Iconic Stages: Lila's Journey in the Spotlight
As a parent there is nothing better than watching your child do what they love and succeed.
For Lila, since she was young she has enjoyed singing, dancing and acting. These have been her favorite hobbies, taking lessons to improve her craft and feeling proud of trying her best. Most importantly, these activities have been about fun and friendships, being a part of a group that works toward a common goal. I want to take this opportunity to share some highlights of how Lila’s enjoyment of the arts have led to some pretty fantastic moments and memories.
A Star is Born
It all started when Lila was eight-years-old, stepping onto the stage in her first profession role in a community theater production of Beauty and the Beast. The company decided to cast a little girl to perform next to Chip (the adorable teacup) as the other child in the village, and Lila was proudly selected. In the weeks leading up to opening night, she was busy with rehearsals, tech week, and costume fittings. There were a total of four kids in the production sharing each role, who were adopted and supported by the adult performers. This might have seemed intimidating for a young child, to perform before large audiences in a professional production. The moment Lila stepped onto that stage, we watched her shine like the star that she is. What was even more special, was that so many friends, relatives and loved ones came to cheer her on. Each night at the stage door she had special people that she loves, celebrating her hard work and success.
Then came the unexpected pause due to COVID, where she did not have any opportunities to perform. With theaters shuttered and performances on hold, she continued to take lessons with some amazing teachers. Fortunately the amazing Amy Tanner (of Performance Edge 2 Voice and Theater Academy) who had inspired and trained Lila for several years, began to offer lessons virtually. She also added classes with Rance Wright of the Wright Way program, and even lessons with her director from Beauty and the Beast – the incredibly talented Amy McCleary. Virtual lessons provided the opportunity for working with a variety of talented teachers. She turned her focus to middle school theater activities. She joined the thespians troupe, competed in competitions, and participated in school plays while honing her singing skills as a member of the choir. I continued to watch for fun opportunities that may be fun for her, as I knew that it would only be a matter of time before she could get back on the stage.
The Big Apple Calls: Radio City Music Hall
During the pandemic, I discovered a program called Spotlight Kidz, which was all about improving performance skills and providing special performance opportunities. When I told Lila the program was offering an opportunity to sing at Radio City Music Hall opening for the Rockettes in their “Christmas Spectacular”, Lila was really excited and wanted to go for it. We talked about how several years earlier we had toured Radio City Hall and met a Rockette, during a memorable family trip.
We were thrilled when we received the email that Lila had been selected to join the group. We immediately began to plan to spend the holidays in New York City. Prior to our arrival, the group had several zoom sessions in order to meet one another and learn their songs. They were preparing a special rendition of “Jingle Bells” and Leah Michele’s “Christmas in New York.” Once we arrived in the city the group met at Open Jar Studios for in-person practices. Broadway performers who were also in rehearsals in the same space were invited to come and share their journeys with the kids. Spotlight Kidz also selects a featured performer from Broadway, usually a younger performer who performs alongside the kids. This made rehearsals, and the anticipation for the show really special.
It was also special to be able to be in New York City during the holidays. While Lila was on breaks from rehearsals, we managed to sneak in ice skating at Bryant Park and hot cocoa in a heated igloo. We saw the tree at Rockefeller Center, enjoyed the holidays lights and decorations, and even went out for nice dinners together. The holiday season is a great time to enjoy New York City.
When the big day arrived, watching Lila standing on the stage at Radio City made us so proud. The energy was electric, and our family was there to cheer her on. After her performance she joined us in our seats and together we watched the rest of the show. None of us had ever seen the “Christmas Spectacular” and there is only one way to describe it: spectacular! After the show we took Lila out to celebrate. As we were eating dinner our waiter congratulated her on her Radio City Hall debut, and even brought her a piece of cake to celebrate. It was a day that she and our family will never forget.
Next Stop: Carnegie Hall!
Just this past spring another exciting opportunity came along. I had always followed an incredible program called Camp Broadway. Lila had participated in their week-long camp for “Shining Stars” when she was seven years old. Now the group posted an opportunity to audition to join the Camp Broadway ensemble in April of 2024 at Carnegie Hall. I shared with Lila that was a chance to perform with the New York Pops for their 40th anniversary tribute to the legendary Clive Davis. I showed her all about the lineup of performers that included tons of stars who had all been inspired by or worked with Clive Davis. She submitted her audition, and we were thrilled to be notified that she had been selected for the performance. It made her so happy when her best friend was selected for the group as well.
We arrived in New York and planned to head to rehearsals at Pearl Studios in NYC. This is another space where Broadway shows and performers rehearse, providing the kids an experience like an authentic Broadway experience. They were taught choreography for the song “Ghostbusters” which they would be performing with Ray Parker Jr. and then singing “That’s What Friends Are For” with the amazing Dionne Warwick leading the entire cast! The kids spent two days perfecting their numbers in the rehearsal space, before transitioning to Carnegie Hall to meet the rest of the cast. Lila felt so fortunate to be among so many talented performers, even having the chance to rehearse on the stunning Carnegie Hall stage.
Stepping on to the stage at Carnegie Hall for the first time felt like a dream come true for Lila. Sitting in the audience I could only thing about the many talented performers who have been on that stage. The talent that was a part of this particular show was absolutely amazing. While backstage Lila had the opportunity to meet some of the famous artists who performed, all were incredibly kind and congratulated the group on doing a great job with their numbers. The costumes were out of this world—particularly the traditional “Ghostbusters” jumpers which had their names embroidered in patches on the front. When it was showtime, the audience’s applause filled the air, as the kids came out and gave it their all I could tell that the audience really enjoyed the number, because there was so much energy and fun and everyone was clapping and yelling ‘ “Who are you going to call? GHOSTBUSTERS!” Sharing the spotlight with her best friend made this experience even more special for Lila, and we managed to squeeze in a Broadway show and fun dinners during our time in the city.
Cherishing Every Moment
These experiences have taught me and Lila so much about passion, perseverance, and the magic of performing. From community theater to iconic venues like Radio City and Carnegie Hall, every moment has been a stepping stone in her journey that has been a joy to watch. I’m beyond grateful for the incredible teachers and talented performers who have inspired her love of performing and supported her along the way.
So, here’s to more adventures in the world of theater. Whether Lila is on stage or in the audience, she will always cherish the joy of performing and the memories we create along the way. Thanks for joining our family on this journey, and we can’t wait to share what’s next! What are your favorite performing memories or moments where you pursued your passions?
