
Looks awesome. Fabulous costuming and back drops!
Posted by: Ruth | March 23, 2009 at 12:42 AM
That looks delightful! Wish I could have attended...congrats to the students, and the art department, and the mom's who made kimonos!
(((hugs)))
Posted by: Knitnana | March 23, 2009 at 06:16 AM
Wow! How amazing for both you and the kids. They are really lucky to have you as their director and mentor.
Posted by: Devorah | March 23, 2009 at 04:25 PM
How utterly charming! If there are videos, I would like to buy one. Sweetie Pie, you are inspired, and the kids are SOOO lucky to have you! The ninja-stagehands are a stroke of genius.
Posted by: Roxie | March 24, 2009 at 06:09 AM
How fun! It looks like it was a success all around! Now, whatcha knitting? ;)
Posted by: Paige | March 24, 2009 at 08:36 PM