When I signed RD up for Girl Scouts, I had no idea how much I would gain from it. Since she started, we helped clean up a beach, learned to decorate cupcakes for Halloween, and meet some amazing new friends.
Never too late to join the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio!
Our latest adventure may be my new favorite. Playhouse Square partners with Girl Scouts of North East Ohio to present a day at the theater. I should say day and night.
Starting in the afternoon with workshops. We ended the day seeing a production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I in the Ohio State Theater. Just over eight hours of theater-themed fun.
Yes, eight hours!
There were about 60+ Girl Scouts from all over Northeast Ohio gathered in the Ohio State Theater. Many of the girls came with their troop. But, not all. Some, like RD and me, came to this Girl Scout event on our own.
There were three workshops planned for the day - acting, ballroom dancing, and a craft station. There was also a Q&A session with cast members. You can tell this isn't the first time they hosted Girl Scouts at Playhouse. Each transition went seamlessly.
Read more of our Girl Scouts of North East Ohio adventures
Our group, the Elephants, started with the acting workshop. The workshop leader led the girls in a series of improv exercises. Not only were all the girls engaged, they never stopped moving! My little one didn't need much encouragement to let her dramatic side out. The girls who were a bit shy jumped in as soon as they were ready. I didn't see any wallflowers in this group!
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| Any guess which one is mine? |
The girls got to decorate fans. This ties into the fan dance that is a big scene in the play. They were thrilled to make a fan (or two) that they got to keep. Mind you, when the fan dancing started on stage, many of the girls broke out their fans, too.
The final workshop for our group was ballroom dancing on the stage of the State Theater. Andy Slimak of Starz Ballroom taught a very feisty group of young ladies a few basic steps. Many of these girls, mine included were feeling the effects of a very long day.
He managed to be professional, firm when needed and even silly with them to help them end the day on a high note. I wanted to drag my kid off stage, but he patiently worked with them. And, they seem to adore him. I can't speak for the rest, but my kid can't wait to try ballroom dancing.
The big finale was meeting some of the cast from Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I.
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| left to right: Manna Nichols (Tuptim), Laura Quintela (Asst. Company Manager), Adriana Braganza (Royal Child), Mindy Lai (Ensemble), Amaya Braganza (Royal Child) |
Her hand shot up shortly later but did not get to ask her next question.
It was a lively interview session. The women answered questions about their past roles, what they did while in Cleveland, and how they got into acting. It was fascinating to listen in on.
Once this part of our day ended, the kid and I headed out in search of food. We could have packed a dinner and ate in the theater, but there are plenty of places to eat within a short walk.
As we walked out, we ran into the youngest kids of the panel who are sisters. In her bright yellow skirt, it was hard not to forget my kid. After a quick hug and a photo, we wished them well and continued on our search for dinner.
The performance was wonderful. I love the movie, but this was the first time I've seen it live. The performance was so much better than the movie. I'm so glad I got to share this with my kid. This was such a unique way to introduce kids to the theater. And, it was a brilliant way to spend an afternoon with my kid.
CLICK THE PICTURE BELOW OR JOURNEY OVER TO GSNEO.ORG/MOM TO START THE ADVENTURE TODAY.
