CHCA Eagle's Eye 2014

among them. They spontaneously prayed together for a sick cast member,
they welcomed several newcomers (both freshman and seniors) with open
arms and hearts, they celebrated the achievements of hitting high notes,
nailing fight choreography, perfecting African choreography, and blending
like a collegiate level choir. They were truly all a beautiful family, and I can
see that still existing months after the curtain closed on the show.
Families have to exist together, much like the production team of a show.
And I couldn’t be more blessed with the team that I have here at CHCA.
It’s been said around town that we do things differently here and that our
shows always seem “fresh”. I couldn’t agree more. I owe it all to the people
that listen to my ideas and agree to be part of the collaborative process.
I can dream here at CHCA. I called this show the result of my “untamed
creativity.” This team doesn’t say “We can’t do that,’ they say ‘absolutely
we can do that.” (and then we have to actually figure out HOW to do that,
which is a whole other article). They say ‘yes’ to the ideas, they provide their
own creativity, they encourage students to explore THEIR creativity (did
you see that elephant head?). And the end result is that we all experience
something thoughtful, moving, and spectacular that stays with its audience
and cast for a lifetime. That is the true measure of a successful production.
There are other appropriate ways to measure this. To be successful in
a production as a crew member is to be invisible. To be successful in a
production as an instrumentalist is to heighten and clarify. To be successful
as a singer or actor is to communicate truth. I honestly believe that all were
excellently done in Children of Eden. The story didn’t get lost in clumsy set
changes, weak musical phrases, or fake emotions. The story was focused,
enhanced, and sharpened. The story was what needed to be told. We all -
cast, crew, and orchestra - were privileged to be chosen as storytellers.
Now, don’t get me wrong, it is wonderful to win awards and have people
outside your community validate your work, but I would venture to say
that years from now when the students dig that video out and watch the
show, they won’t remember who won what award, or what they said in their
acceptance speech (unless their parents posted it on Facebook). They will
watch and remember with fondness the feeling of being part of something
that moved people, that strengthened faith in them and in their friends, and
they will cherish all those moments that piece together the unique fabric
that was Children of Eden. And for many years to come, I will be doing the
same thing.
Families have to exist together, much like the production
team of a show. And I couldn’t be more blessed with the
team that I have here at CHCA.
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