Emily's star performance

Anyone who knows Emily, knows she is dramatic. Some say she is conceited, she will tell you she is confident. Shy she is not!

Last Thursday evening was opening night for Thomas Stone's Imagination Playhouse production of Grease. I was extremely excited and decided to send out an Evite. I pretty much sent it to everyone on my email list, not really thinking. What a wonderful surprise to have so many of my friends and family come to see the play.

On Thursday evening, as I walked in the first person I saw standing in the hallway was Donna Sparrow. Donna was one of Janice's best friends and of is a friend of mine also. I was touched to see her and extremely happy she took the time to come. Of course she brought a Teresa Pepper and her daughter with her. As I turned the corner, there were John's parents, Pat and Fred Trefry, and my sister in law Susie. Also standing nearby was Jody, Emily's Godmother, and her two girls Hannah and Meredith. Within moments, Greg and Sandy, Ken, Leslie and the kids, and of course Michelle. Michelle knew she was coming on Friday as she would be bringing the girls and Adrienne. But there was no way she would miss opening night. With John, Joey and I, this made 20 in attendance for Emily. I was extremely pleased it was such a good turnout for her debut performance. Of course I was a little nervous for her, but extremely proud.

I think I forgot to mention this before. Emily played the role of Pink Lady Jan. Jan is described as funny, loud, and an awkward member of the Pink Ladies. Basically, the perfect role for our Emily. What a wonderful tribute to my friend and sister Janice:)

The play started and before I knew it, there she was - my star Emily. I knew all of the kids on the stage, but it was hard for me not to look at just Emily. Of course, I found myself blown away by the wonderful work these kids had put into this production.

Michelle let me know how many acts or songs until Emily and Matt's performance of "Mooning over you". They were great! After the final act, Emily found her way to all of us in the audience. What a fabulous way to end a wonderful night, in the loving arms of family and friends. I am confident to say, I was not the only person extremely proud of her.

On Friday night, Mom came with me to see the show. Michelle brought Allie, Lauren, Kayla and Adrienne. On the way to the show the girls wanted to get flowers. Michelle explained she was not buying 3 bouquets and offered a suggestion. They ended up with one bouquet, a bag of Salt and Vinegar chips, and a jar of dill pickles. They know what Emily likes.:) Brenda was also able to attend Friday evening's performance.

On Saturday evening, the final show...Michelle of course was there again. She was going to come alone, but Allie was insistant upon coming with her. Allie enjoyed the show so much on Friday she just had to see it again. Christina and a reluctant Steven (plays are not his thing and there was a final basketball game on) made it to the Saturday night's performance. Mom was excited to come again and we made a late night of it, going out to eat afterwards.

I want to thank everyone who came and supported the arts and Emily! What a wonderful testament to the love of family and friends.

Check out the pictures taken by Eva, a friend of mine and the mother of another cast member.