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by captainseapig from Marlboro Mass.

Last Post 8 days, 2 hours Ago


Dramamama Directs Again
Jul 21, 2008 | 9:49 AM
Category: Entertainment
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Dramamama just got done directing 'Mulan' for Hudson Arts Alliance. She had 52 kids mostly girls with about 4 boys. The lead was a cute vivacious 12 year old girl who was perfect for the role of Mulan. Her leading man was a tall handsome 14 year old blond haired boy, barley containing himself amidst 50 girls. Costumes were scavenged from closets at home, silk pajamas. A mom made helmets for the soldiers in the show out of plastic milk jugs. Intuition and skill produced some lovely backdrops. The dollar store was the source of 30 broom handles used for fighting sticks.

I had the opportunity to sit through all the rehearsals because I had nothing else to do. (recovering from surgery) I watched as Dramamama and her staff shaped and formed these kids into good actors over several weeks. They worked those kids to death. One girl who Dramamama had as a student a year earlier had terrible stage fright  and couldn't go on stage last year. DM cornered her and encouraged her to get back, suck it up and do it, not to give into panic and fear. This year at the end of the performance she gave a wonderful tribute to DM. Meanwhile a professional voice instructor who has worked with international opera stars, told me, "that girl has a wonderful voice" Imagine the loss if DM didn't take the time last year to encourage this young woman to face her fears and conquer them. Perhaps she will preform professionally someday or perhaps she will never be afraid to try something new ever again.Her basic philosophy is that we do not demand enough from our young people. They are capable of so much more. They have the capacity to do excellent work and rise to the occasion if encouraged with love and positive reinforcement and disciplined with fairness and directness.I saw the results of kids changed, changed for the better. After "Mulan' was over and the curtain closed I've never been prouder  of my wife. I say that every year, after a performance and I mean it.
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Member Comments Total Comments: 12
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smiley73 read my blog view my photos
Jul 21, 2008 | 9:55 PM

We need more teachers like DM that will invest in our kids and believe in them! Well done!! :) smiley...
fenwaydav read my blog view my photos
Jul 21, 2008 | 11:53 PM

BRAVO!!!!!!!!
Hansonman read my blog
Jul 23, 2008 | 9:40 AM

Nice job, DM! I’m especially proud of your ability to put aside your personal religious affiliation to support a story founded in Confucinism and Taoism. Other Xtian groups have protested Disney’s attempts to insert these religious references in lieu of Xtianity, but you rose above all that for something for the good of all the kids.

In Mark Pinsky’s book, “The Gospel According to Disney: Faith Trust and Pixie Dust” he documents this growing schism between Fundamentalist Xtian groups and Disney over this very issue—a very good read.

Kudos to you for keeping your priorities to the kids on this one.
fenwaydav read my blog view my photos
Jul 23, 2008 | 10:06 AM

Cecil B. DramaMama
Dramamama read my blog
Jul 24, 2008 | 10:34 AM

Hanson,

WHA?? It's a Play. My only agenda is to build character in kids and bring out their best.... And to entertain the audience. Don't put more into it.
Bob_Ward read my blog view my photos
Jul 24, 2008 | 6:23 PM

Dramamama,

You have given these kids a gift they will never forget. Not every valuable lesson is taught in school.

Hey Captain, I think you've got a keeper!

BW
captainseapig read my blog view my photos
Jul 24, 2008 | 11:44 PM

Thanks Bob
Hansonman read my blog
Jul 27, 2008 | 7:33 PM

I know, and I applaud your work for the kids. My only point is that I know you are a devout Xtian, and there are many devout Xtians who if in your shoes, would have still directed a play for the kids, but would have avoided one that brought atention to--even if indirectly--another set of theological views. Afterall, the 1st commandment is quite clear in matetrs such as this hence the Xtian protests against movie companies such as Disney.

No big, wup. Just sayain'.
Dramamama read my blog
Jul 28, 2008 | 8:39 AM

Hanson
It is not 'Christians' that boycotted Disney. It was Southern Baptist Born Agains. There is a difference. And they boycotted "The Hunchback of Notre dame", (which in my opinion was a brilliant work of art!) because they objected to Demi Moore voicing the lead, and I think Pocahotas, for who knows what reason.... There are only a couple of shows I will not direct for kids, or adults. Godspell (Christ in clown make-up) and Jesus Christ Superstar. My Savior is too sacred to me, to mock. I believe He is the Son of God, and I will not defile his name. ( And I would never mock anybody else beliefs either) That being said, any other show that is positive, upbeat, entertaining, I will direct. One of my favorite shows, is Guys and Dolls, about gambling. I don't gamble, but the show is entertaining. (Plus in 'real life' those marriages would be a disaster, but I love the show!) And one of the joys of directing is turning caos into order, and I can get kids to do stuff I would have been too shy to do at that age. Just my two cents.
Hansonman read my blog
Jul 28, 2008 | 12:32 PM

There is a difference between Baptist Born Agains and Xtians? Really? Wow. And I thought you protestants just hated the "Papist catholics."

And if you scratch your head over what silly Xtians do, can you imagine how I must feel?!

I had the biggest crush on Demi Moore growing up! What was that movie with Rob Lowe and Jim Belushi...man, that was great "acting."
Davmac view my photos
Aug 1, 2008 | 3:21 PM

Hansonman,

Me thinks you protest too much!

You're loosing that "good guy" image. This is not about you & your mission. Its about someone reaching out & selflessly helping the kids of their community. Just leave it alone.

Thanks, Dramamama!
Hansonman read my blog
Aug 2, 2008 | 10:55 PM

I have a "good guy" image? Geez, I have to try harder at sharpening my edge!
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captainseapig

Born raised and educated in Sudbury third generation, educated at Brigham Young University, received my degree in photography. Self employed for 26 years. Married 26 years, two boys ,oldest is working at Children's Hospital after graduating Cum Laude from Boston University recently. Youngest is working for a while after High School. He enjoys photography and music. I Enjoy restoring old pick up trucks, camping and canoeing. Active in church and community. Oh, by the way, this avatar image is not of me, it is of my alter ego Captain Seapig.

Member Since: 12/15/2006


 

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