I started writing this blog post last night as I sat
backstage listening to Janelle sing “Kindergarten Boyfriend”. She really rocks
that song EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. I have so many emotions coming up to this final
performance of Heathers the Musical. I’m relieved that I won’t have to worry
about keeping my voice healthy. I’m looking forward to getting back into a real
life routine again. But, there are so many things I will miss about this
beautiful cast and crazy show.
I will miss watching Zach and Alex dancing in the wings
before the show and between scenes. Let me just tell you – Zach’s interpretive
dance solos in the dark corners of the theater are frighteningly on point. Abby
Lee’s crew has nothing on you. Alex, you brought so much color to the stage.
Thank you! You calmed my nerves on more than one occasion and made me smile.
Courtney, Madelyn, and Katherine – I will miss watching you
beautiful girls get ready to roll nightly – the giggles, the crud convo, the
selfies. THE SELFIES. The selfies. You make it all look so easy and that’s the
magic, right, because it’s a lot of work I know! Thank you for sharing the
dressing rooms with regular bitches like me and bringing the Heathers to life.
DJ, Austin, and Tim – I’ve been so blown away by your vocal
talent and presence on stage. You bring energy to every space you inhabit.
You’ve taken three relative small roles and made them memorable. I will miss
our silent interactions on stage and passing glances. I’m pretty sure that
Dwight has become Ms. Fleming’s favorite student and that she’s called social
services on Mr. Bitter Geek, DJ. Tim – that pink sweater! Seriously. Do you
think it’s my size?
Todd and Jon have been my anchors in this show – my partners
in crime. Jon – thank you for the lifts home after rehearsals and shows. Todd –
thank you for not freaking out when I’d forget to move the stairs every other
performance. I’m sure that was frustrating for you! I loved that we all were
dressed first and waiting for mics together. I will miss your eye rolls, Todd,
every time I beg you for a raise silently and in slow motion. And, Jon, those
knees! No one rocks men’s short shorts like you, buddy.
Hailee, little Miss Stoner Chick, you brought perspective to
the show nightly for me. It made me smile to see you doing homework and
studying between scenes. Keep working towards your goals. You’re a bright, warm
spirit. So glad I got to meet you.
Sydney it’s been so fun getting to know you after sharing
the stage with you all those years ago when we did that benefit for the Carp
High Muses together. Your confident, smiling face got me through more than one
“dead gay son” scene. And, thank you for covering my bench misses and keeping me
on key.
Terry, our resident make up expert and dance captain –
thanks for reviewing choreo with this old lady so I didn’t look like a complete
idiot nightly. Having you in the show has been a blessing in so many ways. You
are always prepared and willing to help where needed. Thank you!
Trevor, you are equal parts creepy and heartthrob. Every night,
you bring tears to my eyes when you say your final farewell to Veronica. And,
you are such a nice guy in real life. Truly. If someone were to ask me what I
thought of Trevor Shor, I would say, “God, he’s such a nice guy.” Can’t wait to
see what you do next!
Samantha Eve – you are perhaps one of the hardest working
people in the Santa Barbara theatre community. Thank you for giving me the
opportunity to perform with Out of the Box. I have really loved sharing moments
with you on stage – you’re not afraid to look me in the eye and that doesn’t
always happen on stage. Thank you for being fearless or, at the very least,
enjoying the rush with us.
To Dr. Kasey Link – I will miss your heavy breathing and
kind instruction. Truly – not worthy! You’re on a completely different level.
You broke this show down for us into bites we could manage. Thank you. Luis,
Paul and Noah – you added so much depth to the show. Thank you!
Maggie, Katie and Brad – we could not have done this without
you! Maggie – the outfits! I look forward to see you again in the future just
to see what you’ve thrown on your body and deemed worthy to wear. Brad – you
know my number and that is, like, theatre goals achieved! Katie – thanks for
putting up with this crazy crew. It never ceases to amaze me how your voice can
cut through any chatter and motivates movement. That’s not a learned skill. You
have to be born with that!
I honestly have loved getting to know our high school
volunteer backstage crew, Al, Diana, Clarise, Delson, Rose, and May. However, I
owe all my achieved fast changes to, Al. Calm, cool, collected and paced
perfectly so that I made it out for my next scene. Thanks, Al!
Lastly, I would be remise if I didn’t mention Jenny, our
director. The last three weeks, despite her physical absence, I know she’s been
with us in spirit. I miss her excitement and energy. We did you proud, Jenny.
We did you proud!
You always feel sad when a show closes. The art you spent so
much time creating simply disappears, never to be re-created again in the exact
same image. We leave it all on stage – no regrets. Videos will never capture
all the moments shared, the magic created, or the bonds formed. But, for the
few of us brave enough to take the stage to entertain the masses, the memories
will be forever cemented in our hearts.