The reviews are in: Willy Wonka cast broke a leg

Ok. It was standing room only for the last night of the highly acclaimed elementary school production of Willy Wonka. There wasn't a vacant uncomfortable metal chair in the room. Parents, grandparents, siblings, babysitters; it was a friendly crowd assembled and ready to cheer.

First, let me say; wow those kids worked hard! Since December they have been working on this play; sets, costume, tunes, lines, special effects. This play had it all.

Now, down to the important part; how did my kid do? FABULOUS!!! Of course! She sparkled, she shined, she blushed, she hammed it up. Her singing was crisp and on tune and projected to the back of the the room. Which, believe me, in this crowd was a plus.

Basically, the old theater bug has done bit.

She was still buzzing off the audience high when I asked her, "Are you sad that it is over?"

"Yes. It was so much fun." she said, still pink from pride and giggling.

Ok. This is something I can't relate to. I get performance anxiety just thinking about her performing but she seems to thrive on it.

All and all a good experience. Something I never had when I was young but am jolly darn proud that she seems to like it.

Huge accolades to the music teacher, Ms. S, for her herculean efforts. She has started a tradition now whether she wants to or not.

Wow, does this island love a show!?!

Wonka

We are getting ready for the big show! The first performance of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is Friday afternoon and all the kids are on pins and needles.

Maybe I should back up. There was grant money available for our elementary school and the music teacher decided to put on a Broadway Jr. musical. These plays take popular works and trim them down for young performers.

3rd, 4th & 5th graders were invited to audition. Over 100 kids showed up!

Molly had her heart set on Veruca Salt, the super bratty rich kid. Molly really loved Veruca's song, took it very seriously, practiced it until she had it down pat and sung her little heart out at the audition.

She didn't get that part but got Violet Beauregaurde, the gum chewing brat that turns into a blueberry. Molly was still thrilled and has worked really hard on learning all her lines. If you remember in the movies, Violet does not have a song but they have created one in the Broadway Jr. script. Molly is a little luke warm on the tune. In fact, it doesn't really do anything for her but she is hanging in there anyway.

Most of her friends are in the play too, whether speaking parts or Oompa-Loompas. Comments from friends are: "Molly, you have to be brattier, you are still too nice." "More obnoxious gum chewing, please!"

So the maiden voyage happens Friday afternoon at the VCCC (Vashon Community Care Center) where the kids will put on the whole show for the seniors. I would think that would be a pretty appreciative audience.

Next week is the tough crowd, all their peers back at school. In fact, I heard one story of a boy quitting his part recently because of teasing from other boys.

Molly told me a story about a boy hassling her in math class about the play. She said, "If you think it's dumb then don't come to see it." Yes, it is as simple as that.

So, no, I am no hollywood mother and I can't wait for it to be safely behind us. But, it has been interesting to watch from a far. All these kids really working hard and mastering something pretty complicated and making it work.

Hats off to the music teacher who took on such a massive endeavor and the parent helpers who are making it work.