Today is June 28th, my mother's birthday. She loved roses. I remember how she couldn't wait for June because that was when her roses bloomed. I watched how she lovingly tended her roses, made cuttings and arranged them for table decorations, and even sprayed rose scented perfume around the house. Pink roses were her favorites. Mom loved how roses were a symbol of how hopeless situations can change for the better.
One of the first musicals I ever performed in was "Gypsy." This was at a tiny little community theater in Pasadena, Texas. It was our first summer in Texas and my mother decided we should get involved in the community somehow. She had 8-year-old me audition, and that's when the director discovered my mom's piano skills. She was hired to accompany the show on the spot.
I didn't get a big part. I was just one of the many kids in the first scene. Yet, all of us extras had to stay until the curtain call at the end of the show. Because of questionable content in the second act, we were NOT allowed to watch the show. So we stayed outside in back playing board games at the picnic tables. We could hear the songs, though, and believe me, we learned them all!
I didn't get a big part. I was just one of the many kids in the first scene. Yet, all of us extras had to stay until the curtain call at the end of the show. Because of questionable content in the second act, we were NOT allowed to watch the show. So we stayed outside in back playing board games at the picnic tables. We could hear the songs, though, and believe me, we learned them all!
Carolyn Thompson Lee at the piano One song in particular has stuck with me because it still reminds me of my mother. In the show, the stage mother was always trying to build up her daughters' act. She tried to be upbeat and encouraging, saying, "Curtain up! Light the lights! You've got nothing to hit but the heights. Starting here, starting now, baby, everything's coming up roses!"
My mother was great at encouraging people and building their talents. She certainly made sure I had songs prepared for any occasion and was right there to play for me any time I was asked to sing. And I wasn't the only one. She made herself available to help out anybody who needed her coaching help and accompanying support. She could make even those with slim talents look good.
How I miss her positive energy and immense talents! Happy Birthday, Mom!
My mother was great at encouraging people and building their talents. She certainly made sure I had songs prepared for any occasion and was right there to play for me any time I was asked to sing. And I wasn't the only one. She made herself available to help out anybody who needed her coaching help and accompanying support. She could make even those with slim talents look good.
How I miss her positive energy and immense talents! Happy Birthday, Mom!
RSS Feed