The Magical Land of Oz

Clear back in February, Evan came home wanting to try out for the school musical.  Since our other kids had never been involved in a musical in middle school, I wasn't sure what to think.  He seemed very confident, so I didn't want to squelch that, but I also told him that since he was only a 5th grader, others with more experience may get chosen instead.  He was set on trying out for the part of the scarecrow and said that if he didn't get that, he would be happy to do stage crew. Nathan had just participated in tryouts for the high school play so he helped Evan work on the musical selection and we all gave him advise on making sure he spoke clearly and with feeling.  

He went in to the tryout after school one day.  I stood out in the hallway and waited.  When he came out he said he kind of messed up one of the speaking lines, but that his musical part went well.  He had learned the part with a recorded track, but when the directors asked if he wanted to do the tryout with the track or try it with piano accompaniment, he opted for the piano.  When they asked him if he would take another part if offered it, he said that he wanted to do the scarecrow part but would do stage crew if he didn't get that part.  Pretty gutsy answers, I thought.

Bottom line.....he got the part!!!  He was so excited.  He had to learn 90+ lines and even had a little solo in one song.  By all accounts he did a great job and many people approached him and said so.  It was super fun that Stephanie and Em were here to see it along with Nate, Grandma, Steve, and I.  Janelle's family also made the trip down from Massachusetts to see him in the play.  Even the cub scouts came to see him.  Pretty cool!!!  Way to go, Evan.  You were a super Scarecrow!!!

We are so proud of you!!!!

Cowardly Lion, Dorothy, and the Scarecrow

The program

Dorothy meets the scarecrow for the first time

Near the witch's castle

Tin woman, Dorothy, Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow

Talking to the Wizard of Oz

With Emily and Grandma after the first night's performance

His cub scout friends....Payson, Destin, Carter, and Tennyson

A cast group shot

Nathan, Steve, Evan and Alan after the final performance

Proud Mama and Papa with Evan the Scarecrow

And with his directors......they all did a super job!!!