My heart went out to the drama teacher I read about in a recent news item. Each parent from her class insisted that she cast their own child as Snow White. This reminded me of my seventh grade musical — “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” I desperately wanted to play the role of Becky, the female lead who was Tom’s girlfriend.
For starters, Becky had to sing numerous solos, and I couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket. I also didn’t have long blonde curls like pretty Linda Wright who won the part.
I was assigned the non-singing role of Miss Watson, the Maid. I had to wear an ugly dress. And I had only one line to learn, “That’s what I say.”
At last, our production was put onstage. Imagine my surprise when Miss Watson made the audience laugh out loud each time I piped in with “That’s what I say.” I hadn’t known that she — or I — could be funny, or that her character was important in moving the plot along.
That night, I began to understand that being the star may not be any more fun than being a stand-out in a supporting role. Each person, onstage and backstage, is essential in theater. Without everyone doing their part, the play would be dull as dirt.
And so I believe all children should get the opportunity to play Miss Watson, to become someone they didn’t know they wanted to be.
| A．So it is in life. |
| B．It was not to be. |
| C．It was anything but a great part. |
| D．My Miss Watson turned out to be a hit. |
| E．It took the entire cast to make a good show. |
| F．There was an advantage, in my opinion, though. |
| G．I would hope all children could be a hit in life. |
