Flying Back to the Dragon

Emily Beck re-playing the role of the Scarecrow, that I had originally cast her in when I directed The Wizard of Oz some five years ago.

I had been away too long.

With Benjamin no longer actively participating, my involvement in the Flying Dragon Arts Center had receded.  I have been to a few shows, but was no longer the regular patron and occasional contributor that I was.

That was a mistake.

Their Broadway in Waycross performances this last weekend were amazing and reaffirmed their position as a major supporter and educator of the arts.

Act 1 presented songs from four different musicals, with young talent ranging from toddlers to early high school.

Emily Beck as Dorothy during a performance of Jitterbug, a number that was part of the original musical, but cut from the movie version.  Playing The Scarecrow is Tori Butler, an extraordinarily gifted singer, who shined in multiple singing numbers throughout the first act.

It is true that every young person is not a superstar,  They all are at different stages of their theatrical development.  But over the years, I have seen so many grow and mature into better and better performers. I am so grateful that a warm and loving teaching environment is available for them.  It is a true treasure of Waycross.

Marisa Williams playing the woman that anointed Jesus with oils in a powerful performance of songs from Jesus Christ Superstar.

Act 2 featured what I can only call The Millennial All-Stars.  It was the very best of your young adult performers, ranging from upper high school to twenty-somethings, delivering one knock-out performance after another.

They performed songs from four different musicals, including one of my all time favorites, Cabaret.  A high schooler named Noah Rouse was outstanding as the Cabaret leader named Noah in the opening number, and the dance sequence between Blake Kildow and Bella Motta was marvelous, mein herrs und frauleins!

Blake Kildow deserves the credit for helping assemble this amazing, diverse group of players, including some of our college students home for the summer.

Emily Beck as an impoverished character in Les Miz, singing in a way that showed rich emotion.  Emily contributed stellar performances to both acts.

Part of the cast (and my thumb) coming out for the final curtain call.  Seated in the french revolution/quasi-pirate outfit is Aaron Michael Carver, who gave some of the best performances I'd ever seen.  His performance in the number Jesus Christ Superstar was one for the record books.

I could go on and on about the great performances in this show.  I have never before seen such a an entertainment value, only eight bucks for four hours of theatrical good times.

Look for the next play or plays to be performed, and come out and support one of the best things about Waycross, the Flying Dragon Arts Center!