Overheard in the Wings

Our parents clearly enjoy the experience of seeing their sons on stage, performing in one of the many plays and musicals that happen each year in every division.

I’ve had the opportunity to be backstage at many of these performances over the years, and can say with certainty that the activity in the dressing room and in the wings can often be as entertaining as what happens on the stage.  

Here is a glimpse behind the curtain…when the lights dim and the curtain is set to open.

(The sound of muffled voices and loud whispers is heard.  In the darkness, we can barely make out the figures of costumed boys — some seem to be dressed as animals, others are in colorful costumes, hats, etc. None are standing still.)

“Shhhhh! They can hear you!”

“Can you help me? My costume is falling apart”.

“Quiet!!!”

“What should I do? I tried on my costume with the hat on and with it off, but I look like me both ways!”

“I said ‘SHHHHHH!’ “

“I forgot my costume shoes at home. Do these sneakers look OK?”

“These high heels are killing me!”

“I said be quiet!”

“Can you tell I’m wearing lipstick?”

“I keep tripping on my tail.”

“Is it too late to go to the bathroom?”

“Shhhhhhhh!!!!!!”

Slowly, the curtain draws open. Light pours in from the stage. Suddenly, the chaos becomes order. A hush comes over the boys. The play begins, and each of the squirming creatures becomes a focused part of the whole.

The magic of theatre happens once again.