In the movie production, the performers were amazing. The strength they displayed in their movements, their effortless jumps and graceful dance, coupled with little movements that accentuated and colored a particular move made them seem almost like real cats, with a semi-human face. The stories that they told with the wonderful songs and dance.... Suffice it to say that such virtuoso performances can put a lump in my throat, as can an amazingly well done piece of rock music, or classical piece. But it has to be intelligent. It has to have been planned, not just a moment of spontaneous genius. I get thrilled knowing the time and practice put into such things, the near perfection that can be achieved. The combined hours put into their craft by the musical cast, training to sing as they sing, to dance as they dance must be in the thousands, maybe tens of thousands. Each performer was perfect in their role. And then their is the author of the show, that transformed a book from T.S. Elliot into such a vibrant and artistic display. The music that had to be written, and the dance that had to be choreographed, astound me.
I have had similar reactions to other shows, other plays. My own daughter brought me to tears, singing and acting the lead part in the play - Bye Bye Birdie, that she participated in while a senior in high school. But she worked hard in a high school jazz choir, and in church choir, and singing in the house, and in her bedroom, and in her car, to develop her talent. The fact that she has a naturally rich and vibrant voice didn't hurt either.
though I love cooking both as an engineer, and as an artist, and though I appreciated a fine sculpture, or painting, even wonder at the talent, there is no other art form that can move me like music and dance. Done well, it touches my deepest feelings. And to me, these are the arts that truly sets us apart from every other living creature on the planet, and yet, connect us together with those same creatures.
For a few amazing people, musical genius comes almost effortlessly. But for most truly amazing musicians, and dancers, there are few people who put as much effort into their craft. They are a gift to the rest of us who get to watch, listen, and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Now excuse me. I need to lick the outside of my left thigh. I have an itch.
Seeeeeeya; Goodweed of the North
