Coffee & Conversation

My friend Tom, who is one of the Park Rangers for the Talbot Island State Parks, including Fort George Island, recently asked me to do him a favor by coming one evening to the FB Middle School to video tape his daughter Zoe in the final dress rehearsal of her performance in “Annie”.  My youngest daughter is now 22 years old, so it has been many years since I went to a middle school drama production, and I was happy to do this favor for my friend, but didn’t really know what to expect.  While I knew that Tom, his dedicated wife Renee, and a bunch of other parents had been working very hard for several weeks building sets, making costumes, and putting together the whole show – I was not expecting to see the first class performance that I witnessed that evening.  I was literally “blown away” by these kids, their talent, and the whole production effort.  I told Tom after the show that I felt like I could  have been sitting at the Florida Theatre.  I’m really not exaggerating – this was an outstanding performance and a thoroughly enjoyable experience.  The school auditorium was sold out for the next four performances which ended last Sunday.  However, the show has been held over by popular demand and Annie will once again be performed by the drama department of Fernandina Beach High School.  The encore performances are  on Friday and Saturday nights (October 16 & 17). Tickets are only $10.00 and I must say it is one of the best values for your entertainment dollars that you will find.  So grab your family, friends, neighbors – and head up to Fernandina on Friday or Saturday night.  Make it a family night out with a casual dinner along the beach – some of my favorites are The Surf; Sandy Bottoms; or Barbara Jeans on the AIA at the Intracoastal Waterway.  I promise you won’t be disappointed – it is a really great show.