June 12 – “I’m gonna wash that man …”

After church yesterday we went out to eat with a few of the Seasiders.  After much discussion we settled on Salsa’s, a local Mexican food outfit.  Well, not so much discussion as a long period of waiting for someone to come out and say they wanted to go someplace in particular.  We had plenty of time to talk about it, because Chris and several others were waiting in line to get their hair cut by our friendly neighborhood hair stylist, Suzann.  Chris’ hair looks great, by the way. 

While we were eating it came out that Chris and I were going to a musical last night.  It’s the last part of our 42^nd anniversary celebration week (unless we can get in the one other thing I had in mind before tomorrow).  Anyway, we told them that we had tickets to see South Pacific at the Texas Summer Musicals.  Almost immediately Dianne burst into a rendition (albeit rather quietly) of “I’m gonna wash that man right outa my hair.”  Not bad.  It would have been better, of course, had she just stood on the table and really belted it out.  But she blessed us, nonetheless.

The musical was in the convention center over at Moody Gardens.  The massive venue had been cordoned off to provide a much more cozy arena for the production.  Risers made for no really bad seating.  Plus the fact that there were lots and lots of empty seats if one wanted to make a move.  Which did happen, by the way.  The family behind us moved so that their youngster wouldn’t “bother the other people.”  Of course we were the only other people anywhere near them.  Guess we looked like real targets for bother-dom.  And the sound system was working just fine.  In fact on several songs I almost took my hearing aids completely out. 

As to the show itself, Chris made the comment that it felt like a high school production, except a high school production’s sets are usually more extensive.  This group used minimal sets and a graphics screen projected on the wall to set the scenes.  It was effective enough.  I do have to say, though, that when the lady started singing about washing a guy out of her hair, all we could see and hear was Dianne regaling us with song at lunch.  Fortunately the song was supposed to be funny anyway, so our chuckles didn’t seem inappropriate.  My favorite part of the whole production came when the male lead, Emile, came onto the stage with a stray piece of grass skirt stuck to the bottom of his shoe.  It was supposed to be a pretty heavy, serious scene, but honestly, all I could see was that piece of grass that looked like he had toilet paper stuck to his shoe after a quick trip to the bathroom.  It followed him around for the entire scene.  It was really hard to stifle a chuckle on that one.  I managed it, though, with “minimal” assistance from my lovely date. 

All in all, I’d say our foray into the realm of the musical was a successful one.  We both had fun, and we were together.  That helps when it’s part of anniversary week, doesn’t it?

Hebrews 13:15-16 says, “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.  And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Father, thank you for another memory made with Chris.  Help us have many more.  Amen.