The Moment I Realized He Was Destined For Broadway
As a parent we naturally encourage our children to get involved and to pursue their passions (if they know what they are). Some kids are more skilled than others but if they make the effort, so do we. When my oldest son, Derrian Brown (and yes, I used his whole name because you need to remember it and because SEO duh…), wanted to pursue band and theatre my credit card and my calendar were all in.
I paid for what needed to be paid for, drove him where he needed to be driven, endured the constant “tink tink tink” sound as he learned to play the xylophone and later the constant drumming on any flat surface that made a sound.
I read lines as he practiced for roles, searched to the end of the internet to find a digital version of the instrumental version of some song from a Broadway musical that debuted before my MOTHER was even born. I did these things (mostly) with pleasure because I believe in believing in your kids and pushing them to be amazing.
But in all of the doing, paying, cheering, paying, driving, paying, and clapping I did them because I’m his mom, and that’s what moms do.
Even though more of his efforts went into music his passion has always been theatre (specifically MUSICAL theatre) and his goal has always been to be on Broadway. I’ve always supported his goal, and while I recognized his talent, and viewed that goal as possible I’m also a realist and I know that the entertainment business isn’t easy, and talent doesn’t guarantee success.
And then…
The last Saturday in July…
Just as I had every last Saturday in July for the past 6-years…
I sat in a folding chair, sweating in Suwanee Town Center park…
When Suwanee Performing Arts Academy’s Broadway in the Park began…
The show was Aladdin, the Genie was played by Derrian Brown, and the opening caused me to sit up and take notice, this show was different, HE was different… I sat there in awe. We weren’t but 5 minutes into the show, and I was already impressed. And I don’t mean “Yaaaaaaaas that’s my baby” impressed. I was IMPRESSED impressed… this actor (not just my son), who is amazingly talented was totally owning the stage.
That was my moment… well, I guess it was really HIS moment. Derrian idolizes James Monroe Iglehart. And Iglehart is best known for his Tony Award-winning performance as the Genie in the original Broadway production of Aladdin. For Derrian’s to follow in Iglehart’s footsteps was surreal. In addition, this show would also be Derrian’s last performance with Suwanee Performing Arts Academy. Broadway in the Park has defined his July since the 6th grade. Filled with 8–12 hour days of rehearsals, building sets, helping with costumes, coaching the younger actors BIP was summer. But as we moved into his senior year of high school we knew this was a bitter sweet end of an era.
His moment also became MY moment. That was the moment where I was able to truly appreciate him for the talented triple threat actor that he is (check out the cartwheel in the video below) and I stopped supporting him JUST because I’m his mother and started supporting him because this is Broadway’s next “big deal” (well maybe not “next” but future star).
I don’t think I’ll ever forget that moment.
I captured (admittedly poor quality) video of his performance of Friend Like Me (which was my favorite part of the show). Enjoy!
