RALEIGH, N.C. — Kate Lyon is ready for her Broadway debut. You might say the 37-year-old has musical fever.
What You Need To Know
A group of Triangle moms wanted to showcase their special needs children's talents, creativity and personalities
That's how Special Theatre Arts of Raleigh or 'S.T.A.R.' was born
The volunteer-based company has been putting on annual performances for the past 19 years
"I'm a huge fan of Patrick Swayze," Lyon said.
She's watched "Dirty Dancing" more times than she can count, among others. Her mom, Daphne, can testify.
"'Cats,' she has seen 'Grease' several times. She's seen 'Les Miserables.' She doesn't always follow the story line, but she always follows the dancers, especially the guy dancers," Daphne Lyon said.
But nothing compares to Kate Lyon seeing herself up on stage.
"She always thought you could do it. When she was watching on stage she thought, 'I could do that,'" Daphne Lyon said.
It's all thanks to a volunteer group called Special Theatre Arts of Raleigh, or S.T.A.R., which has been putting on stage performances for kids with special needs for the past 19 years.
"I think kids ought to learn music. I think kids out to be exposed to acting. I think kids need to be exposed to literature, it rounds out a whole person," Daphne Lyon said.
It's a big time commitment, but Daphne Lyon says running lines with Kate Lyon never feels like a chore. Maybe that's because the script is loosely followed.
"We sometimes have people in the play that just ad lib. We have one guy that will stop the play and talk to the audience, 'Did you like that?'" Daphne Lyon said.
Lyon says the imperfections are what keeps the audience coming back for more.
"The last night of rehearsal is, 'Oh my God, this is going to be a disaster,' but it never is. It's always perfect," Lyon said.
With every actor's personality shining through, Lyon says you'll never get the same show twice.
"It is just something that enriches their lives, that they don't get in some of the settings that more typically developing adults get," she said.
As Kate Lyon and others fulfill their dreams, they also inspire others. And that's the real magic of this show business.
"Always remember that people may be different, but everybody has talents. Everybody has special skills and don't ever overlook that," Daphne Lyon said. "Don't ever think people cannot meet your expectations."
The group is invited to perform a song and dance at the Special Olympics state games opening ceremony in June.
Most of the actors have been together since their early 20s and are now close to 40 years old.
As important as the bonds are with the children, Daphne Lyon says the families are a tight-knit circle of friends who support each other too.