On Thursday I went to see two of my colleagues perform in the local operatic society’s production of Kiss Me, Kate. Their involvement in this production has been partly, although not solely, responsible for the singing that’s been going on in the Reader Services office in the past few months. The dancing in the office definitely had a lot to do with the two colleagues’ keenness to practice their dance moves!
It’s been an interesting few months, observing how my colleagues have dealt with the pressures of learning songs and dance routines, increasingly frequent rehearsals, numerous off-stage dramas and, finally, the performances themselves. I have been amazed at how they have managed to stay awake during working hours, particularly during the last couple of weeks, when the frequency and length of rehearsals increased considerably. I’ve been impressed by their dedication and enthusiasm, and the strength they’ve shown in carrying on despite difficulties and frustrations. I’ve enjoyed the singing and the dancing and learning a bit about different aspects of musical theatre and how a show is produced that I had no idea of before. Most of all, I’ve loved watching my colleagues develop, both as performers and as people.
They both put so much into their performances, wanting to do the best they could, and they really did do a fantastic job. Neither of them would readily admit to their talents, and I hope that they’ve both grown in confidence through the experience of rehearsing for and performing in Kiss Me, Kate. Everyone I know who went to see the performance on Thursday really enjoyed it. It was professional, funny and very entertaining. I was, and am, very proud of my colleagues.
