Big Feed

One very odd – but rather wonderful – tradition at our school is to have a big feed during the final rehearsals of every play. All of the parents and all of the boosters seemingly hoard food away for months, heat it up, and bring out the BIG platters and the BIG crockpots with the BIG spatulas and the BIG coolers. All of this is brought in during the day and sequestered away in a small storage room all waiting for that final school bell. Some dishes have now gotten so complicated that they must sit is this dark room plugged into the wall and bubble away. As one walks in there for a supply or two – one never does know what is “boiling in the pots in the back.”

The parents have gotten so beautifully crafty they now even have themes for the food that reflect the actual show. For example with my show Shadow Box they have chosen the theme of “Foods to Die For.” A little ghoulish but likely to be some kick ass food. Paperplates, placecards, paper cups, and table runners – all perfectly lined up and theme appropriate. And the food . . And the food. . . There must be at least 5,000 calories of food per child – all jumbo portions. There is actually a silent competition between the “best mac ‘n cheese,” the “best chocolate chip cookie”, the “best baked ziti” and on and on. But, as in life, competition brings out the best in the competitors and the best in the product.

When this tradition began I was very taken back. Why would you spend so much time and energy throwing teenagers this party for nothing more then doing their work as an actor? Why would you push so many carbs on teenagers who have to be at their peak energy level some ninety minutes later? Why does the whole production wheel stop for the sake of a diner? BUT – then I discovered the answer. After working for some 2+ months together we have become a family. All of those late nights, long weekends and missed holidays have made us a family. It is certainly a cliché but nevertheless true. And families are forged at the dinner table. Food seals the deal. Food comforts and makes the “family” work on the same page. SO – let the wheel of production stop for an hour – we can certainly afford the time. Let’s march over to the hosting corner of the cafeteria. Let’s pick big plates, eat big food, and enjoy the theme matching cutlery! We are loved – and we know it. Now, shut up and eat. Places in 30 minutes.