The Best Show In Town

The Academy Awards were tonight.  Like many American’s, I tuned in to watch celebrities and movie stars strut along the red carpet and flaunt their feathers.  My friends Erin, Katie and Kristin gabbed about each icon who trotted into view.

Unfortunately, I had nothing to add to the conversation.  The only Oscar nominated movie I saw in 2010 was Toy Story 3.  For some inexplicable reason, the other shows I attended, like Yogi Bear and Alvin and the Chipmunks, the Squeequel, had been passed over.  It makes me wonder what the world is coming to when a picture about talking animals isn’t even considered for recognition. 

Of course, the best show I saw this past year wasn’t at the theaters.  The best show I saw was this past Saturday when Emily debuted in the pre-school version of Horton Hears a Who.  Ken and I signed Emily up for pre-school theater class about six weeks ago.  It sounded like the right mix of dance and drama to help fuel the fire of a five-year old imagination. 

When we arrived at Emily’s first rehearsal, I imagined my daughter as the star of the show.  I pictured her reciting her lines like a trained thespian.  I anticipated that a Hollywood producer, who happened to wander into the venue, would recognize Emily’s raw genius and whisk us all away to California. 

For the next five years, Emily would star in dozens of blockbusters.  She would become world famous.  Then, just after turning 10, she would accept her first Academy Award.  In her acceptance speech, she would thank me, her lovely and beautiful mother for, being the wind beneath her wings.

As it turns out, the actual production wasn’t quiet as stunning as I imagined.  Most of the kids forgot their lines.  One boy hid under a table for the whole show.  And just after they marched on stage, Emily bolted into the audience to give me a big hug.  I had a strong suspicion that my future would not hold a red carpet moment any time soon. 

Still, it was the best show I saw all year.