When Lexi first told me that she was going to audition for the play this year I was a little surprised. She is pretty shy about singing, nevermind dancing, in front of people. At home she is full of music all the time but I have only seen her sing a couple times before and afterward she doesn’t really want to talk about it. So my response when she told me she was trying out for HADESTOWN at WPC my response was “maybe just try out for something small, seeing this is your first time doing something like this.” – I have been a big fan of her cousin Julia through her musical career at WPC. Newsies, Grease, Mean Girls, and seeing what she gives to every performance and the work that goes into rehearsals. It’s incredible, she is incredible.
“I am going for Persephone”, Lexi said, and when she got it I was excited and scared for her all at the same time.
I had never seen the play so I knew nothing about it, other than it was all singing. We went all 3 nights and I was in line early on all three nights to make sure we would have great seats for each performance. I was completely blown away and each night was better than the last. I may have even gotten a little emotional watching her dance on stage like we used to dance in the living room at home when she was little. Just thinking about her asking me to dance with her back then, to spin her around, and scoop her up for lifts was all lost in the moment. Seeing her up on stage so fearless and bringing it full circle was really touching. I have this video of Ashlyn when she was like 2 where she is out in the backyard and I am just getting back from work. The moment she sees me she starts running toward me yelling Daaaaaaaaaadaaaaaaaaay and flies into my arms. It felt like that for a moment but impossible to explain or ever get back but I watch that video on repeat whenever it comes up.
The play was amazing in all aspects. The kids and staff worked so hard leading up and to see the final result just left me in awe. The casting was perfect. Hermes had this cadence to him that just fit the mood so well and you couldn’t help but listen when he talked. I didn’t know Orpheus could sing like that and the way he moved told his story. Eurydice never disappoints, a musical theatre Fleetwood Mac is how I like to describe her. Hades was so big and his delivery was so powerful and daunting. Persephone lit up the room with her singing and dancing, both up above and down below. The fates, workers, and pit band were the wrapping and the bow that made this production the gift that it was.
You could see the emotion at the end of the last show. Deep friendships made and the feeling you only get when you have experienced something you will never forget with a group of people. I am grateful for all the team and volunteers at WPC and in the community that made this production possible. Not just for me, but Persephone.
Now, hurry up Spring, I’ve missed you!