Streaming, schreaming! I surprised myself by figuring out how to “cast” onto my TV the links my daughter had emailed. Minutes later, I sat in bed, having a cup of soup and watching a performance of Clue, with Grandson #1, Henry, as “Wadsworth,” the all-knowing and very English butler played by Tim Curry in the movie.
This is pandemic grand-mothering. Last week, Jen texted that if I wasn’t busy, I could “see” 11-year-old Charlie’s game. As I prepared dinner in Washington D.C, I watched her youngest play basketball in New Jersey. I later sent his phone a smiley face, “I saw you make a basket!”
For a brief moment after Charlie’s game and again last night, I thought to myself, this is better. I’ve done my fair share of sitting on hard and backless bleachers in cold gymnasiums with the inevitable six-foot father blocking my view. No need to brave the cold or drive in the dark. Streaming allows me to be anywhere and still be there. Too bad I can’t tune in when Sam plays tennis!
I quickly caught myself. The play was great — not the Clue I expected, but it was funny and held my interest. (It didn’t hurt that Henry was “onstage” almost the whole time!) But afterwards, it just wasn’t the same.
I missed the moment when Henry emerges from the dressing room, all sweaty and smiling. Unfailingly, he is at his absolute happiest. Last night, I didn’t get to to hug him or whisper in his ear, “Hen, you were great!” I didn’t hear his shy but proud, “Thanks, Minna.”
Instead, as the screen went dark, I imagined him sitting alone in his room — in costume — in front of his desktop computer and two monitors.
“Was it weird after?” I asked via text after congratulating him on a great performance. “A let down?”
He texted back, “Not at all.”
I guess he’s grown accustomed to virtual life. I haven’t. How could I say, even for a second, this is better. It’s not. But it’s what we have now.
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This piece was published on Medium
A BONUS FOR MY SUBSCRIBERS: I know the kids pictured above (Henry in maroon hoodie) are not your grandchildren, but they deserve kudos for their heroic effort. And it was surprisingly fun to watch. You can still tune in to performances tonight or Sunday:
Friday, 12/11 | https://youtu.be/I0IjhzJSfps
Sunday, 12/13 | https://youtu.be/0bf_jX2C40g
we have to make lemonade out of our lemons! Not sure if he told you, but all the seniors were allowed to perform at school. There are 4 of them and each had their own designated classroom. Not the same but he was able to still go to school to get into costume, make-up etc. I am just so glad they had the opportunity to perform – and so were they. Glad you can tune in. And between you, me and your subscribers, I have no problem watching some of these things from home, too!
Thanks, Jen. I hope more people tune in tonight as well!
Great observations. This time brings so many contradictions. Thank you for expressing some of them do well.
Thank you. I’m planning on watching again tonight, to see through experienced eyes.
I must say that the experience of watching the play online was very enjoyable. I was happy to be part of a wonderful experiment of actual streaming of this play. It absolutely worked.The actors were great and gave it their best. All were at the top of their game in this “ new normal” situation.. I did miss waiting for Henry to come out of the dressing rooms and get hugged and congratulated by all his fans! I missed hugging him and expressing my immediate emotion after the play.It is also fun to see the other actors with family and friends partaking in the general lovefest.But it is what it is. We are hoping times will normalize soon. And hope is alive and well.
Thank you. Henry is so special and huggable, I’m thrilled that he has this outlet for his creativity.
OK. I’m in tears!
Yes these things help, but not quite the same . Glad , however that through whatever means you’re being able to enjoy them
A writer can’t ask for a better réponse (tears)! Thank you!
Never knew there was such a thing!
Thx for letting us know what’s going on out there
I know, right! You’re welcome!