Somewhere beyond community youth theatre

Our parents influence us in ways that are both obvious and latent. Knowing this, I wonder, 'What will my children be like? What will I do that will shape them and either a) bring them great happiness and success or b) ignite years of therapy?'

Yesterday my parents and I took the twins to see a play. It was a production of The Emperor's New Clothes by Spotlight Youth Theatre in Surprise. Overall, it was a cute little show, and the actors ranged from 12-ish-year-olds to adults.

Act One was enjoyable. Dylan and Kyle were very into the show, and Dylan kept turning to me and saying, "I'm watching, Mommy." Then intermission came. You would think intermission would be a good thing for young children, but it really did us in.

At the back of the "theatre," there was a table with little souvenirs. At first Kyle wanted a pinwheel and Dylan wanted a sparkly silver magic wand, but then they both saw the blow up snake sword, and that was that. Once Dylan knew there was "stuff" at the back of the room, he had a hard time paying attention to the show. At one point he leaned back in my arms like a baby, pressed in my nose and said "piggy, piggy." He was interested in anything but the people on stage, so I kept getting up and taking him to the back of the room, then trying to sit again, and we continued this routine for the remainder of the performance. Sometimes when the actors would sing, he took this as an invitation to break into song as well; although, he was singing "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and Bobby Darin's "Beyond the Sea." Eventually, there was a loud dragon roar from stage left that caught his interest, and then later a flying rubber fish. Of course, as soon as the show ended both he and Kyle scurried up to the stage to check out the fish.

The twins had been to a Disney on Ice show and a puppet show, but this was their first true theatre experience. I'm sure it will be one of many, and I hope that my kids will have an appreciation for the performing arts...and that I won't turn into a horrid stage mother and try to live vicariously through my children. Although, you have got to hear Dylan sing "Beyond the Sea." It's hilarious.

Lyrics to "Beyond the Sea"

Somewhere beyond the sea

Somewhere waitin' for me

My lover stands on golden sand

And watches the ships

that go sailin'

Somewhere beyond the sea

She's there watchin' for me

If I could fly like birds on high

Then straight to her arms

I'd go sailin'

It's far beyond the star

It's near beyond the moon

I know beyond a doubt

My heart will lead me there soon

We'll meet beyond the shore

We'll kiss just as before

Happy we'll be, beyond the sea

And never again I'll go sailin'

***INSTRUMENTAL BREAK***

I know beyond a doubt,

My heart will lead me there soon

We'll meet, I know we'll meet

Beyond the shore

We'll kiss just as before

Happy we'll be, beyond the sea

And never again

I'll go sailin'

(No more sailin')

(So long sailin')

(Bye bye sailin')