In many ways, he is like our youngest son Joey, because they both do not like recognition, whether positive or negative. This past week, Ed was noticed at both play rehearsal and at work, because he dyed his hair—no longer salt and pepper, he now sports a dark brown hair color. Of course, he was teased at work. My personal favorite was when a coworker told him, “I used to work with your dad.” Poor Ed. Yet, he told no one about the production.
When I saw the flyer announcing auditions for Savior of the World, I encouraged Ed to take Michael to the audition, hoping he would try-out too. I thought the two of them doing the play together would be a good father-son bonding experience. Ed does not spend a lot of time with his boys and with Michael reaching adulthood, I thought this time together would be good for both of them.
Michael has developed a love for the theatre also. His high school just finished a production of the musical Pippin, which Michael was part of the ensemble cast. Michael, although very tall, is also very awkward and has not grown into his skin, and I thought drama would be good for him. Just as I thought, he was accepted by the drama troupe in spite of his differences and quirkiness and has done well, earning a stage manger’s award and director’s award last year. Yep, the nut did not fall far from the tree. He also plays guitar and has a dramatic basso profundo singing voice (although untrained). I enjoy listening to Michael sing and he has aspirations of becoming a country singer in Nashville. He sounds a great deal like Josh Turner. I just wish I had the money to send him to private voice lessons.
I am proud of both Ed and Michael and look forward to watching them perform this next week. I know they will be great! Break a leg, guys!
Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:00pm with a 2:00pm matinee on Saturday at the LDS Bremerton Stake Center located at 3877 SE Mullenix Road, Port Orchard. Tickets are free, but going fast.