Monday Ramblings
japra | Dec 08, 2008 | Comments 12
Roxi was HILARIOUS as Eulalie McKicknie Shinn in her middle school’s production of “The Music Man“! She used a character voice throughout the show, which prompted a few people (mostly adults) to ask her afterwards to speak normally. And of course, what fun Mr. DJ and I had sitting anonymously in the audience and hearing people laugh at something Roxi did or said or just at the expression on her face. One night, we heard someone a couple rows behind us say–”oh the girl who plays the Mayor’s wife was so great last year as the Judge in The Wind in the Willows.” And one of Roxi’s classmates in the front row was so enthusiastic during intermission we could hear her exclaim, “Roxi is SO FUNNY!”
We had a some of the cast over Thursday and Friday to hang out and have dinner before the show. I also did hair and makeup for Roxi and her friend Y. It was fun having all those kids over–lots of really positive energy.
Mama DJ flew over from Texas for the Thursday show, bringing two 12-packs of Mug Rootbeer–a great hit with the friends who couldn’t believe that we had American rootbeer! Personally, I prefer the rootbeer here as it’s not quite so sweet.
This afternoon, I attended a beautiful Christmas service at the village church near Roxi’s school. Earliest parts of the church building are from the 7th century (!) with a crenelated tower from the 16th century and renovations from the late 1800s. The vicar (!) has led this particular school Christmas service for the last 23 years. This was his last service, which made it bittersweet for all of us. The vicar was witty and really had a great delivery style–different from what we are normally used to in the Protestant churches in America.
A couple of weeks ago, Roxi’s choir director invited any interested middleschoolers to sing with the high school choir during this service. Roxi and a friend (who ended up not being able to attend) were the only ones who volunteered. The choir director assured Roxi that she would know the songs as they were typical Christmas carols. Two minutes before the concert began, Roxi received her music folder and discovered that of the six or so songs she was supposed to sing, she didn’t know two and two were completely different arrangements, I am guessing due to the service being Church of England!
Anyway, it was an enlightening experience for my girl who is used to being overly prepared for a concert. At least we enjoyed the spirit of the service and the snug, very charming church.
Roxi has a choir concert on Wednesday. In the meantime, she’s started studying for exams, which start next Wednesday. Yikes!
What I cooked this weekend: marinara sauce for ravioli (for the cast), spaghetti and meatballs (for the cast), barbecue chicken in the oven, brownies, and Persian chicken (sort of based on this recipe) with dill rice (kind of based on this recipe but I used edamame instead of pistachios!).
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
I’d love to have seen your girl in the play. That part is a plum and I’m sure she was great in it. How was her “Grecian urn”? 8-)
Oh, it must just fill you with love and pride in your sweetie! It sounds like you had a great week’s end!
So happy that you are enjoying your stay here in the UK.Roxy sounds as if she is going to be a star.
JP makes all our sauces, as he never makes it the same twice running it can be used for a variety of dishes. It is THE ONLY thing he cooks.
Happy Holidays.
Oh, I wish that I could have seen Roxi in this musical. She is SUCH a character! (I love theatrical types.)
I STILL don’t really know the carols or arrangements here. They are surprisingly different.
Kathy–”One… Grrrrrrecian Urn” was hilarious! People were amazed by her “r” rrrrrolling :-)
Chris–She is so much fun!
Moannie–I started making my own pasta sauces here (well, cooking from scratch in general). My only question to myself is: What have I been waiting for?! Homemade pasta sauce is so easy to throw together and tastes so much better than the ones from the jar. Of course, I let mine simmer for a couple few hours, which is the whole reason I rarely cooked from scratch in the states. I was too “busy”. Too bad!
Bee–Thank you for the reassurance about the carols. We sang “O Little Town of Bethlehem” Which was like this and not like this. Beautiful but different. :-)
You must have died of pride. It’s so great watching your kids doing what they do best and having other people appreciate that is enough to send you into outer orbit of crazed joy. Bliss. Enjoy.
Now if I can just figure out how to get invited to that next cast party dinner I’ll be feeling the bliss too…
Wow, what a wonderful evening!
That post brings back such wonderful memories for me.
I’m sure those kids will remember that show, AND the cast party for many, many years!
Way to go Roxi!!
My mom and sister and I just drove up to Arkansas (10 hour drive) to see my nephew in a Christmas show. It was totally worth it and an amazing evening. It’s wonderful that Mama DJ makes the short jaunt to London to see Roxi’s shows. I know it means so much to the kids.
I’m so glad that Roxi killed! I can just sense the pride you must be feelings.
And how brave she is to sing in front of everyone without totally knowing what she was getting herself into.
I don’t know if I ever experienced the British version of root bear when I was over there.
A star is born! You’ve been really busy! What a wonderful time you’re having in England, talk about a character setting.
Audrey–It was great to see other people appreciate Roxi’s hard work.
BSR–Did you do theatre or was it your kids?
Laurie–It really does mean a lot to Roxi. She didn’t see her grandmother until she looked out into the audience during the opening number. You should have seen her face light up!
Alyson–I am amazed at the talent (and guts) that some of these kids have. Lots of kids to be proud of!! The rootbeer here is really rootbeer-y. You really have to love the flavour ;-)
Christine–She is definitely a star in the making. She’s got the guts, ambition, drive, and yes, the talent! It is amazing and awe-inspiring to watch. As I’ve said, we’re having an incredible time here. It’s been good for all of us to get out of our rut and try new things.
Both, actually.