I clearly remember the day that Jen first bounced into my life – literally.  It was in early January 1984 and I had recently posted the audition information for the spring musical “Once Upon a Mattress”.  I had chosen the show because it had a large cast, but there was one part that I was worried about casting, the Jester.  I didn’t know how I was going to find a student with the energy, voice and presence to carry off the role.  

On this January day I was in my classroom at dismissal time and a fireball bounced into the room and asked, “Does the Jester have to be a boy?” I was a bit startled at the question, as I hadn’t really thought about giving the part to a girl, but as Jen stood in front of me, full of smiles and energy, I immediately answered, “Why no, the Jester doesn’t have to be a boy.”  She beamed a smile at me, said “good” told me her name and that she would be auditioning for the part, and turned and bounced back out of the room.  I ran to the guidance office to find out if anyone knew anything about her, and if she could sing.  I knew that if she could carry a tune she could well be my Jester.

Obviously she could sing, and I cast her in a lead role, which was pretty much unheard of for a freshman.  I always believed that you needed to start in the chorus and work your way into a lead part in your junior or senior year.  Jen certainly changed my thinking about that!  

One of my favorite numbers to this day remains “Very Soft Shoes”.  Jen brought energy and believability to the part and that solo and when I’m feeling nostalgic I listen to that song – it’s on my Ipod.

I will always appreciate the grace with which Jen handled going from a lead part to a minor part for the next two musicals, “Bye Bye Birdie” and “Irene”.  I will never forget the “scream” and the line “panting, raving, jungle beast” that Jen delivered with such passion and fervor.   In “Irene” Jen was again cast in a “best-friend” part, and again threw herself into the role.  She was a team player and gave her all, if she was disappointed that she didn’t get the lead role, I never knew it.

I actually chose the show “Mame” knowing that I had many talented girls who would be auditioning.  I also knew that I would have to cast a person who could handle the size of the part, the costume changes (I think there were something like 16 – and some of them very quick), and basically carry most of the show.  I also felt that Jen had paid her dues (if that’s possible to do in high school) and that if she could turn in a strong audition she would be my “Mame”.  The rest is history, and when Aunt Bea’s dresses emerged from her closets at home Jen owned the part.  There are many moments from this show that I clearly remember and love, descending the staircase, “We Need a Little Christmas”, “Bosom Buddies” with Laura – voices perfectly matched and dripping with sarcasm and dagger like glances.  My favorite will always remain the lift at the end of the song “Mame”.  We’d had the “hat move” and the kick- line”, but the final chord and Jen in the air, arm up, and GLOWING with happiness will always stick with me.

I have many other memories among them: 

Jen was really irritated in the summer of 1984 when we all decided that she looked like MaryLou Retton (she did!).

Jen injured her foot trying to scramble around backstage to change and make an entrance in “Mame” during the performance for the fifth grade.  I was in the audience and knew something was wrong, but didn’t know what.  She came out and continued to perform, even though she was in agony.

And

Something I will never understand

Jen used to make me talk to Omar – her cat- on the phone.

Happy Birthday, Jen!

Love,

Kathy Walunas