Danny talked about trying Marist theater for a while. Clare loved her experiences with it, and it appealed to him. I was pretty sure he would be a great fit, and couldn’t help but think how amazing it would be if the director ever caught wind of his Scottish accent - or any accent, really. Alas, what were the chances?
It took a bit of nudging (I am intentionally avoiding the word “nagging) for him to reach out and get the details for the auditions, but finally it was established and he went. Turns out he was one of only two ninth graders to audition. Best of all? This particular play, “The Old Man and the Old Moon” had inspired the director to ask participants to come with an accent prepared! Needless to say, Danny’s Scottish accent won him over - to the extent that he was awarded two significant roles AND two singing solos!
Danny worked really, really hard from late August through the show dates in late October. Monday-Thursday he had play rehearsals from 4-6:30; three out of those four days he then had soccer practice from 7:30-9. Sleep was precious, given his hefty academic load and weekends filled with soccer games.
Come opening night, I’ll admit I was nervous - but Danny didn’t seem to be! When I was seated in my place and saw his crew of Boyz roll in to support him, my heart swelled. And when he stepped forward for his first solo within the first few minutes of the show, I was bursting with pride!
In short, Danny crushed it. I continue to have people tell me that he stole the show. He was hilarious, and charming, and winsome. He had a blast, too, and of course basks in the glow of his success. He acknowledges how tough it was to manage everything, so we’ll see if he makes a return to the stage…but I wouldn’t be surprised. Bravo, Dan-o!
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