I took my family to Seussical Jr. at local park district. It is a great way to fund youth program and have great family time. The musical is about love, kindness, friendship and loyalty among unusual creatures. I love kids’ books and live performance. It is for everyone to go and it is more straightforward. You do not need critics’ help to understand the plot. The best part is it brings me into the core and I begin to see the show as a younger self. Here are some quotes from the show and the related feelings. (I like this imperfect raw photo unedited as it is with many hands during the photo time.)
“A person’s a person, no matter how small!”
Horton (the elephant) found a speck of dust that speaks to him. Nobody makes sense of him. He goes thru ordeals just because of being a friend to his magical friend, a speck of dust.
Of course, not everyone will be able to see what he sees. In order to see beautiful flowers, you need to have the flower in you. In order to see everyone amazing and unique, you need to have the same kind of self-love in you. In order to love someone, you need to learn what it is like to love yourself and someone else. In order to respect others, you have to have the same kind of self-respect. Without it, how you do know? You do not know what you do not know.
“It’s possible” (Song in the musical)
JoJo and the cat in the hat sing the song. “It’s possible. Anything’s possible.”
We often see kids thru adult standards. Have you scolded a child who took all the flowers from garden bed because mom likes flowers? He just wants to make mama happy. I know a friend whose daughter draw on passport photo (expansive one). She had a great idea to make the picture better looking and made his dad proud of her idea. I cut my own hair at age 4 so my mom does not have to take me to a haircut, saving her time and I did not like the place either. It looked like Chucky for next 6 months. It did not matter much (I really thought I did not look bad) and I do not remember much afterwards. The only thing I remember is that my mom was proud of me cutting my own haircut without cutting myself. I am a mom myself. I have experienced that kids certainly have different thoughts and limitless ideas and boundaries. Despite of their good intentions, it gives us heart attacks and we pour out the reactions so fast and loud. They try less afterwards. The worst part is that they lose their portion of innocence and the mindset that makes anything possible. It was a kind reminder that I always try to see their real intentions behind their actions no matter how it seems outside to adults standard. Most importantly, don’t lose the child in you. There’s no age limit to dream.
“I did all for you” from Gertrude
Gertrude is a very self-conscious bird about how she looks with one feather tail. She constantly compares to Mayzie who have the best feathers and full of them. She gets the full of beautiful feathers just like Mayzie via some help of a doctor. They were too heavy and she could not fly. Horton (the elephant) is kind and loyal. He always says and does what he means and Mayzie asked Horton to protect her egg promising to come back soon but never did. Horton faced bad weather, storms, tough winter, etc. He did not leave the egg and kept its side no matter what. Gertrude gets rid of the feathers and flies all the way to Horton to help her friend. Very unusual but loyal friendship rescues each other. Gertrude accepted herself and how she looks outside. Horton had elephant-bird from the egg. They both chose love and kindness. Isn’t it better than hero movies?
Do you see yourself in the story? I will admit. I teared up a couple time and desperately hiding my teary face among other kids. Tearing up part is my major. Please don’t judge. I had fun, touched and reminded of things that are important. It is holiday season. I hope this inspires you to look up some local events. It is way better than buying things that end up in garbage can. The memory and experience live with you. Happy end of year!