Posts Tagged “blackmail”

One of our most popular CISWY authors is Michael Procopio, who frequently writes for another spunky not-for-profit project, KQED’s Bay Area Bites. Michael has been a huge supporter of Can I Sit With You?, and has read his wonderful story The Sound of Musicals at Can I Sit With You shows in San Francisco, Seattle, and Marin County. Here’s an excerpt from that tale:

In my family, a boy singing songs from The Sound of Music was nothing extraordinary– in fact, it was encouraged. The subtle changing of lyrics to suit any occasion was applauded by my elder brother. Sadly, singing “I Am Six, Going on Seven” in a voice approximating that of the eldest Von Trapp girl did not translate well to the playground of my elementary school. Worse, my impression of Ann-Margret’s frenzied “Smash the Mirror” number fromTommy was not received with applause but with baffled silence, then derisive laughter, which I found confusing since my brother and sister had both loved the impression as I performed it the day before. Upon review some thirty years later, it seems reasonable that a six-year-old boy writhing on the on the grass and pulling at his hair while singing in an exaggerated vibrato might make other little boys uncomfortable. It was clear to them that I was different. It was clear to me that they simply did not speak my language.

Several months ago, Michael pledged further support in the form of a second Can I Sit With You? story. Since that story has yet to materialize, and as we know you are pained to see this site so Procopio-poor, we’ve stop-gapped by uploading the audio from Michael’s performance at Seattle’s Annex Theatre.

Have a listen, enjoy, and please do send in any stories you may have. Especially if your name is Michael.