I got to do something this weekend that few adults probably have an opportunity to do: I performed in a high school musical with my son and a number of my private voice students. My last time to appear on stage in a high school musical was 1982, and never dreamed that I would do so again after twenty-four years.

The events began unfolding around 2:15PM Thursday afternoon when one of my private students re-ported that the student playing “Mayor Shinn” in Fairmont’s production, The Music Man, was not at dress rehearsal, and would not be doing opening night due to extenu-ating circumstances. My student said that Mr. McDonald (my friend, Brody) had Plan B and Plan C ready to go. I knew that the student teacher would be the most likely candidate. I finished my first two students and as I was waiting my 3:45PM lesson to arrive, Brody called me. After a few minutes of chat, he asked if I would consider stepping into the role. Within ten minutes, the plan for opening night was in place.

I walked over to the school at 5:00PM with a few tux and suit pieces, and Dee Friesenborg, a former parent of Fairmont students who had returned to assist with costuming, assisted me with the remainder of the costume. Brody brought over his cut-away tux coat which set the Mayor’s costume perfectly. After getting fitted with my body mic, a sound check, make-up, a blocking walk-thru with Brody, I was finally ready to look over lines at 6:15PM with a 7:30PM curtain. Thankfully, Becca Childs, the assistant choir director at the high school, assisted me in getting pages containing my lines into plastic sleeves to place into a three-ring binder, and then ran lines with me. Since I had no time, whatsoever, to devote to building a character, the lines seemed to read similar to what I would hear from one of my favorite character actors, Parley Baer, well known for playing Mayor Stoner in The Andy Griffith Show. And it seemed to work very well.

Parley Baer, Mayor Stoner from The Andy Griffith Show

Opening night ran smoothly and I must say, it was somewhat enjoyable for one who does not enjoy performing on stage any more. During one of the opening numbers, I darted to through set pieces to the edge of the stage to see Matthew singing a solo – a solo I did not know he had in the show! Since I figured I would not be going on for Friday’s show, as well as the remainder of the weekend, I went with the artistic team and some parents to Tailgators for drinks and food – staying out much later than I normally would throughout the week (or weekend for that matter).

Friday afternoon, I chatted with Brody and agreed to do the remainder of the weekend’s performances: Friday, Saturday matinee and Saturday evening. By Friday I had 3/4 of the lines memorized, and by Saturday’s shows, I was delivering about 95% without the aide of the script. Whew. Mayor Shinn did not have a ton of lines, but a fair amount which were always funny. This was only my second support-ing, character role to attempt, and I hope it came off well enough that the students, directors and par-ents were satisfied.

There were several downfalls. The student cast for the role could not complete the production, and this is his senior year. And, my son, Matthew, one of the townspeople of River City, had been working two months on the production; I come in and was receiving comments after the show, at church, at lunch after church, at the grocery store, as well as Emails and telephone calls. I understand the nature of this particular beast in performing, but it is still frustrating when you are the parent. But as one friend indicated, “But who would have ever thought you would be in the same high school production with one of your own children?”

Paul Ford, Mayor Shinn – The Music Man – motion picture.

Am I glad I did it? Yes and No, but more Yes.

No = due to the above paragraph.

Yes = I was grateful I was afforded the talent and experience to assist in this last minute casting decision so that the students could carry on with their show. It also gave me an apparently to perform alongside some of my senior voice students who will be graduating. However, the best part was being with Brody, Mike Berning (conductor), Terence Kalba (choreographer) and Raymonde Rougier (accompanist), one more time. The five of us were together in 2003 for The Secret Garden, and it was perhaps, one of the most incredible high school productions with which I have ever been involved. All the stars were aligned for that show!

I am so appreciative of the fact that Brody, Mike and Terence trusted, believed in, and encouraged me to do this role. When friends/colleagues trust you with something such as this, stepping in three hours before a show, it is one of the most wonderful compliments one could be paid.