lessons from a fiddler

No, I’m not learning to play bluegrass fiddle, although I’d join a bluegrass group in a heartbeat.  I’m talking, of course, about the recent production of Fiddler on the Roof.  It was the first show that I’ve been in since I was a junior in high school.  I have a son who will be a junior in high school as of tomorrow.  That’s a long time between shows…

I’m still processing and meditating on the show, but here are a few things I learned on my way to the Theatre:
1.  I love being part of this community.  It’s not just the fact that there are some crazily (and crazy) talented folks in my town; it’s their heart, their warmth, their love and joy.  It’s being part of the fabric of our town, making a contribution to the good things that are part of our town.  I got to make some new friends, folks I will forever share a glorious memory with.  I can’t wait to see them around town!
2.  Rich Biever, Executive Director of the State Theatre, started wach show by referencing the timeliness of the themes of Fiddler as they relate to State College and the changes we’re dealing with: Community, Family, Transition/Change, even Faith.  Personally, I am glad to be someone who speaks into what matters in our town, for our town.  I love Happy Valley and believe that our best days are ahead of us!
3.  Motivational and Instructional methods vary from person to person.  One of our directors was tough on us, calling us to give more and step up; another used encouragement to try to get us to reach deeper/higher.  Both worked, and the end product was well-received, and was pleasing to those who produced it.
4.  When you throw a group of relative strangers in a room for approximately 4 hours a day, 6 days a week, for several weeks, some kind of magic happens.  There’s a real family-like bond that develops as we spent time working together to create, to develop.  We got over our hangups about personal space, body shape, and sweaty bodies…we learned to love each other, to cheer for each other, to root for each other, and to help each other.
5.  While I originally thought that I might get a bit part in the chorus, I found myself doing some pretty demanding dancing…and liking it.  It was fun, and I enjoyed the challenge of learning something new and pushing my boundaries.
6.  Levi, Lilly, and Sadie have been in too many shows to count.  I’ve been a pretty supportive Theatre Dad, hauling set pieces, manning refreshment tables, etc.  But I just might try to find my way into a few more productions, especially if I get to spend this kind of time with my kids.

I’m sure that there are more lessons to be mined from the experience, but I’ll leave them for another night.  School starts in Happy Valley tomorrow, and I want to get up to see my kids off in the morning…