I was a pansy and I cried during warm fuzzies earlier tonight before we performed. There was so much I wanted to say, but I couldn’t.
These past three nights have just been…amazing. I never want this to end. I’m so in love with every single aspect of this musical. The cast, the nervousness, the crowd, the laughing, the singing, and that satisfied feeling, the bittersweet moment when it’s over. I’m going to miss everyone.
A big thank you goes to Marvin Jay Madrid. (@marvinnatorwearsblue) If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be here right now. I wouldn’t be the person I am now. This experience has changed me; it’s helped me find who I really am. And the thing about theater is, everyone has had that feeling. I’ve found the place where I belong. Where I truly belong. Theater isn’t going anywhere far from my life. So thank you a million times over, Marvin, for pushing me to audition. I’m glad this experience has made us even closer than we were before.
Another thank you goes to Jared Pati, who is a talented individual that will go far in life, with whatever he chooses to do. He gave me a gift on opening night, and it really meant so much to me. I want to thank him for giving me the confidence and the comfort I needed to get up on stage and perform to the best of my ability. It really is one of the sweetest, most thoughtful things someone has done for me.
Lee Ron Chan has also played a big part in my journey. We barely even knew each other before all of this began. I’m so glad that we’ve become really great friends. He’s one person that has helped me blossom and become more open with the whole cast. I’m not afraid to be myself anymore. We’ve had a bunch of laughs together, and I know this experience wouldn’t be the same without him.
Junryl Molina has also been one of my mentors, and I want to thank him for helping me with my solo. When I started doing this song, I struggled with knowing what to do physically. There was this barrier, this self-consciousness, that made me afraid to portray my character correctly. It really means a lot to me that he worked with me to make my performance better.
I still remember the first time I played freeze with some of the cast. I was scared out of my wits to improvise in front of these people I barely met. I was up there with Kelly Torbet, and I’m really glad I was. We worked well off of each other, and I think we both found our characters a little more during that process. It was the first time I ever really acted, and I enjoyed it. So thank you, Kelly, for making it a good first time.
Diane, simply amazed me the first time I heard her sing. She inspired me, she showed me that the stage really can open someone up. And finding that same feeling within myself helped me open up to people in general. Thank you.
I want to thank Sam for being so supportive within the past two months. I can’t even describe how amazing and talented she is. I’ll never forget dancing with her during our painting party. It just shows how comfortable I really am with all of my theater family now.
Courtney is the best gay dad I could have ever had. She’s always so busy helping people and coaching people, working, and doing the musical all at once. It’s something I admire.
Danielle, is such a brilliant singer with an insanely hilarious personality. I’m glad I got to know her better, because she’s shown me that being out-of-the-box really is a good thing. It may not be normal, but that’s what so fun about her.
Ashley, is one of our wonderful stage directors, and she always manages to put a smile on my face. It’s been fun being able to relate to each others’ fan-girl moments. She still needs to dry mount me. Thanks for always keeping us in check.
Deanna did a great job as a stage manager as well. She’s always on top of things, (not literally) and she’s been a great friend throughout all of this.
Terry still blows my mind whenever he has his fingers on those keys. He’s an amazing pianist, and I appreciate that he worked with me to get my songs just right. I’m actually planning to get back into piano because of him. Thank you for everything. By the way, he made a great Jesus.
It’s been great getting to know Rosie Ou and hearing how talented she from backstage. I really hope I get to work with you again.
It’s been a long time since I have talked with Dan, and I’m glad we were able to get to know each other a little better throughout all of this.
Mrs. Cottengim is one of the big reasons why this musical was a success. Her choreography made “Magic Foot” one of the most lovable songs, and I’m glad that she took her time going through and helping each of us out with our solos.
Mr. McQuigg really helped me reach my potential as a singer. Things I never imagined I could do, I actually accomplished.
And last but certainly not least, Ms. Schwartz. I want to thank her so much for giving me this opportunity. If it wasn’t for her, I would have never gotten to make such a connection with all of these wonderful people I have mentioned above. She has helped me every step of the way, and has helped me transform as an actress and as a person. Thank you so much.
Every single person in this production has held my hand throughout this incredible journey. I never want this to end. I fell in love with theater instantly, because I realized that there is a way to get away from the madness of my real life. It helped me get through a tough time, and even when my cast didn’t know it, they were helping me. They helped me grow as an individual. They reminded me how great it feels to be myself and let loose every once in a while. It’s so easy to relate to each other because they have all felt like that at one point. I know that we’re all there for each other. When we trip up on stage, we’re all there to catch each other. (Unless Jered spontaneously decides to do a trust fall off a bench.) I have found my true talent, the place where I belong. I’m so sad that everything is coming to an end, but I’m so grateful for the memories that I will cherish forever.
