Happy Anniversary "CATS"

I think I've blogged about this before, but it's a special anniversary and, since it's my blog, I think I'll do it again!

It's the second anniversary of my school's landmark, definitive, never-to-be-forgotten production of Cats. Quite honestly, a lot of people who saw this didn't get it. However, that's because there's nothing to get. And that's Andrew Lloyd-Weber's fault, not mine. The production itself was wonderful. It's interesting because when I ask almost any student who was in Cats what their favorite show was, this is the one they mention fondly (in case anyone cares, Fiddler on the Roof, The Wizard of Oz, and Annie are the next in order).

I feel the same way. In fact, to me, this show was transformative and healing. I had finished the previous school year on a very low note. A rough year had left me hurt, discouraged, and even depressed. It's difficult to express how low I was, or why I was. But I questioned whether I wanted to continue teaching--whether I even could be an effective teacher. I believe that but for the economy, I probably would have tried to get out of teaching altogether, or at least left my current school. For me, that would have proven to be a big mistake. 

As summer rolled on, I began to dread the coming school year and I felt paralyzed inside. Still, I went through the motions and we started rehearsals in the late summer. 

The kids in the cast were so sweet, so supportive and kind. The 8th graders led them in developing a wonderful esprit d'corps. Their cheerful, playful, and thoughtful attitudes, their good work ethics, and their positive, affectionate energy healed me, proving to me how powerful kindness and goodness can be. They made me like teaching again, they made me believe in myself again, and they made me want to keep going. 

Even though most people didn't get it, I think the consensus was that it was well done--the singing, dancing, and acting were some of our best integrated and most consistent, I think. It was the only play I've taken part in at my current school. For various complicated reasons, I took a part--which proved to be a lot of fun. 

It was uniquely fun time and though I love many things about all of the shows I've done, this one is special. Today is the anniversary of Opening Night--kind of a sweet, mellow memory. 

I thought I'd post some pictures, just for fun. 

I think I will succumb to the obvious temptation and be totally cliche: Let the memory live again!

Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat

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Mungojerrie and Rumpleteaser

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Macavity, the Master Criminal

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Jemima singing beautifully. 

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Growltiger

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Grizabella

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The Jellicle Ball

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Magical Mr. Mistofelees

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Mr. Mistofelees's lovely assistant

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The Company

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Gus, the Theatre Cat

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The Rum-Tug-Tugger, the Rock-and-Roll Cat

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