The Greatest Showman

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One of my favorite movies is “The Greatest Showman” with Hugh Jackman. That opening scene gets me every time for it resonates with my experience of showmanship. The dramatic arts are powerful and nowhere is that more clear than at camp.

Last night’s Production EP gave me chills! The performers absolutely nailed it. Dance numbers were blocked (multiple points on the stage had masking tape X’s to show the performers where to stand at designated points in their number) and we broke into spontaneous applause at multiple points during the night.

It was a short show (just 30 minutes long). Each performance was quickly followed by the next, not a hiccup to be seen. Perfection.

Since it ended early we had plenty of time to play afterward. About half of camp went back to their cabins and about half stayed on the Pageant Court for the biggest dance party of the year. Taylor Swift classics celebrated with fanatic campers and counselors… amazing. Such moments make my summer. Such moments are remembered many years later as special.

Drama and Dance play this role in camp. The whole community celebrates the accomplishments of those who work hard to put on a show. Their gifts and hard work are plain to see and worthy of the standing ovation that we always give. I always love to be in the audience and am constantly amazed at the talent.

One of our June campers about 20 years ago became an actress on Broadway (she played Glenda in “Wicked” for a long time). I knew she was special when she played the lead in the June Camp play two years in a row. Everyone in camp was blown away by each performance. Her talent was amazing… and at camp we still experience those moments when a star is born. Such performances give chills to both the actor and audience. They are a delight!

Tonight we will enjoy the last “regular” EP of the session (we only have Closing Vespers and Banquet left!)… our June Camp Play “Shrek the Musical”. This will be our first EP back in the Pavilion, the building that was the setting for almost every EP for 100 years. We have hosted hundreds of plays and thousands of performances in this building. It is the Ryman Auditorium of Tuxedo… a magical place that makes every performance better. We can’t wait!

Weather Warmer, sunny, perfect… highs in the 80’s.
Breakfast biscuits, ham, eggs
Lunch Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches
Dinner Pizza I will put a video below that shows the process.

Thanks for checking in.

Have a great day!