Best Cousins, Best Actors

This past weekend, the BHS Theatre Department's one-act play won first place in Section 5AA, advancing to the state festival.  It was a powerfully emotional day, in part for the subject matter and performance value of the troupe's one-act, "Watermelon Hill;" and, in part because of the twists and turns and all-around drama in previous seasons preceding this win.  There's nothing to be gained from going back, rehashing, bemoaning... I will just say the past couple years of competition have been rocky, with unexpected and disappointing outcomes.  So, this year, this year, with Amanda being a senior and sophomore Libby sharing the small-cast stage with her sister-- there was a lot riding on a win.

The team did win, and I was so happy for them.  It was so exciting!  The emotions were mixed, however, because the runners-up-- the troupe that came in second place and alternate to state-- was STMA.  That's the neighboring school where my nephew, the girls' cousin, attends... And Kazmer, also a sophomore, was in his school's varsity cast.  And he was very, very good.

I cheered, I congratulated Kaz, I congratulated Amanda and Libby, we all shared lots of hugs and took lots of photos.  It was an amazing outcome.  The students worked so hard.  They were finally able to see and celebrate the payoff.  However, the best part of the event, for me, anyway, happened as the younger children and I were leaving the theater.  Madeline grabbed my hand and said, "That's so great, Mom!  That's so great they won!  I am so happy for my sisters!  Kaz is so happy, too!"  I chuckled and said I, as well, was happy for all of them and added, "I'm sure Kazzy is happy-- but I bet he'd be happier if his team had won."  Maddy was firm, "No, Mom.  I mean, Kaz did want to win-- but he wanted Amanda and Libby to win more."  I asked her why she thought that, how she knew that, and Maddy replied, "Because Kaz told me."

There are many reasons these three goofballs have dubbed themselves "Best Cousins."  I cannot thing of a single reason to argue against it.