Brendan had the opportunity to take advantage of a three week class at 4th Church- Fashion Blogging.  He got to mix and match fabrics and sketch ideas.  He was in heaven!  And now has a new accessory!

Brendan has been a fan of Neil Patrick Harris’ since first saw the opening to the 2013 Tony Awards.  The more he heard about him- crossing dressing on Broadway, a TV actor, performer of all kinds.  Bren is particularly interest in Broadway and the idea that a star was coming to town made for a good way to hang out on a Friday night.

NPH was in Boston for his book signing.  Weeks before I pre-purchased the book which was the ticket to the signing.  Bren and I headed to Brookline and were stunned to find a very long line (I knew it would be long, but exactly how long… 1/4 mile!!).  We waited for two hours. I had brought Bren’s Nook so he played some games and watched a few shows.  Just before it was our turn he borrowed my iPhone to re-watch (for the millionth time) the Tony opening.  He was amazingly patient!

There were hardly any kids which is why NPH was probably surprised when the woman in front of us moved to the side and there was Brendan (I had already moved to the picture taking place).  Bren dressed himself in his favorite outfit- purple Wicked T Shirt, skinny jeans and brown fringe cowboy boots.

The Wicked shirt caught NPH’s attention.  He asked Bren is he saw the show, Bren said yes, two times including on “London’s Broadway.”  He asked Bren if he liked theater (big yes) and if he liked being in shows (another yes).  Then he told him to keep it up and he would be seeing him soon.  There was also a high five.  And of course the book was signed.

The first time I heard the opening to the Tony’s I got chills when NPH said
“There’s a kid in the middle of nowhere sitting there, living for Tony performances singin’ and flippin’ along with the Pippins and Wickeds andKinkys, Matildas and Mormonses.
So we might reassure that kid and do something to spur that kid.
Cause I promise you all of us up here tonight.”

Bren is that kid.  And that night is one he won’t soon forget.

Drama classes at the three different places Brendan has taken classes, is well documented as his favorite thing ever.  Since Bren was four years old he has gone to drama camp.  Also well documents, particularly last summer’s opportunity to perform in Pippin.  This summer was the next step- two week sessions that ended with lengthy presentations.

The first was Boston Children’s Theatre’s Studio 2.  This was two weeks with kids older than him – 8 to 11 year olds.  There was one other seven year old like him.  To hear his version, he basically created his part.  The play they worked on was Aladdin.  He insisted Abu was needed and that he should be Abu.  He was.  No lines, lots of facial expressions.

Bren talked extensively about “theater in the round”- something new he learned.  He talked about new theater terms and friends.  The performance was great and included a program which he stated he loves unicorns.  There were hugs from friends and lots well wishes from the teachers.

He got to see some when we went to see the Studio 3 and 4 performances and meet up with old friends from Pippin in the weeks that followed.

The second two week camp was at Wheelock Children’s Theater.  The performance was a circus.  No one had main speaking parts but there was lots of opportunity to show off their acting.  For Brendan especially as a tightrope walker.  I got the sense there was a lot of time spent on working as a team.

So here is what I see that Brendan learned.

1. To work as a team.  He is often the kid directing on stage.  There was less of that.  Working with other kids- mostly older than him- let him be a follower and not the leader.  Something different and out of his comfort zone.

2. You don’t need lines to make your character’s impact.  His expressions as Abu were just awesome.

3.  There are lots of roles off stage that are pretty awesome- directing, lighting, costumes, drama coach.  He learned a lot from the people at both camps in these roles.

4.  Besides new friends he got to spend time with other kids like him.  There weren’t many boys (4 out of 25 in each) but everyone he was with had the same passion as him.  To see him dropped off excited to show off hie Wicked shirt while other kids were waiting to show him their Annie, Wizard of Oz and other shirts was fun to see.

There will be a lot more of these and I know Brendan will be excited to keep up with all his new friends!

Pippin Friends!