Jason's gift came in the mail recently. He sent me an old school newspaper with a front page story about the 2nd semester school play from the 1982-83 school year. The Mouse That Roared was a rocking good time and worth noting here after reflecting on the article.
The Mouse That Roared was basically the only real time in high school that my brother Ron and I were in an activity together. Seriously, this was it. Looking back, that really was important to me at the time and I probably didn't realize it.
I hated high school. It's not that I hated my school or the people. I just wanted it to be over pretty early on and it just dragged for four years. Things like The Mouse That Roared, having the locker partners I had, DECA, and APES trip to Ashland, and soccer were pretty much the only things I really cared about. My club soccer was on a Northshore team and I worked a lot of hours and otherwise avoided many major events.
I was in Ten Little Indians later, but it just wasn't the same for me. The Mouse That Roared was it.
I had tried out for the first time and received a small part. One of the more major part actors decided to leave the production and I volunteered and got the part in mid-production. Never mind that I was 5'4" and one of the younger actors, I would be the old General Snippet. Out came my best Patton voice.
This play was crazy. We also added forays through the audience and a ridiculous number of set changes. Every night was an adventure. Of course, Jason made every night an adventure too. See, he really only seemed to consider the script to be a guideline. Oreos were crunched on stage one night. When I look at the picture of me and the Erics I can simply close my eyes and remember how all three of us would simply try our best to go with it during that scene.
One night when we went through the crowd I nearly stepped on my father. Another night I missed the top step and ended up flying face first across part of the stage. I believe actual arrows were shot at me as I hid behind a chalkboard off stage.
But, my buddy Bob really gave me a memorable moment. See, I don't think he realized that was I was crouched and lurking in the aisle that I was actually a part of the play at that moment.
"Hey Jeff!" he whispered. I do not remember the exact exchange, but basically I had to try and shush him right as the door to the theatre slammed and the soldiers started in after me. Good times.
The Mouse That Roared is a series of stories ...
The newspaper image is from Terrace Times Volume II Issue III April 25, 1983
