theater bug

jason is not much of a theater person...he never really has been. though, through the course of our years together, i have managed to drag him to a few shows, and he's even enjoyed some of them.

a few of our favorites include rent, avenue q and the full monty - all of which we've seen on national tour more than once, and some as local productions as well.

the full monty is one of our favorite movies, and we saw the new musical production in london and found it to be a brilliant adaption. over the years, we have fantasized about what parts we would play, should it ever be available to local theater groups.

low and behold...midland center for the arts is doing a production of the full monty this winter.

this is the one and only show that jason has ever even considered auditioning for. many years ago, when i was in a production of a funny thing happened on the way to the forum, the director was in need of some more 'bodies' to fill the roles of proteans...small, non-speaking roles. he didn't even give it a second thought. the answer was 'no'.

even when jason was twice the size he is now, he considered being in the show. now, of course, he'd have to pick a different role from his original 'intent' - as the original 'dream role' was one of an overweight, pudgy, lovable fellow with self-esteem issues.

it is only because of our extreme love for this show that we are even considering auditioning. there are many factors and complications influencing this decision - though strangely, for jason, none of them seem to be the fact that the show is based on MALE STRIPPING.

one of the largest complications involves our planned spring break, which is currently scheduled for a production weekend. so over dinner tonight, i decided to take the opportunity to discuss this possible change of plans with the children.

it also involved a brief synopsis of the plot. and jason explaining, using one of our favorite lines from the movie - that he doesn't sing. he doesn't dance. 'well, what is it you do then?' and it boils down to the fact that he thinks he's willing to strip in front of greater midland.

the children laugh. sort of. and he says, but you know who might be there? grammie. grandmom and grandpop. people i work with. tara and neil. coach doug. and the list went on.

and then came several, priceless, kid quotes of the day:

lilly: you would just prove your manliness!

maya: i do NOT want to go to see that play. that is really, REALLY disturbing.

porter: can you stop talking about underwear and naked people??

maya: wouldn't you get arrested for public nudity!?

auditions are in a few weeks.

we'll keep you posted.