Musicals - Part Ii

We have some friends with a son named Todd, whose avocation was to an actor be. Little did I know that his avocation would sometime soon involve me. I loved to sing around the house and (if I say so myself) could carry a tune. One day my wife told me that she didn't know how really well I could croon. Their son had gotten a lead role in a show, my wife bragged about my singing. When she mentioned that chorus voices were needed, I should have heard the alarm bells ringing. Have you ever been in a Musical Show? In front of an audience I would never stir, Yet, here I was agreeing to join the chorus of "Oliver". It was very hard work from the beginning, rehearsals and stage blocking every night. Then there were the costumes and make-up, Now I know what it feels like to put on tights. Oh, you should have seen me, dancing and singing like never before. Gallavanting with trepidation in every step, learning to enjoy the audience's roar. It was fun as I had never experienced, being part of a cast to make others smile. Wearing hose and funny clothes, pretending that I was someone else for a little while. I don't remember how many performances, but I'll never forget that feeling at the end of the show. When the audiences stood and applauded us, as we bowed and then had to go. There is no such feeling in the world, than to be appreciated by others you see. Performers, writers, comics, or poets all give us something we need. That is why they shower their applause on us, when we perform to make their day. I know, because I have experienced it even in just my own little way. It made me want to do it again, to be an actor and not a stagehand hidden. I'll tell you about my next performance, in a show that I was so glad to have given.