It's Showtime

    Superior Elementary has been putting on a 5th Grade Musical for 23 years. At the end of Cooper's 4th grade school year, I had asked him if he thought he might try out for the play. He told me, he was not sure, but thought he might just do backstage support. I am very glad that he changed his mind. Once the time came, he decided he would try out for the role of Genie in Aladdin.  He did his work and practiced the song and dialog. When he came home that day, I asked how it went, and he said he thought he did okay. He noted that his friend Tyler was a great Genie, so he did not think he would get that part, but had a few other backup roles that he thought he might get. I was proud that he tried, since I am guessing there will not be many other chances in his life to do this. Well, a few days later he came home excited. He told me that he has been offered the role of Aladdin (Genie did go to Tyler :) ). He had some hesitations since he was playing Flag Football, and in Cyclocross, both which take up a lot of time.  But decided it was too good of an opportunity to turn down.
    The next month and a half was full of days of rushing between play practice and sports. I must say I think I saw Cooper maturing before my eyes during this time. He had a great attitude. Never complained about finishing homework at 7 PM after a long day. Just did all that was required of him to take care of the things he signed up for.  He always said that play practice was fun.  I went thru the dialog with him once and he had a good handle on it, so I kind of left him alone for the most part. 
   The rest of the community, as it always does, really stepped up and created amazing sets and costumes for the kids. It really was a great experience that I know Cooper will remember fondly. So when the day came , we were all very excited. Jack, Martha, Joel and I were able to make it to the daytime show, and it was really fun to see the whole production come together. Then Sarah's bunch was able to make the night show.  What these kids created,with a herculean help of the teachers was really special.  We loved every minute of it.
  Here are a few pics from the show (again thanks to another spectacular teacher Jen Lehman)

 One Cute Aladdin

 

Abu, Aladdin, and Genie

Prince Ali, Magic Carpet and Genie (I told you the costumes were great)

Jasmine and Prince Ali (aka Aladdin)

Mrs Higgins 5th Grade Class

Super proud parents and sister

Ready for showtime

    One side story that has made me laugh every time I see the video is Cooper "trying" to direct his castmates. Jasmine and Prince Ali were suppose to look at each other at the end of "A Whole New World". Well Jasmine either forgot, or was not persuaded of Prince Ali's affection so Cooper decided to remind her by kicking her..... the look on her face is priceless.

   Joel and I are so very proud of what Cooper and all his classmates did with his musical. Now for the next adventure in the 5th graders year. Calwood, which is an outdoor education camp they go to next week! These are some blessed kiddos!