HELLLOOOOOOO 'Harvey' — FINDING THEIR LIGHT

Theater kids really are one of a kind. Their brains work in a different way. Directions are upstage and downstage. Time is measured in how long they have until rehearsal. They find inspiration in the lyrics of a Dear Evan Hansen song and can see a connection between themselves and any mainstream musical theater character. 'I am Veronica", " I am Natalie" , "I am Evan". They believe roles were written for them and that one day, they will take on the character and perform them on a Broadway stage. Theater kids dream in bright colors and live the grand lives played out on the numerous stages in Times Square.

Kids these days mostly connect with the newer genre of musical theater. The pop rock, teenage, powerful, hard-hitting, all the emotions, type of musicals. Now look, I love a good pop/rock musical. I work out to Legally Blonde and cry when I hear that overplayed song from Dear Evan Hansen. These pieces are great, but sometimes I miss the classics. What happened to the good ol' fashion musical? A sensible Guys and Dolls perhaps? Why can't the kids connect with 'Babe' in Pajama Game? She is fierce and independent. Just when I thought the classics were dead, that there was no student alive who understands the history, the lush melodies, the power of a true 11 o'clock number, I meet him... a young boy, no older than 11, whom I will call 'Harvey.'

The first thing you need to know about Harvey is that he learned to speak via the Phantom of the Opera soundtrack. Think about that for a second. This small child had a hard time making sounds, so at the ripe old age of six he started to mimic and make sounds similar to that of a 18 year old ingenue, dramatically singing in opera-esk tones. In the words of 'Harvey'... 'YASSS QUEEN!'

Barbara Streisand in Funny Girl

'Harvey' loves to talk about the classics (Bless him). Not just the shows, but the dames that have made those shows famous. Carol, Angela, Patti; they are his idols. Their iconic songs, his biographies. He could run down a list of every woman who has ever played Evita, explaining in full detail the difference in their vocal interpretations and style. Once he came in to audition for a contemporary pop musical and sang 'Don't Rain on my Parade' (a song made famous by Barbara Streisand in Funny Girl). He sang the bejesus out of it, in the original key and then explained that sometimes he feels like people are mean to him and he wants to sing this song to them. Barbara would be kvelling. When asked to sing something else, he handed our music director "Send in the Clowns" - which is about a woman looking back at her disappointments in life. It was originally performed by Judi Dench. Dame Judi Dench. Well, watch out Judi.... 'Harvey' is here and living his fullest eleven year old life.

We always ask the students for suggestions on shows they may like to do. While everyone else is screaming WICKED and MATILDA at the top of their lungs, 'Harvey' rolls his eyes. Aggressively rolls his eyes, usually with a sigh attached. I imagine he is thinking "You stupid, uneducated ten year olds. How dare you want to do something as mundane as that'. The first show that 'Harvey' screams out at the top of his lungs, without fail .... HELLO DOLLY! "I am Dolly". When I remind him we cannot do Hello Dolly with the junior company, he responds "Hello Dolly Junior then".

The Great Angela Lansbury

One Saturday at rehearsal, I was casually discussing my love of Beauty and the Beast. My love and obsession for this story is not casual, but I was trying to not scare my friends. We were discussing the classic title diddy from and how no one can sing it like the original Mrs. Potts. 'Harvey' was eavesdropping, as he tends to do with the adults. Without so much as hesitation he jumps in and says,

"Lexie... Last night.... by accident.... I turned into Angela Lansbury"

... and then walks away

I can't imagine what this kid is like outside the walls of our beloved theater space. Is he the same kid in school? Is he bullied or accepted for who he is? Is he as vibrant and fabulous with his teachers and friends, or does he have to suppress his love of these luscious characters. Because even with his childish behavior, eye rolling and calling out, he is adored in our space. He is the reason for so much of our joy.

All theater kids have a dream role. Whether it is Evan Hansen or Dolly Levi, these roles mean more to students than we realize. They help them connect, feel and see. Let them see themselves in the characters they love because one day, at some stage of their lives, they will figure out that the role they are born to play, the role that is perfectly suited for their talents, is a perfect combination of all those characters they fell in love with. The role they are born to play is themselves. Unadulterated, proud, walking down the grand staircase in a fierce red outfit surrounded by people singing your name.

HELLLOOOOOOO 'Harvey'