March 6 and 7 at the Auditorio de la Ribera, when the lights went down and the theater became black, most of the audience didn’t know what to expect.
Then, well-known music blasted out and colorful creatures began dancing across the stage. The Famous People Players were here, in Ajijic. The audience was treated to an amazing show more than two years in the planning.
One of the goals of the School for Special Children (SFSC – Escuela para Niños Especiales) is to provide more opportunities for the special-needs students upon graduation. The staff and parents work together to provide a quality education for close to 100 students. Through the fundraising efforts and generous donors, the SFSC charity has been able to assist with specialized computers, a library, and technology for the staff. The children are gaining skills and confidence that could translate to job opportunities after leaving school.
But how can the business and expat communities help? Jan Riley, the president of SFSC, had a crazy idea. If the Famous People Players were to come to Lakeside, people would be reminded how limitless the world can be for anyone – even those with different abilities. So, she set off to make this happen.
It meant raising funds for plane fares, getting trucking companies to haul 12-foot puppets and tons of electronic and lighting equipment from Toronto, Canada to Lakeside, completing the confusing but necessary Mexican paperwork, and checking off the myriad of details that this show required. Amazingly, Riley and all the volunteers who stepped up to the challenge made it happen.
Children around the lake were treated to special afternoon shows. Wiggles and giggles and bathroom trips suddenly stopped when the lights went down. La Bamba, the opening number, saw everyone clapping to this catchy tune while chili peppers and a huge guitarist danced across the stage. When light crossed over the children’s faces, one word came to mind – awe. They were mesmerized by something they had never seen before. Glancing at one student sitting in her wheelchair with her head carefully arranged for viewing the show, her smile was radient, making all the hard work worthwhile. When the actors took their bows and removed the black hoods necessary for the show, students saw others like themselves. Others with different abilities had performed this grueling, complicated, beautiful show. Parents were inspired by the possibilities, and the director of the school, Salvador Macias Cuevas, with tears in his eyes said, “My heart is trying to recover from what I have just seen.”
The evening shows were sell-outs with Lakeside residents and visitors taking advantage of seeing something different and very special. The musical score was most appreciated, filled as it was with lively and familiar tunes. Some numbers were fun, some beautiful, and others, like Send in the Clowns, downright powerful. When the lights came on at the end, you could hear the audience: “Wow! Didn’t expect that.” “That was inspiring!” “So captivating.”
Riley summed it up well: “When I see the love that [Famous People Players founder] Diane [Dupuy] feels for the performers and they feel for her, I believe that we have so much to learn. Just giving and receiving love is the biggest gift of all, and people, for whom everything comes easy and naturally in life, sometimes forget that. We should all slow down, look around us more, think about others, and take every possible opportunity to care for others, show our love, and take time for people who need a bit more attention.”
The Famous People Players have traveled the world and been showcased on numerous television shows since their beginnings in 1974. Their professionalism and enthusiasm brought them opportunities to perform at Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, CBC TV, Radio City Music Hall, in China, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Japan. They have performed shows on Broadway and throughout Canada.
But the reception and special touches made their Mexico trip really memorable. Actors were lovingly housed by Lakeside volunteers, Pranzo Restaurant provided great food during rehearsal times, and they ended their stay at Viva Mexico with a Mexican food buffet watching mariachis and traditional dancers. When the actors departed laden with gifts, they had new friends and wonderful memories of their time here.
One actor’s parent sent the following message, “When our son departed from the plane wearing a sarape and a sombrero, his smile told us that he had a great time. But what amazed us was the hug he gave each of us. Our son doesn’t like to be touched, but somehow Mexico and the kindness of those he had contact with made him want to hug us. Thank you all.”
So, Lakeside … when you see someone of different abilities, be sure to learn his/her name. When appropriate, give a hug or a high-five. Maybe even help find something for that person to do that brings a smile and sense of self-worth. Famous People Players came to remind us of what is possible; now it’s our job to carry on that mission.