Good Fun

Last year just for fun, our church held a talent show one fall Sunday evening.   Sign-ups were taken beforehand from those who wanted to participate.  This being a “church event”, I sort of expected a pretty straight-laced evening.  My kids worked on a skit about a magician.  While there was nothing objectionable in it, I secretly hoped that it would be okay in the midst of the other more “pious” entries.

I don’t think I ever laughed so hard in my life.  While there were beautiful hymns played on the piano, and classical pieces sung, there were also really, funny skits and recitations that just launched the audience into a roar.  It was such a success that it is now a much looked-forward-to annual event.

Last night was the 2^nd Annual Talent Show.  This year it was limited to only 25 entries.  Prizes (1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd) were awarded for three categories:  ages 15 and under, 16 and older, and most funny.

Since last year’s event, the kids have thought of lots of possibilities for what could be done.   Originally, Caleb, Matt, and Hannah were going to do a Sherlock Holmes/John Watson/Irene Adler skit.  Time slipped away; a script just couldn’t be written in time.  

Hannah settled on playing a piano piece called “Pas Si Simple” (So Simple Step) by Yann Tiersen.    Her piano teacher required that she play the song by memory – no music in front of her!

Caleb, my Shakespeare lover, decided to recite from memory, a piece from Henry V.   It was Henry’s inspirational St. Crispin’s Day charge.   Our family loves Kenneth Branagh’s movie adaptation.  The music in it is incredible.   Caleb decided to use the music for the background of his recitation.   First he wrote out a brief summary background to explain to the audience.   This he read to us.  When, the music began, he switched to a British accent and began reciting with passion and emotion Henry’s charge to his sick, tired and discouraged men.   It was a goose-bump moment!

He recited from memory, the paper was simply his introduction

 

A few from among the other entries were a violin duet, a light show,  several silly songs,  a harp solo,  Scripture recitation, an accordion solo, and a classical Schumann performance.    What fun to learn that someone has a talent that you never knew they had. 

GUSHING NOW….. Hannah took 1^st place in her category and Caleb took 1^st place in his! They were superb!  Hannah played her piece perfectly – not one mistake.  Caleb did just as well. 

Caleb and Hannah both with 1st prize!

 

Following the awards, we enjoyed some fellowship and finger food.  It was a night of good fun.  I am so thankful for our church, not just the Biblical teaching, but the people who make it up.