Break A Leg!

What’s My Line? Jazmyne, right, and her BFF, Amelia, started learning the songs in Bye Bye Birdie the day tryouts were announced. By week’s end, Amelia’s mom and I were singing “A Healthy, Normal, American Boy” in our sleep.

All That Jaz Jaz dreamed of a big part….Rosie, maybe, or Kim? Here, the friends practice dramatic poses while belting out “How Lovely to Be a Woman.” Hysterical! But also bittersweet, with the girls on the cusp of adolescence.

Fan Fare Both girls landed supporting roles, Jaz as “fan girl.” She knew newbies (a.k.a. sixth-graders) almost never get starring roles. She was just happy to have a part. Grandma Evelyn, her biggest fan, gives Jaz a congratulatory kiss.

In the Bag The afternoon of the first performance was bitterly cold, but Jaz didn’t seem to notice. Clutching her “theater bag” and the souvenir ticket each actor got, she was raring to go—and a little nervous. Aside from show shoes, water, and script (and, after the first performance, a playbill “for good luck”), Jaz toted a monster makeup case. I said she could wear “a little” makeup for the show. Clearly, she saw an opening and took it!

Show Time! Her opening act! Jaz sings “We love you, Conrad” with a tiny bit too much enthusiasm to suit her dad.

Center Stage While Jaz’s pal Julie performed “Telephone Hour,” Jaz was standing behind the curtain, silently rooting for Julie to nail her big scene—and anxiously awaiting her cue. She’s out next!

Say Yes to the Dress My daughter adored the circa-1960 costumes on full display in this scene, the Fan Girls’ rendition of “What’s the Matter with Kids Today?”

Bye Bye Birdies! Jaz and her buddies, all smiles in the lobby of the auditorium after taking their final bows. My daughter can’t wait to try out for another musical—dramas, maybe not so much.

Ticket to Pride Here we are at our favorite diner, celebrating Jazmyne’s official entry into the drama club.