American Sign Language:Sometimes Def People Get a Better Show

Last night we went to see “The Beauty and the Beast” at the Theatre in the Park (There is still a show tonight). I enjoy spending a summer evening in the park and the shows are usually fun and well-made. Six dollar tickets, informal picnic-like atmosphere, no need to dress up and fresh air – what else a cheap lazy schmuck can ask for?

Last night the show was interpreted in ASL and I found myself paying more attention to the interpreters than to the show itself. It wasn’t an everyday interpretation which can be seen on TV. The interpreters sung and moved, danced with their hands and bodies to convey the show and not just the text. According to the show notes, these two ladies worked for the theater for the past nine seasons. Very impressive. I found some clips of ASL songs similar to what I saw last night.