I have always loved theater, especially musicals. In high
school, no matter how dreadful the halls were, or how awful the kids behaved
toward me, I could always escape to that darkened, hallowed place of magic and
art … my high school auditorium. When school got to be too much to bear, I
would escape into the sanctuary of back stage for respite from the cruel teen
world. Sometimes I cried, sometimes I slept, occasionally I laughed with others
I encountered but I always transcended … and healed. *Shout out to the Vaca High Drama Club!*
My best friends were all theater geeks. Together, we
explored the daring and provocative world of high school theater, both on and
off stage. One of my fondest memories
was cutting class to catch a nap on stage during tech week for Once Upon a Mattress (come on, giant
mattress!) with about fifteen other kids.
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Me & Tony taking a bow in You Can't Take it With You. |
After high school, when I relocated to the Midwest, my first
family was a community of players. How ironic that by banding together to make
believe, we could simultaneously build something real. Is it any wonder that I
gravitate toward creating characters with an intrinsic passion for the arts? In
DOON, my character, Kenna Reid
lives, eats, and breathes Broadway. And although we may differ on our favorite musical
of all time, we both agree in the genius of Sondheim and NPH.
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Steven Sondheim and NPH (That's Neal Patrick Harris for you lesser beings; Barney Stinson of HIMYM for you couch potatoes, and Doogie Howser for you old folks.) |
It was deeply satisfying to write a character whose entire
high school existence was drama club, because I was her (minus all the leading
roles). Without my high school drama program, my teen years would have been a dark
and lonely prison sentence that I may not have endured … at least not with the
same compassion, wit, and humor. My twenties would have been lackluster and
disconnected instead of filled with the richness of performing great shows like
Into the Woods, Children of Eden, and The
Boys Next Door.
![]() |
The cast of The Boys Next Door (me - center & pregnant) with our director. |
Today, in an alternate universe, I wouldn’t know the joy of watching Little
Shop of Horrors and Phantom of the
Opera with my daughter and singing along at the top of our lungs. Without the art of theatre, my life and writing would be bereft …
And I will be forever grateful that I found my little corner of the sky when I
needed it most.
In case you missed our recent Broadway/BEA in NYC recaps:
- Magic to Do (a GIANT blueberry drops down my shirt on Broadway & 51st!)
- A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes (Lorie Langdon)
- What a day (week) this has been (DOON does a Flat Stanley in New York's theater district)
- Kenna's Broadway Board on Pinterest
- Doon Series You Tube Channel
In the first book of the new Doon Series, Veronica and her best friend, Mackenna, travel to Scotland for the summer in hopes of finding some peace. But the Scottish countryside holds a host of secrets—including a passageway to a mysterious land that appears to be a living fairy tale. In the land of Doon, the girls could have everything they’ve ever longed for … or end up breaking an enchantment and find themselves trapped in a world that could soon become a nightmare. Coming 8.20.2013 from BLINK.
4 comments:
My town is known for its theater (Oregon Shakespeare Festival!) but I wouldn't say that it was ever a high school musical. Then again, my personal favorite as a kid was Annie Get Your Gun. Not sure what that says about me... :D
Great post, Carey! I loved seeing the photos of you from your high school theater days. Can't say that I was ever involved with high school drama, but I was always intrigued by it. Thanks for sharing your experience -- it sounds like such a special time!
Wonderful post! In high school, drama was my salvation! Our school did large-scale musicals and children's theater, both of which were great experiences. My teenage daughter shares the same passion, and we love going to see musicals together - either touring ones or local high school productions.
@Marni - I've been to that Shakespeare festival! In junior high! We stalked one of the younger, very cute actors! I have very fond memories of running amuck in Ashland!
@Pintip - We had our share of drama on and off-stage. That's for sure.
@Carla - so glad you had drama to fall back on. And how awesome that your daughter is passionate about it! Mine's nine and already LOVES musicals.
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