“Open their eyes to Magic”

By

Gerry Niskern

When my adult grandson suggested  “You should write about taking children to plays. People nowadays don’t take little kids to the theatre enough,” I listened.

He is right, of course. Our valley has some wonderful theatre for children. Skip the big, lavish productions.  The best children’s theatre takes place in small venues.

All the generations that have accompanied me to the theatre shared one trait, when that play started, they were mesmerized.

Years ago, my granddaughter and her four five-year-old friends piled into the back seat of my convertible every month for a trip to the Children’s Theatre. They coveted front row seats because the actors ventured into the audience!

They loved approaching the players afterwards for autographs. The Prince or the Frog actually talked to them!

On the way home was MAC DONALDS. When granddaughter was allowed to purchase four hot fudge sundaes she proudly carried the tilting tray back to the table as they slid off, one by one.  She did the only sensible thing, she cried.

When that adult  grandson was four and ready for the play going; as everyone was clapping at the appropriate times during the performance, he proceeded to pump his fist and shout “Whoo, Whoo, Whoo!”

When it was his “rough and tumble” younger brother’s turn to attend, I was hesitant.  He was very quiet during “Beauty and the Beast”. But, when I asked how he liked it, he replied, with big eyes, “I loved it!”. Even the tough guys can be melted.

Soon little sister joined us. When the players are taking parts without costumes or miming, the improv doesn’t throw the kids…they understand the concepts completely, no questions.

It’s great to hear that they acted out the plays at home. I’m sure when they did “Rampunnsel” as the Prince, he wasn’t allowed to climb her hair!

We recently went to the Valley Youth Theatre. There was a small orchestra pit and the kids sitting in front were allowed to peer down at the musicians. I had to come see the “really big guitar’ as they pointed out the bass fiddle.

After the performance and autographs were signed, I finally heard what I had been waiting for all these years, “ When can I be up on that stage?”