"Just because you're little, you can do a lot."
- Matilda
Tomorrow is opening night for my latest theatrical adventure: KVTA’s Matilda the Musical. For the past several months, I’ve been prepping, practicing, and perspiring with some of the coolest people I’ve ever met to bring this story to life.
I. Am. Exhausted.
But I’m also very excited. Part of that is the exhilaration of performing art in front of a live audience. Call me a nerd, but there’s something thrilling about telling a story in a creative environment where anything can happen.
More than that, I'm so stinkin' excited for the community to witness the incredible talents of my castmates—the youngest ones in particular. At the heart of the musical are 12 classroom children portrayed by kids ages 8-15. These kids are absolutely spectacular! They amaze me over and over again.
My character remains sitting for most of the play, and I'm quite confident that was strategic casting. I have approximately 10 rudimentary dance moves (as in, step to the side and put your hands in the air) and after months and months of practice, I still get them wrong half the time. Meanwhile, my youngest castmates are dancing on top of desks and contorting their bodies in fast and frenzied moves as if they were completely natural, all while singing in perfect pitch.
On top of that, they are killing it with their characterization and delivery of lines! They've had their parts memorized long before any of us adults, and (truth be told) I depend on the fact that Matilda and my assigned stage daughter ALWAYS know where they're exactly supposed to be, what they're supposed to say, and the timing of when it's all supposed to happen. I just follow their lead.
I say all this to explain why I was so heartbroken by a comment I overheard from one of the beautiful young girls last night.
"This dress makes my hips look big."
Um, say what?!
First of all, not only is she a perfectly fit cutie patooty, but she is also noticeably void of curvature at the waistline. What kind of distorted mirror is she looking into?
I thought about gathering all of the girls tonight and giving them a mom talk of confidence. But a) I'm not sure we'll have the time backstage, and b) I'm pretty sure half of them already think I'm a crazy old lady.
So, instead, I write this public letter to all the girls of Matilda and anyone else who needs a reminder.
To the Girl Who Needs to Hear It,
You are beautiful. I mean it! Absolutely stunning.
When I look at you, what I see is a strong, healthy and sassy girl who makes the world a better place. You are smart. You are funny. I wish I knew you even better, because I'm just a casual observer who thinks you're super cool. You slay, Queen.
Someday, you really will have "hips," and when that day comes, you will still be stunning. And you know what? Those amazing hips will serve a God-ordained purpose. You'll be able to carry beautiful babies upon them, maybe even your own.
There may be days when you feel like you weigh too much or too little. Maybe you’ll wish you had more curves, or maybe you’ll lament having more than enough. When your hair is too curly, you’ll want it straight. When your hair is too straight, you’ll want it wavy.
Regardless of how you feel, regardless of what you do or don’t see in the mirror, YOU are a beautiful person designed by a loving Creator. You are the apple of His eye and exactly who He created you to be.
You are a miracle, and I’m so glad you’re in my world.
With love and the utmost admiration,
The Crazy Old Lady Who Occasionally Needs These Reminders Herself