Ian's middle school is doing a production of "Rock of Ages". Competition is fierce to not only get a role, but to perform in the play at all, even as a minor player. There's auditions on acting, singing and if you manage to get a call back, dancing. Approx. 225 students try out and only 50 or so get a part.
Just a side note: Ian tried to get a part in last year's play, "Little Mermaid", but didn't make the cut. He made lemonade out of lemons and volunteered to do lighting. However, he quickly found out that lighting wasn't all it was cracked up to be. And he still had 6 more shows to work after this realization. :)
Ian worked hard on his audition and made it very known to us that he really wanted this part. It's the part of Lonny, who is the narrator of the show. Lonny is described as the guy who commands the audience and owns the stage. He is friends with the best people and everyone wants to be friends with him. Everyone loves him. Ian's drama teacher said, we want this to be the most likeable character of the show.
Ian finally heard back on Friday afternoon the results.
How's that for an awesome result? Top line billing! OMG! Ian came home and couldn't stop jumping up and down. To see this level of excitement was contagious and soon, I was jumping up and down with him. Way to go Ian! He is going to make an awesome Lonny!
But wait, there's more!
The previous week Ian asked a girl out for the first time. Ever. !!!! His date was Friday evening, going to their school's high school football game. He said the date went really well and he was excited to report that he held her hand -- in front of the whole school to see. How's that for making an announcement to everyone that you are together?!?! He also said she looked cold and he offered her his hoodie to put on. She had a coat on and now Ian's hoodie too. Ian is in 57 degree weather with just a short sleeve shirt. He is silently thanking his parents that we made him put jeans on and not wear the shorts he was planning. So Ian had everyone coming up to him (even high schoolers who he didn't even know) congratulating him on getting the part of Lonny (it's a really BIG deal!) and then seeing him with a girl he likes. He couldn't have been happier than if we told him we were putting a go-kart track in our back yard.
First date ever! And it landed on the same day as Ian getting the role in the play. Talk about an awesome day.
I am so happy for Ian. He has come far from just one year ago at this time, he'd come home every day from school and announce that he was dying. Every time he walked into another class he'd either get nauseas, his back would hurt, he'd have a headache and lots more other ailments. His transition to middle school was a rough one. It was touch and go there for a while on if he was going to survive 7th grade. ;)
With 8th grade, it appears Ian has found his groove. He has a great group of friends and being a theatre nerd is not such a bad thing. Between now and President's Day Weekend in February, Ian will be spending almost every day working on either his school play or the musical he is in with his AFYP (acting for young people) group. I love that he has the confidence to do this and getting up in front a whole theatre full of people is not intimidating.
This girl he is interested in is a very lucky young lady. I hear from those in the know (ok, Ian), that he will be getting date #2 in the works. Now, I just need to figure out a way to meet her.
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