As many of you know, I'm currently appearing in the Mirvish/Andrew Lloyd Webber production of “The Sound of Music” at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto.
Thursday night's performance began as usual until the Von Trapp children made their first entrance before the audience of approximately 2,000. After a sharp entrance marching in step and lining up across the stage our youngest actress, 5-year old Nathalie suddenly began staring into the audience. She stared long enough that the children's director had made a note to discuss it with her later and then, just as suddenly focused on the stage again.
After the scene was over she excitedly informed the other cast members “Santa Claus is in the audience! He's sitting in the second row on the stage right side!” In fact, she told stage management, crew members and anyone else nearby.
Naturally, everyone began to look for Santa during their scenes and debate with her whether that really was Santa. It was pointed out that the man in the audience although he carried a little extra weight and had white hair and beard was not wearing a red suit. In fact, he was wearing a red striped polo shirt. She confidently pooh poohed this argument and stated with utter certainty that “Santa was wearing his casual clothes”.
Nathalie was the consumate professional for the rest of the show until the curtain call when she waved at him with an enormous smile. Better yet, he waved back at her! Turned out, one of the Stage Managers had called the Front of House staff who approached the patron and told him the story.
At the end of the show 'Santa' was brought backstage to meet the young actors whose excitement it must be admitted was equalled by the so-called adults of the company. He spoke with all the kids who presented him with a signed programme and a poster signed by every member of the company. I missed a lot of this momentous meeting but did hear Santa telling the kids that he brought people joy the way the kids did in every performance.
It was a special night for Nathalie but for all of us as well. Her absolute belief in Santa Claus was infectious and we all went home feeling a little lighter in spirit.
Thursday night's performance began as usual until the Von Trapp children made their first entrance before the audience of approximately 2,000. After a sharp entrance marching in step and lining up across the stage our youngest actress, 5-year old Nathalie suddenly began staring into the audience. She stared long enough that the children's director had made a note to discuss it with her later and then, just as suddenly focused on the stage again.
After the scene was over she excitedly informed the other cast members “Santa Claus is in the audience! He's sitting in the second row on the stage right side!” In fact, she told stage management, crew members and anyone else nearby.
Naturally, everyone began to look for Santa during their scenes and debate with her whether that really was Santa. It was pointed out that the man in the audience although he carried a little extra weight and had white hair and beard was not wearing a red suit. In fact, he was wearing a red striped polo shirt. She confidently pooh poohed this argument and stated with utter certainty that “Santa was wearing his casual clothes”.
Nathalie was the consumate professional for the rest of the show until the curtain call when she waved at him with an enormous smile. Better yet, he waved back at her! Turned out, one of the Stage Managers had called the Front of House staff who approached the patron and told him the story.
At the end of the show 'Santa' was brought backstage to meet the young actors whose excitement it must be admitted was equalled by the so-called adults of the company. He spoke with all the kids who presented him with a signed programme and a poster signed by every member of the company. I missed a lot of this momentous meeting but did hear Santa telling the kids that he brought people joy the way the kids did in every performance.
It was a special night for Nathalie but for all of us as well. Her absolute belief in Santa Claus was infectious and we all went home feeling a little lighter in spirit.
