Roadshow in a Day...

The youth of our church in the Beijing area got together recently to do a "roadshow" in a day.

Alice was wondering, what exactly is a roadshow?  In decades past, (and maybe still in some units of the church), each unit in an area would put together a 15-minute one-act play, complete with singing, dancing and props, and literally take the show on the road, and present it at different chapels.

In areas where great distances are involved, the idea got started to just bring everyone together,

spend one day learning and rehearsing, then present at the end of the day.

Of course, this takes a LOT of preliminary preparation (script, music, choreography, costuming, etc. have to be ready.)

 We arrived at 9 a.m., and immediately set about rehearsing the song/dance numbers.

 And the choreography wasn't simple or especially easy.  

***

When it came time for lunch, I walked to a Seven/Eleven and ate from the Chinese deli there.  Who knew 7-11's had take-out food? 

 (And it was good!)  This building (half of the 4th floor) is where the Beijing LDS members meet.

 Alice played the mother of Elder Hercules, and with minimal costuming that meant wearing an apron to distinguish her from the others.  Church members will all recognize what an "8-Cow Wife" is (taken from a short movie called "Johnny Lingo"--a classic!).

 

At 3 pm, parents and others gathered to watch the final performance. 

The cast and crew

The day was productive and fun.  The youth had a great time, particularly since the

directors knew what they were doing and knew how to get the best

in the shortest amount of time.  It was obvious they had worked on real

musicals at some point in their lives.  

It was a joy to observe!