Can you name this tagline? I'll give you a clue... Teen angst, 1985....
Ok, you should have it now, but if you don't, I guess I'll tell you...
The Breakfast Club
This is my latest project! I made mention of it last week, along with a promise of a whole post explaining how it came to be. Well, here it is....
Back in October, I auditioned to be a part of the Greenwood Little Theatre's first running of "The Breakfast Club". For those of you that don't know, plays or musicals are a huge part of my childhood/teenage history. I did my first play at GLT when I was 10. I did a play every year up until I was 16. I was a junior at Pillow at the time. For reasons I don't remember, we didn't do a play my senior year. Well, scratch that, we did a senior play, but I don't really count that one. Anyways.... After moving back home in August, I stumbled upon a piece of information about auditions for the stage version of this movie. I kinda freaked out. "The Breakfast Club" is one of those movies that no matter how often it comes on tv, I'm gonna stop to watch it. I also feel the same way about "Dirty Dancing", "Footloose", "Grease", and just about every other movie from the 80s. So, I see this ad and all I know is that I want to be involved. I've really missed being involved with a theatre and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to become involved again. I couldn't think of a better play to start with. I mean, I have the movie as a reference, and it has the benefit of having a small cast. Perfect! But, I soon realized there might be a serious problem... I've been removed from high school for a long time. I'm no longer in the appropriate age bracket... I made a few calls and got back in touch with some of my old theatre friends, trying to find out if it was even worth the effort. They told me not to worry about the age, just give it a shot. Well, I did. When I went to audition, I was terrified. Not normal for me, but hey, it happens. I looked around and realized I was definitely the oldest "kid" there. I went to read for the roll of Claire ( Molly Ringwald's role). I am not exaggerating when I say I just about walked out. I couldn't see anyway that I would be cast, no matter how convincing I might be. But, I didn't leave; I stayed and read for Claire. Total audition time was about 30 minutes. I left, knowing that there was no way, NO WAY, I would get that part. I was completely fine with that too. I had offered to help in whatever capacity I might be needed. I would just get back involved slowly with behind-the-scenes roles. Well, obviously, it didn't turn out that way. Two days later I received a phone call from our very enthusiastic director, telling me that he would be honored if would be his Claire. The answer I gave him was, "Are you sure?" After a strange laugh, he said that he was sure, and then I asked, "But do you know how old I am?" He assured me that he did, and that it didn't matter, I could pass for 17 any day. I'm still trying to learn to take that as a compliment....
So, here we are, 5 months later and 1 week from opening night. It has been so awesome being back on stage and working with the group that we have assembled. Our cast is amazing, our crew is phenomenal. My family is both amazing and phenomenal for allowing me to do this. It has taken up alot of time for the past two months, but I think the end result will be worth it. For me, this is the ultimate adrenaline rush. The moment before the lights come on and the curtain goes up, the only sound to be heard is your own heartbeat. That is the biggest rush I've ever felt. It's hard to explain sometimes to people who've never been involved in theatre. All I can do is compare to an athletes biggest win,or a card player's winning hand.
I will end by inviting all of you to attend one of the four performances next week. If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment here on my Facebook page!
The Greenwood Little Theatre will present "The Breakfast Club" written by John Hughes on March 25, 26, & 27 at 7:30pm and March 28 at 2:00pm.
This is the first stage production of the '80's Classic Movie in North Mississippi.
Stacey Joiner, Director and Ted MacIntosh, Assistant Director.
Admission is $15.00 for Adults and $5.00 for Students.
Parental Guidance Suggested (Adult language)
Cast:
Bender, the Rebel...........Scott MacIntosh
Allison, the Recluse..........Nichole Henry
Claire, the Beauty...........Michelle Montgomery Hodges
Andrew, the Jock............Daniel Myers
Brian, the Brain..............Blake Harthcock
Principal Vernon.............Cathy Roberts
Carl, the Janitor.............Steven Gray
Parents......Larry Myers, Elaine Tharpe, Freda MacIntosh
Brian's little sister....Taylor Bush
