Optimism is relevant in any century.

Last night was opening night of our local High School fall musical. This year they are doing "Annie", which I find particularly pertinent (in a funny sort of way) in light of the current economic and political climate. The play is set in 1933 -- in the midst of an economic depression so pervasive that it came to be known as "The Great Depression". Franklin Delano Roosevelt was fairly new to the office of President -- a democrat -- following on the heels of republican Herbert Hoover. Sort of like Barack Obama's succession of George W. Bush. The theme of the play, in my opinion, is OPTIMISM. I think it is a lesson we can all take to heart today. I'm not sure that when the directors chose this play last spring, they realized how relevant a play set in the 1930's would be. I am particularly proud of my two sons, Mark and Grant, for the roles they portray in the play. The scene I have posted is one that vividly depicts how an optimistic attitude can change everything. Naturally, I am exceptionally proud of this scene because Grant plays the part of FDR (my lifelong republican Grandmother would turn over in her grave if she saw her great-grandson portraying a DEMOCRAT!) She did credit Roosevelt for "one good thing", however -- he gave our country social security, which provided comfortably for her in her later years. (She lived to be 105 years, 11 months old!)

You don't see Mark in this scene, but he plays the head butler in Warbuck's household. It could have been a ho-hum role, but he brought it to life in a novel way, and gave the character a memorable personality. Following are some pictures I took during rehearsals and the final dress rehearsal (presented as a public performance for families of the cast and school volunteers). If you happen to live in or near Cambridge, try to get a ticket to see this excellent production! (Okay -- I don't know why, but the icon that I usually click on to let me upload pictures isn't working right now -- maybe there will be pictures later...sorry).

In lieu of posting the photos in this blog, here is a link to another site where they are posted. Click on the first photo in the album and you should be able to see them all by selecting "next" in the upper righthand corner.)

(You can also cut and paste this address -- it should take you to the same address as the above link -- I still haven't mastered all of the blogger protocols.)
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=180146&l=7c683&id=706845173