One of the best nights of the summer happened last night. We made our annual pilgrimage to the Upton-Morley Pavilion to see Interlochen's Shakespeare production. This year, it was a light,
comical fare with a show of "As You Like It".
As it turns out, I did more than like it. I loved it.
We, of course, stuck to our usual tradition of reading the play beforehand which always helps us understand the overall plot of any Shakespeare play, and allows us to anticipate some of our favorite lines. This summer, it was just Hannie, Glo and I reading it together which meant that we had lots of chances to be many different people, and per our usual summer Shakespeare readings, we did more laughing than actual understanding! It only took us two nights to get through the entire play.
A touching moment came when we stumbled upon a song that is sung in the play:
This song means quite a bit to the Kennedy kids. Three out of the four of the kids have sung this at some point in their high school career. In fact, I do believe it was Ethan who sang it on the top of the Empire State Building in New York City one blustery evening. It is such a lovely melody, using the Shakespeare lyrics to make it even better.
I must admit that I wondered exactly what would happen on the night of the play.
Well, Interlochen never disappoints. For all of the songs, an actual singer/songwriter (with guitar in tow) was incorporated into the play, and her melodies and harmonies were stunning. I believe that a true artist draws people in, so much so that the world just falls away. I know there are moments at concerts where I have gone several minutes without blinking or moving because the performance is so mesmerizing. This is how it was when she sang. In fact, I wouldn't have minded if the whole performance had been sung if it could have sounded like her few songs!
As it turns out, it was an even more special evening, because my ever-prepared daughter, Hannie, had brought a blanket for us. So, as the sun went down (as we sat in our outdoor pavilion), I curled up next to her in our chairs, and just felt the magic of the moment.
These opportunities have been great for the members of our family who read the play and then attend. Johannah was saying as we left the performance last night that she hated Shakespeare through high school, but since attending the plays, she has come to love The Bard of Avon (as have we all).
As it turns out, I did more than like it. I loved it.
We, of course, stuck to our usual tradition of reading the play beforehand which always helps us understand the overall plot of any Shakespeare play, and allows us to anticipate some of our favorite lines. This summer, it was just Hannie, Glo and I reading it together which meant that we had lots of chances to be many different people, and per our usual summer Shakespeare readings, we did more laughing than actual understanding! It only took us two nights to get through the entire play.
A touching moment came when we stumbled upon a song that is sung in the play:
This song means quite a bit to the Kennedy kids. Three out of the four of the kids have sung this at some point in their high school career. In fact, I do believe it was Ethan who sang it on the top of the Empire State Building in New York City one blustery evening. It is such a lovely melody, using the Shakespeare lyrics to make it even better.
I must admit that I wondered exactly what would happen on the night of the play.
Well, Interlochen never disappoints. For all of the songs, an actual singer/songwriter (with guitar in tow) was incorporated into the play, and her melodies and harmonies were stunning. I believe that a true artist draws people in, so much so that the world just falls away. I know there are moments at concerts where I have gone several minutes without blinking or moving because the performance is so mesmerizing. This is how it was when she sang. In fact, I wouldn't have minded if the whole performance had been sung if it could have sounded like her few songs!
As it turns out, it was an even more special evening, because my ever-prepared daughter, Hannie, had brought a blanket for us. So, as the sun went down (as we sat in our outdoor pavilion), I curled up next to her in our chairs, and just felt the magic of the moment.
These opportunities have been great for the members of our family who read the play and then attend. Johannah was saying as we left the performance last night that she hated Shakespeare through high school, but since attending the plays, she has come to love The Bard of Avon (as have we all).
This is John, I have loved every Shakespeare Play I have ever attended. I am glad you guys got to see this and enjoy it.
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