Clíodhna was picked as one of the young children for our upcoming show "Children of Eden". This is no great achievement, since it was limited to children of cast members, but she was naturally chuffed, as were we. This week, the director explained to her that Eve was dying and that she must have a sad face when Eve comes to speak to her. Half the cast welled up during the scene. Naturally I assumed this was due to the lead actress, who has a lovely delivery. However, at least a dozen cast members told me afterwards that it was Clíodhna's soulful expression thet had them transfixed. Being a proud Daddy I smiled, thanked them and dismissed it, not wanting to be "one of those parents".
Then, she had an audition for one of the lead roles in the Stage School she attends. There's about 40 in her class, and she had a decent sized role last year, so we expected they would "share it out" a bit. We warned her not to be too disappointed if she didn't get it. She got it. Within a couple of days she had devoured the CD and learned all the songs. At her next class the teachers accidentally left in the backing track instead of the vocals CD and Clíodhna promptly came in, with perfect timing and pitch. A little surprised, they let her finish the number. Then, just to test her, they tried putting on the big duet number. Her co-star, a 16 year old with a broadway belter voice and 10 years experience, was flabbergasted. Clíodhna not only held her own vocally, but also held her harmony line against the older girl. Their reaction "You can't teach that!"
Needless to say I'm
. She's only 8. We never pushed her and never will, but obviously she has picked up the love and passion for this from us. You're looking at one proud Daddy right now.
)
Yeah. Its a pretty English expression now that I think of it.
