The Show Must Go On

PHOTO BY KCS

The curious effects of an astrological phenomenon did not deter the stellar performance of a group of girls on Saturday. 

They danced and tumbled and wowed their audience, despite a series of unexpected circumstances that delayed the show and had people wondering what the heck was going on.

The most obvious answer is a planetary illusion called Mercury in Retrograde.

From May 29 through June 22, the planet Mercury appears to be orbiting in reverse, according to the Old Farmers Almanac. "These periods are traditionally associated with confusion, delay and frustration. Think undelivered love letters, email blunders and frazzled travel plans."

These conditions were widely apparent yesterday -- the first day of retrograde -- on the north shore of Kauai.

Our day was planned around the dance performance, "I Believe" presented by the Kauai Creative Academy. Our granddaughter, Viva, 10, had worked and practiced diligently to be part of this show.

The road from Hanalei, which currently is only open for brief periods of the day, was closed for hours and into Saturday evening due to a motorcycle accident (?!).

Residents and visitors who found themselves in Hanalei or beyond were unable to move, the only means of travel southward being by boat or other water craft.

"We were lucky to find a ride in a canoe," said the mother of one of the show girls. They had to hike up the hill from the beach before they met their ride to Anahola where the show was scheduled.

Coco had spent part of the afternoon preparing a vegetarian dish for the post-show potluck reception. We were showered and dressed in our aloha finery. She had roses for Viva. We were ready to roll.

Viva on the silk  PHOTO: KCS

But I couldn't find the key to our rental car. I looked in all the usual places -- pants pockets, desk top, dish where key is supposed to be -- still no key. I couldn't have locked the key in the car, I told myself, not wanting to face that embarrassment.

I walked outside to check.

"The key is locked in the car," I reported back to my lovely and forgiving wife.

"How could you do that?"

"You know me. Sometimes I can do the impossible."

I did not like the expression on her face.

The warm tropical air began to get warmer. Time began moving faster. I did not realize that the planet Mercury had apparently begun to move in the opposite direction. I did not know that people were stranded in Hanalei. I did not know many things, including how to break into the rental vehicle without smashing the car window.

This was an emergency. We couldn't miss Viva's performance. Maybe we can borrow Rick and Marcie's car? We thought in unison. They are neighbors at Puamana.

"Sure," said Rick, as he tossed his keychain to me. "Have fun," said Marcie.

Good neighbors. Lots of aloha.

To our surprise, we were among the first to arrive at the school where a beautifully decorated pavilion awaited. Stories were circulating about the difficulties of many getting there.

"You're not the only ones," said our daughter, Isabel, Viva's mother, noting a strangeness in the air.

In due time (Hawaiian time runs a little late anyway) the show began. It was a wonderful performance combining music, dance and acrobatics. The choreography and presentation were impressive. The young performers had obviously put in a great deal of concentration and effort. Kudos to the creative director, Illima, who made it all possible.

The sky turned dark while we milled around following the show munching on delicious, lovingly prepared entrees, salads and sauces. The performers, to my amazement, were running around like chickens, showing no signs of fatigue or retrograde. 

Maybe it's only parents and grandparents who are affected.