Tonight the girls and I got to watch the One Act play “Bird of the Sea” at JHS. It is an original play by their teacher, Mr. Stone. Inspired by the true events of Cornish rower Anne Glanville.

I was blown away by the story and their performances. Canton plays the prideful mayor of the town, trying to lead his constituents through a rough time. even more impressive, Canton is credited as Music Director. He composed the music that flows and guides the story. He directed his cast mates in finding their voice and bringing the story alive through sound. I am so so proud of this kid!!

They travel tomorrow to perform their show at the VTA conference. I know they will blow everyone away with their creation!! Break all the legs!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aNwYQa-IGG8&feature=youtu.be

More news—JHS made the top 6 and will perform again Sunday. They also won Best Ensemble, Best Original Play, and Best Music!!

Canton was also selected as “All-Star” cast!!

What a duo!

They won state runner up!!!! They next head to Baltimore in March for the Southeastern finals!

Canton took his final bow as part of Stagelights Act 3. He capped off his run, which included the Dwarf in Sherek, Iago in Aladdin, King Julien in Madagascar, Crush in Nemo, and finally Buddy in Elf.

This week has been haaaaaaarrrrrrdddd. Any show week is crazy, but we never thought we would have to deal with the star having pneumonia. Canton pours his heart into everything he does. He does not know how to do anything he loves halfway. I did not want him to do the show, but I knew I couldn’t take it away from him. It had to be his decision, and he decided he had to go. The gallons of sweat that have poured out of this kid, he gave everything he had to this production. And they have given him so much in return.

We are so thankful for all he has learned and the friendships he has made along the way! The stage is his happy place, and he is nothing less than magical.

Liberty and Adleigh performed in their show tonight! North Pole Musical was a hit! They worked so hard on their dance moves and perfecting their songs. Their voices carried throughout the theatre! We are so proud of them!

And Rhonda came!!

Stagelights started this week. The girls are in “North Pole Musical” and Canton will star as “Buddy” in Elf the musical! Super proud of this talented and hard working bunch!

Canton is Prentiss in the production of Peter and the Starcatcher with Williamsburg Players. Mike is working on the crew and did a ton of set building! He’s such a great dad to take on all the duties to support Canton!

Canton has had many shows with Sam and Alex, it has been wonderful to watch them all grow! Sam is a senior, Alex a junior, and Canton a freshman.

Big bro gave a tour of the set between shows

Some pictures from the show

Canton will next be onstage with Stagelights in Elf jr!

Some more Mary pictures from other parents. What a fantastic group of people!! Can’t wait for the future productions!!

Holy moly! Wowza! I cannot even describe what it was like to be in the auditorium, 650+people per show, to feel the energy and watch these kids put on the most incredible show I’ve ever seen! So many hours went into this production! The choreography, the set, the voices! Pure heaven!

Special congratulations to Mike as the “Director of Magic” for this production! He made the magic table and hutch that break during “Spoonful of Sugar” that Mary fixes. He spent so many hours perfecting these pieces, I hope the gasps from the crowd help him feel the appreciation of all his work! It was magic!

Canton worked so hard during this run. He was in the lead dance group which means he was dancing a lot more than the rest of the kids and his routines were much more complex. I wish you all could have seen “Step in Time”, I forgot they were high schoolers! We are just bursting with pride over his vocal and dance performances, he was certainly the anchor of the ensemble, you could hear him over 40 kids! I just cannot wait to see what this kid does next!

All 800+ photos (highlights below)