Every 6-8 weeks I declare “Movie Day”. This means each student plays the piano, but we substitute a movie instead of theory. It is usually a surprise. The only qualities it must possess is that it has to be a Musical and I try to pick one that I think the students have never seen. This means that many are old, in black and white, and a little slow paced off the start. Sounds dull when I put it that way; I know. This activity is really all about exposure. Many times when the movie starts, the kids look at me cockeyed with an expression that says, “Really? Well I guess it is better than theory.” But then later I glance into the movie room and see them trying to tap dance like Fred Astaire or laughing at slapstick humor or just snuggled up listening to a sweet song.

If you grow up in a family that has regularly experienced the non-animated Musical genre, it is not shocking to see an actual person break out into song about… I don’t know… the price of lettuce, let’s say. But if this is not your go-to activity for family fun night, it seems a little weird. Just this week a student said, “Why is there so much singing?” and another replied, “It’s a Musical.”

So this week we watched the Rodgers and Hammerstein rendition of “Cinderella”. Produced in 1965, this is one of those movies that was broadcast on TV once a year, and I will never forget it. This Musical is really lovely. I searched for it for literally years and then there it was on Amazon. At first glance you will think it is a Mr. Rodgers episode as the staging, etc. is surprisingly simple, but then all of a sudden everyone is entranced.

Another reason I picked this movie is that this weekend the Wilton High School is performing a similar version on stage. High School performances are crazy good these days. They are very reasonably priced and a great way for your kids to get exposure without breaking the bank. I am hoping that some of my students will now be a little more familiar with the music and their families may go see this show May 18th, 19^thor 20^th.  You can purchase tickets online: wiltonps.org

If you cannot fit this activity into this weekend, keep your eyes open for shows in other towns. This is a wonderful experience and if you follow it up with ice cream, you are creating a full-fledged memory! Come young, come old. When it comes to the Musical,

… Music Lasts a Lifetime