Any movie, theater production, or music involving Peter Pan was high on the list of things to watch when my boys were little. It was a tie between watching that or watching The Sound of Music over and over and over, for my oldest son, especially. He even got to attend a production of Peter Pan with Cathy Rigby as Pan in an off-Broadway traveling production at the University of Buffalo when we living in Eggertsville years ago. Watching her fly over the audience on wires is the only thing I can recall – other than her petite form being perfect for this whimsical character of children’s fiction.
While we were in Brockport visiting my parents last month, the Disney movie “HOOK” was on the television. My husband and I watched it – enthralled, once again, with the characters brought to life, This version of Peter Pan showcases Robin Williams as the central character, Julia Roberts as Tinkerbell, and Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook. I think we enjoyed it as much as we did when our boys were young. It prompted me to write a Haiku.
Peter Pan takes flight A boy lives inside the man Awaiting Hook’s fight
© Carol Labuzzetta, 2022
I might just have to get the CD out and play it today! I often wonder if the early exposure our oldest had to music and musical theater stimulated his own interest in both. He saw more productions than what is written about here. He went on to play several instruments – piano, several types of saxophones, clarinet, and bassoon. In high school, he was in several musical productions including Curtains, Seussical, and Wizard of Oz. Now, we attend musicals together when we can.
Yesterday, the piano we bought to support his music lessons left our home. The music store that we purchased it from is buying it back. We kept it in great condition with the exception of regular tunings. They sent someone to inspect it, tune it, and then agreed to pay us a nice sum of money when they sold it as a used piano. It was new when we bought it, an oak Yamaha upright. It still looks new and tunes well. Hopefully, our piano will give another young family an opportunity to appreciate music.
Today is Slice of Life: Tuesday. The weekly forum was created and is hosted by TwoWritingTeachers.org. Thanks to them we have a wonderful forum to post to, connect to, and share.
Carol, it’s been a while since I’ve read one of your pieces and reading this today was like a conversation with an old friend. I loved the haiku and you and your family’s appreciation for the art of music.
Thank you Nancy! I love that you could connect to this post, and thought of it as a conversation with an old friend! Much appreciated!
Music has always been a part of my life too. I taught music for 23 years. My son is now the instrumental music director at a high school. I am sure early exposure led to a life-long appreciation for our sons! Thanks for sharing.
Wow, Rita, that’s great! What a tribute to you to have your son follow in your footsteps!
Passing a love of music to a new generation is such a gift. Oh, I do hope that piano finds its way to another family like yours. (I’m afraid to admit this, but I have never seen Peter Pan!!)