Today marked the end of an era for me and a large group of people who find the time each Saturday afternoon to get together and play make believe.
I’ve been associated with the children’s theatre group since 2000 (or 1999, I’m unsure) after I was invited to audition as a young actor to join the numbers on stage. I was soon involved in two shows a year, and I was given my first ever lead role in just my second year with the group when I was aged 15. During this particular show I filled in for the absent rehearsal pianist and soon after asked the musical director, Janne-Maree, if she needed a rehearsal pianist for the forthcoming production (which was to focus moreso on the younger members of the group, 12 and under). She took me on board for a tiny show called Billabong Prank.
The score was something like thirty pages long (miniscule) and I still couldn’t play it right, but Janne-Maree continued to teach me about piano and accompanying in particular. When I turned 16 I was facing my final year with the group and did one show in the orchestra pit and one on stage. After this I continued on as the rehearsal pianist under Janne-Maree’s musical directorship. Slowly, my piano skills got better and I learnt how to work with people to teach a song. I continued, show after show, spending a whole bunch of Saturday afternoons and a few full weekends at the theatre each year, and we eventually formed a key group of musicians for the band. For a while myself and Adam F. alternated on the piano/keyboard parts, Greg played drums, Michelle and later Brett on Bass and Janne-Maree conducting. The lineup was always different. One show I played percussion (in the middle of my HSC, I believe), one show I did stage crew instead. Several players came but only lasted one show, but it was the band we had this weekend that represented essentials; it was the tightest, friendliest and most fun shape the band has ever taken.
Janne-Maree recently shared the news that she was pregnant for the first time, and I really have never been as happy for anyone at any time as I am for Janne-Maree and her family. However, this meant that Janne-Maree would be giving up her MD position that she has held for nine years. This was the climax of the today, the final performance of the current musical, Smithy. Janne-Maree recieved a standing ovation from the children, their parents and of course the band. The proverbial baton has now been passed to Adam F., who has been the rehearsal pianist for the past year or two as I have been off working on other shows whom I’m positive has benefited from the same mentorship and support that I’ve received over the years.
Whether or not I continue playing in the band for these shows is unsure, but I’ll forever remember the energy and spirit Janne-Maree gave to the children and parents of the group, and the laughs and education I’ve gained working with her. The group will not be the same without her, but the very nature of the group means it is always changing and gives new people opportunity to have their moment. As Janne-Maree gains a member of her family, the childrens’ theatre group loses one very important member of its family, but I have a sneaking suspicion she will be back in five years when there is another little one ready to tread the boards.
Sounds like a really special part of your lives. Hope you’re gonna celebrate it in some way.
I have found that within a group of dedicated people, there is always one person who tends to become the glue that holds it all together when things start to unravel – sounds to me like Janne-Maree was the glue.
If it’s worth anything, I think it would be good for everyone if you stuck around with the group for a few more years to guide and mentor the up and commers just a little bit more – your dedication is something that should really be shared around.