Powerful Acting Touches the Heart

Last night Ed and I, my parents, and Uncle Scott watched in awe as Mary performed in her first high school theatrical performance. The Mexico Academy and Central School's Fall production of "Little Women" is a must see. 

In my previous post, Jacki summarized it best when she shared she and her sister were "...surprised and delighted by the talent these young actors demonstrated!...The play and the acting were actually FANTASTIC, but I guess we were afraid to clap because we didn't want to miss anything. AMAZING!." 

Thank you so much Jacki, I agree completely.

Thomas Hischack's adaptation of "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott is astonding. You will laugh, cry, and experience the March family like never before. One woman said, "I need to go home and read the book now. This was great." Kudos to Mr. Coughlin, the cast, the light crew, the sound crew, and of course the stage crew. A wonderful production exhibiting the talent and hearts of our Mexico youth and staff.

I laughed until my cheeks hurt, then cried with similar emotion. The students showcased the March family's love, family unity, and selfless generosity with style and authentic flare. If you haven't read the book, their acting will ignite your inspiration to read it and reread it if you are "Little Women" lover like my mother and those sitting near us.

The scene that captured my heart and triggered a rainfall of tears was Beth (Mary Buske) and Jo's (Sydney Lattenhauer) last scene together. Their last good-bye and hug before Beth passes away from scarlet fever and descends to heaven. At the end of play, Jo's closing dialogue shares hope because she knows her beloved husband, Prof. Bhaer joined her precious sister in heaven.

Each time I ran lines with Mary before the show I cried during this scene. Mary would shake her head, "Mom, really, we can't practice this scene together anymore." Last night, this scene tore at my heart once again. As I watched Beth and Jo share one last hug before saying good-bye until they meet again in heaven, I grieved the opportunity for this moment with my precious sister, Heidi.

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Thankfully, I know we serve a big, compassionate, and loving God. Heidi didn't have her family there to hold her hand and encourage her during her last moments BUT God doesn't forget those He loves.

The Bible tells us He loves the children, Heidi was a child. 

"The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation." Psalm 145:9 NLT

Although the March family lost their precious Beth their hope remained. Eternity is forever and they would see her again when God called them home. From childhood to adulthood, the MACS drama club makes you a part of the March family. We share their joy, feel their pain, and experience the Hope of tomorrow.

If you attended last night's production, what was your favorite part? What encouragement would you like to share with the actors and actresses? A round of applause to Mr. Coughlin and his entire crew. 

*To see more pictures from the play, click on the first photograph for a direct link or visit Thursday's blog.*

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I recommend you watch the show in person but if health issues or other reasons keep you home click on the bottom three pictures for a direct link to a "live webcast" of tonight's performance at 7 p.m.

Special thanks to Lynn Sheldon for letting me "borrow" her photographs from last night's performance for today's blog.