That show means so much to me, it's quite difficult to put into words. Honestly, I thought I was the only person touched by that show the way I was, until I moved to the U.S. and met so many others who, like me, were touched that way.
One of the biggest deals at the time the show came out (granted - I didn't live in this country, and my first exposure to it was the movie. I didn't see the show until 1988 ) was how ground breaking it was. It was the experience... as a dance/actor/really bad singer, they were telling our stories.
My first experience was the movie. I know... the horror. That's what happens when you live in a foreign country without lots of musical theater. I loved every minute of it! I saw it so many times. But that experience was NOTHING compared to the first time I saw the show on Broadway. My very first Broadway show.
My first time... I did not have the cast recording, so all I had to go by was the memory of the movie. Just walking into the theater, the stage empty but for the white line... it was so ominous. I didn't quite understand then what it meant. But somewhere inside of me, the anticipation began to grow. Then the black out, the pitter/patter, and you hear the opening number chords. I was choked up from that moment forward. Sitting on the edge of my seat. By the time it got to the Alternatives scene (right before "What I did For Love") I was a mess.
And I pretty much have the same reaction every time I see the show.
I also have had the great opportunity to be in it twice. Two very different experiences. But I got to learn the all the symbolism in the show... the line, the lighting... everything had a reason. And it just blew me away. And it still does.
THAT is MY experience. I can't wait to hear your first reactions.
edited to fix the pesky sunshade smiley
Celebrate Life
Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted.
- Randy Pausch
Updated On: 7/19/06 at 09:00 PM
