Sunday, November 22 – 2:00 PM Performance

I learned about this play by “Born To Be Different Productions” because our niece Chelsey was Backstage/Stage Manager Assistant. I went with my sister, Nancy, and our sister-in-law Anne. (Cerwin and my sister’s husband were hunting in West Virginia.)

I will tell the story as I remember it. Those who know or remember the storyline better than I do may correct any of my statements with a message on my Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/doris.j.high

The actors and actresses are all school students. The bios in the program describe them as being in grades from 2 to 11.

The play was set in France during the 1890s with Winifred Banister caring only about her family’s image – especially for her 50th birthday party.

The play opened with Mrs. Banister, a widowed mother, planning her birthday party.

The youngest daughter was not impressed with her mother’s plans, especially when she learned that the entire family would not be invited – because they were not “perfect” according to the mother.

With a bit of “friendly” persuasion she convinced her mother to change her mind.

Mrs. Banister dictated more invitations to her maid.

Discussing the party with some of her wealthy friends.

The son reading his invitation. He determined that he would not attend, because his life was not perfect. He didn’t want his mother to know that he had spent all his money on his wife’s deteriorating health before she died. Not only had he spent all his money, he was in great debt.

His young daughter walked into the room, and asked what he was reading.

As little girls can do, she helped her daddy change his mind because it had been a long time since she had seen her cousins and grandmother.

When the next daughter received her invitation. She determined that their family would not go to the party because her mother did not approve of their three adopted children.

Her husband and daughters.

Discussing going to grandma’s birthday party.

Their son

They also decided to attend, and reminded their children to be on their best behavior.

This part was quite funny as the “spinster” daughter thought an unwanted suitor was at the door and kept screaming at the door – asking him to leave. It turned out to be this young man – someone she did not know.

After lots of apologies, she convinced him to go along to her mother’s party so her mother would think she had a boyfriend.

The son and his daughter were the first to arrive at the party.

Then the spinster daughter and her “boyfriend.”

He played his part incredibly well, and was quite funny – especially when there were family arguments. He could often be heard to comment, “This is awkward.”

Then the family with adopted children arrived.

They were not always on their best behavior. 🙂

This highly upset their grandma.

The widowed son meeting his sister’s “boyfriend”, and asking about his occupation.

He said that he managed some properties and lived near the marquis.

The youngest daughter was often in trouble and tried to convince the maid to go with her to the party so her mother thought she had a friend.

The party

Mrs. Banister began working on a plan for her wealthy friend’s daughter (left) to marry her widowed son.

The mothers discussing their plan for the arranged marriage for their daughter and son.

Mrs. Banister’s son was not receptive to the idea.

A bit of persuasion changed his mind – and he remembered how much he needed the daughter’s money.

The party continued.

Then the transformed maid entered the room – getting the undivided attention of the widowed son who was now engaged to the rich girl.

Singing a song to each other. (This was a musical.)

Discussing the upcoming wedding and proper behavior.

Discipline

A sister and brother discussion about the wedding and the difficulty of choosing love over money.

The spinster daughter and her “boyfriend.”

She thought she was beginning to like him, but did not like what he was saying.

She was so upset that she asked him to leave and offered to pay him for pretending to be her boyfriend.

Then he told her that he didn’t want her money and that he did not manage land for the marquis, but that he was the marquis.

His next move was to propose to her.

Brothers-in-law discussing the arranged marriage that would bring wealth into the family.

Telling his sister that he cannot go through with the wedding because he was in love with the pretty stranger.

Discussing his change of mind with his daughter – who did not like the rich woman.

Telling his “almost bride” that he cannot go through with the wedding.

Her bridesmaid did not react well.

Ashton (this actress) is the daughter of friends from our church, Gary and Joanna, who were sitting in back of us to my right. I wish I could have captured a picture of her parent’s smiles when they watched her on stage.

The almost bride (Karissa – also the daughter of friends from church – Kevin and Jeanette) was also distraught at the news.

The next part of the drama happened when the almost groom discovered that the woman with whom he had fallen in love was actually his mother’s maid – and as poor as him.

Like often happens in plays – everything ended well – especially when the marquis learned about his future brother-in-law’s financial situation and paid his debt.

The finale was a mixture of words and songs that challenged us to follow God’s plan for our lives and remove the “perfect” masks in order to impress our friends.

It was a fabulous, God-honoring play!

Their pursuit of perfection was perfect.

Backstage directors. I only know the two on the right: Chelsey (our niece) and Sophia (far right) daughter of friends from church – Jerry and Jen.

The two on the left are Ashton and Karissa. I told you about them earlier.

Ashton was the almost bride’s attendant and Karissa was the almost bride.

Great job everyone.

Nicole Yutzy (Director/Producer), I wish I could have found you afterwards to congratulate you. Keep up the good work.

I hope it suits me to go to next year’s production – Choosing Avalon.