Several weeks ago Sanjay told me that he tried out for a speaking role in the 2nd grade play. He was hoping for a singing part and said that he tried his best. The music teacher told the kids that she wanted to give all the classes an opportunity to audition so her decision would take a few weeks. He was hopeful but in the back of his mind worried that it might be given to someone else. His passion for this was strong. Throughout those weeks he'd casually mention to me that he hoped the music teacher would pick him. I was nervous for him. It was the first time that I can recall as a parent feeling like my child is truly going to be let down if he doesn't land this role.
Priya's personality is like mine... a bit afraid of failure so she refuses go after something like this without 100% certainty that it will be hers. Sanjay's confidence lands completely on the other end of the spectrum. It is admirable and innate, and I cannot relate. I can still remember him as a toddler watching "Dora the Explorer" and shouting out answers to the TV screen with conviction even though oftentimes the answers were completely wrong. It would get me in a fit of giggles it was so dang cute. Even when the backpack announced the correct answer, he wasn't bothered that it didn't match his. No doubt in his mind the backpack was wrong. :)
It turns out that he did get the role as Great White Shark and cheerfully announced it to the family that night. Music is one of his favorite classes in school and he was excited to be practicing his part during class over the next couple of weeks. He brought the script home and had to have his lines memorized by the weekend before the play. He worked diligently on this and even took it to bed with him as his nightly reading a few nights. He took advantage of any opportunity to sing his solo for anyone who would listen. He was ready for the big performance.
Tonight was the big night. Unfortunately Daddy was out of town on a business trip so he couldn't make it. However because of his absence, I have recorded Sanjay's performance on three different devices. And I have a fourth copy which I recorded this afternoon at the matinee showing for the students so it all worked out in the end.
The play had a great message. Several sea creatures have "disabilities" if you will. For example, the Tuna Fish cannot sing or "hold a tune", the Octopus has only 7 legs, the Starfish hasn't had a star acting role in several months, the Clownfish can't tell jokes and the Zebrafish has spots instead of stripes. One of the main characters is a Tigershark who is looking for friends but doesn't want to be friends with any of these misfits. The Great White Shark is sort of the hero as he steps in to show Tigershark that it's okay to be unique and in fact different is nice. He sings a song to drive home his point and that's the final scene of the play.
Here is my little superstar singing this great message...
I am so proud of him tonight. He did a great job and received lots of compliments from parents and other students. He cannot wait to show the video to Dad.
