Back in the land of reality...

...per the Cheshire Cat's instructions to Alice on how to leave Wonderland.

And 2 weeks later... I feel as though I finally found my own way back to reality. After a week and a half worth of illnesses and a perilous trek to the summit of Mt. Laundry...I might just be almost back to normal.

What an exhausting, ExCiTiNg!, stressful, eNjOyAbLe, mind-numbing, THRILLING! experience! We ran the gamut of emotions during this process, but wouldn't have traded it for anything.

Personally, I need a break from doing make-up and spiral curling hair, but other than that...we are fully behind my child who has officially been bitten-stung-swallowed whole by the acting bug. B thinks she might want to do another play (I think she will), but Miss K...she's a goner. :) Although, the next few parts she'll audition for will be: a rock, a tree, and the town mute.

Seriously, I cannot begin to compute all the HOURS we spent going over line after line after scene after scene. There was not one single 30 minute drive to the play house that we did not spend studying lines or developing reactions. We blocked and painstakingly reenacted every single scene, in our own home...I still have dreams about it. For a mom, it was a ton of extra work. For a 9-year-old, trying to keep up with school and just be a "kid"...it was a colossal undertaking. And she was amazing. Yes, there were times that we both wound up frustrated with each other, but we make a great team and I was so very proud of both my girls!

B, unfortunately, became very ill and missed two performances...and she was greatly missed. Her voice was vital to the Queen's soldiers and everyone noticed the difference when she wasn't there. And every time the soldiers took the stage, my heart broke a little to not see my B. But the shows she did, were wonderful and I am so so happy to see this talent developing in this beautiful 11-year-old. K, was blessed beyond words, and remained healthy throughout the 5 month process. I prayed so hard that she wouldn't get sick...no understudy, you see. And other than complete exhaustion, she made it!

And you know what really impressed me? Through 4 school shows and 4 "prime time" shows, she never once dropped a line. I still feel flabbergasted and gobsmacked and yes...humbled. K was truly watched over and our prayers were answered. This 9-year-old...who had only played the Little Lamb in Charlotte's Web...carried off Alice with grace and maturity.

I am so incredibly grateful for all the support and love from family and dear dear friends. I am so thankful for the cast members and directors who so openly loved and doted on my girls. Thank you for your encouragement, your knowledge, your dedication, and your laughs. This has been an experience we will forever treasure.

Now...on with the show!

Getting ready

the make-up was AMAZING

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B's make-up was much less involved, but just as enjoyable





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fun costuming too!

the Mad Hatter had some snazzy pants and shoes

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the Caterpillar's fierce shoes



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K's pre-show routine



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break a leg, baby girl!


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Friends & Fans

the Knave (Mama Sheep from Charlotte's Web),

they all still call K, Lamby

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with good friend, MG (Fern from Charlotte's Web)
Couldn't they be sisters??

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sleepy Dormouse quickly became a fave friend

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the King has begged me repeatedly to let his parents adopt K

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#1 fan!

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Opening Night flowers...and what a pose!

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Alice had a few adoring fans...

wondering "why all the hugging??"

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first fan club :)
they even had to get pictures and autographs...

it was like they saw one of the princesses at DisneyWorld

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this little girl would not leave until she met Alice

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K was so sweet and funny with all her "fans", although every night she never got used to it. I think it was a surreal experience for her. But the child didn't get an inflated ego from it. She is more than happy to let someone else be the lead. She wants to be support for a while. And you know, I'm impressed with that. She said she doesn't need to be the center of attention...she just wants to be on stage and part of a team. (Good girl, Miss K.)

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Showtime!

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"A little girl followed me down the rabbit hole!"

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"Hold on to that key."

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"Such lovely flowers..."

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"...I wish you could talk."

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"...carrots and PEPPER...Ah CHOO!"

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"And the moral of that is..."

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"No room! No room!"

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"I wasn't sleeping!"

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"Excuse me, your Majesty..."

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Dee and Dum STOLE THE SHOW! :)

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their "armor", "shields", and "swords"

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"Do I look pale?"

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"The Queen approaches!"

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"Their heads are gone, your Majesty."

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"Why are YOU so interested in the Queen's tarts??"

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"Don't faint in here, or the Queen will take action!"

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"OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!!!"

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"Why, you're only a pack of cards...and a strong wind, could blow you right across the meadow!"

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Curtain Call

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Check out those moves!

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BRAVO, all!