Shake It Off, Scarlett Rose

The highlight of my yesterday was attending a Winter micro musical – Grinches vs. Trolls staged at my Grans’ posh school, Dawson.

Given it was a lower school production, I was enchanted by it’s ambition.

It was an us vs. them story line where two factions of rivaling mystical creatures face discord and reconciliation over the course of the musical. Not quite West Side Story but enchanting nonetheless.

The Play Bill can only be fully deciphered by the attending family members but I was able to figure them out as the musical progressed.

And the children all sang and danced their hearts out. Some were more musically inclined, some were more comedically inclined, some were more dramatically inclined. All had heart and guts getting up on that small stage.

They all hit their marks, found their light, recited their dialogue and sang their songs. Well done one and all.

And it was a friendly and receptive crowd of students and family. Applause all around.

I made sure to extend my personal accolades to some of the soloists, and the Musical Director, afterwards. Every child last night was a winner.

Of course, my focus throughout was mainly on one of the genetically related young ingénues. One of the Troll Girl Group – “Scarlet: Rose.”

Playing to her strength, my granddaughter, Scarlett Rose, played the member of the Troll Girl Group, named Rose. More chorus than lead, she nonetheless gave it her all. She remembered her lines, remembered her lyrics and executed her choreography. And this was her first time in a formal production.

Scarlett’s outfit, which she selected, was a dark dress with red roses. Her makeup and wig nailed the Rose Motif.

I’ve pulled some stills of this future Broadway sensation from the video I shot from the back of the auditorium.

And of course I captured her big center stage moment singing, along with with her dear friend, Nila (playing Mia the Troll), a hardy rendition of Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off.

Indeed, I can see a slight resemblance between Scarlett and that lanky, blonde, tight-end dating troubadour.

Now these were just brief moments in a larger production, shared admirably among a talented cast and crew. But someday in the future, I hope Scarlett understands the thrill her Nona and I, and all of the other family members of all the other actors, felt watching them get out there and do something as frightening as performing live on stage. A Hallmark moment that must be acknowledged.

Art is wonderful. Artists, of all genres, mediums and milieus, deserve their moments in the sun. Support Art and Artists. Without Art, the world is one monochrome-ishly dull place. Always look for those horses of a different color.

Well, morning is upon us. Thursday needs some attention, given that Friday is always looking to upstage her.

I’m going to chase the sleeping Smokey off my legs and go feed mittens. Then my rounds.

You fine, five readers toss down the last of the caffeine and get out there and wrap your work weeks up by COB. Leave your Fridays for Christmas/Hanukkah/Yule (etc.) Holiday prep.

But no matter what else we do, let us, each and all, make today a great one.