— from Didier Gincig —

On behalf of the children who had such a great time on stage (and back stage) at Orcas Kids Variety Show, I’d like to extend gratitude to the Orcas Center for the tremendous opportunity for these performers, to the dance and music teachers, to everyone who helped with the production (thanks Tom McDonough, Regina Zwilling, Eric Morris), and to everyone who attended and participated. It’s a challenge to put together a show without the benefit of several rehearsals. We did it! There were children ages two up to eighteen; some of the “veteran” performers got their start as tiny ones at Whale of a Show! I wish the audience could see what happens backstage: children dancing, laughing, little ones on laps of bigger kids, helping each other with costumes, hair, and make-up (thanks Bella Evans). 

There were many first-time performers who seemed to transcend nervousness to having fun on stage. What courage, talent, creative expression, joie d’vivre we witnessed and shared at our community center. I loved watching the expression of parents’ faces and the love in their eyes as they watched their children perform. 

Staged seasoned performers and new musicians and dancers offered their gifts with joy, and the audience responded in kind. As I look back on how the show came together until the last moment of clean up, I am touched by the warmth and support of our little island.

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