Favorite Moments
Every time I work on a new show I have something happen to me. Amidst the stress of memorization and the fatigue of tech, I’ll be struck by shimmering seconds of love for whatever step of the process I’m on. Sometimes it makes me sing the line from 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: “That’s my fav-o-rite moment of the beeeeeeeee” (come on, come on, you know exactly what song I’m talking about!)
These are the moments I live for! When I can’t imagine myself anywhere else in the world but exactly where I am, doing exactly what I’m doing, with this exact and special cast of people!
So, in an attempt to share my joy (as well as throw out some good karma in hopes that I book a new show soon) I have written down my ever-growing list of “favorite moments”. They are:
-Finishing reading a script for the first time
-Introductions at the first rehearsal
-Adding props to a scene and feeling like you got new toys on Christmas morning
-Nailing tough harmonies, and hearing them blend together
-After the first time a stage kiss is rehearsed
-The sitzprobe with the orchestra
-Deep discussions with c0-actors about back stories and subplots
-Getting so lost in a scene that you don’t think about what you are saying and instead find you are LIVING!
-Opening night with all its anticipation, jitters, well-wishes, flowers, and pride for the work done up to that point
And my very favorite moment:
-Full-company production numbers at the end of the show. I can’t even explain this one. There is something so special about a group of people who put everything out on stage and commit to sharing that moment together. The energy, the support, the love, the kinship is so infectious. And THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is why I do this.
What are your favorite moments? Are any of mine on your list too?
The Green Room 
I love the first table read and opening night!
Love all of your “favorites”!
Yes! I forgot about the first table read… the last few shows I’ve done have been music heavy and we haven’t done a read. But those are truly magical!
Seeing name on cast list, or in the program for sure…pre-show company moments and there’s always one moment in every show, usually a grand entrance that really gets me during the first dress rehearsal, when you see the pieces come together.
Seeing the cast list and circle time before the show are two things I haven’t experienced since college shows…. but they were special! And yes, the first entrance! I love it!
I fully agree with the final full company number. They’re usually the ones on closing night that everyone is blubbering through!
Completely!! maybe its a dancer thing. 🙂
I love those seconds backstage before you step onstage on opening night… (and actuallym most nights after that too!) I always think how lucky I am. Your list is awesome too and makes me want to sing more. 🙂