First off: The Audition. A huge group of teenagers wandering the halls of my massive school singing show tunes to themselves (basically how I think an ideal hallway should be), awaiting their turn to sing solo in front of a seemingly intimidating panel of judges. To be completely honest, I was terrified. The last time I had sung and taken myself seriously while doing so, my own mother came into my room, asked me what I thought I was doing and told me to be quiet. Since then, I decided I ought to lay low in terms of my performing. Still, I got up there, my lovely Next to Normal sheet music in hand, saw my friends smiling at me, and just thought, "Fuck yeah... I can do this." I sang my little song (for the record, I sang "I Dreamed a Dance" from Next to Normal), tried to hide my shaking hands, imagined Aaron Tveit actually singing right beside me, and by the time it was over I realized it wasn't that bad. Then again, I had been practicing ever since I saw last year's musical, West Side Story (<-- Read my post on it if you haven't already!).
Now, after that nerve-wracking singing audition, I thought the worst was over. Hehe, I was quite wrong... Dance auditions. Maybe it was the already established fact of my poor singing skills, or maybe that I couldn't seriously maim someone with my voice (or so I thought), but the singing auditions seemed a breeze in comparison to the dancing ones. The arm-flailing, foot-contorting (or Charlestoning as I would later learn) style that is 1920s dance was quite hard to master, especially for someone who has a tough time not looking awkward when just standing. Still, I managed to get through the dance auditions without hitting too many people when finally our wonderful but initially intimidating choreographer, Colleen, asked me if I could do any acrobatics. "Well, if being able to bend myself in any and every way counts..." I said. And since, I was designated "gumby".
Now enough about me, and on to the real stars of the show.
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Olivia Munk, who played none other than Millie Dilmount, I simply idolize. I remember watching her sing "Gimme Gimme" from backstage in tears. She has an overwhelmingly beautiful voice and as Millie she was spot on. You could hardly tear me from watching her in the wings to get me to change into my next costume.
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Shanti Kumar, who played the wonderful, the majestic and, of course, the beautiful, Muzzy Van Hossmere. I raved about her last year as Maria (check out that post!), and this year I am simply speechless. If anyone has that jaw-dropping star quality, it's her. I doubt a single person in the audience so much as breathed while she performed (To be honest, all I did was cry).
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Emily Joyce, a little freshman off to a great start in the Bronx Science theatre world by nailing the role of Flannery. She embodied the strong, independent woman perfectly, had an unbelievably powerful voice and, most importantly, her wig actually looked good on her!
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| Kenneth Ling, Melonie Collado and Manfred Joa Melonie Collado, I can't even say she "played" Mrs Meers, because she truly became a different person altogether. To so much as attempt to describe her understanding and portraying of the character would not suffice. Every time she swaggered on stage, I got chills. Beyond that, she flawlessly improvised a pivotal scene in the show because of props issues. Perfect. Kenneth Ling and Manfred Joa as Ching Ho and Bun Foo. I guess if singing, dancing and acting isn't a big deal to you, doing so in Chinese should be. |
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| Chloe Hyman, who perfectly portrayed Miss Dorothy, always took my breath away. Watching her perform actually transported me from the sweaty, hectic backstage to the audience. I couldn't bear not getting to watch her perform, and I honestly hope that that will never be a problem again. |
Now, because of all the incredibly talented people who go to my school, there was not only one, but two Jimmys and Graydons. It was fascinating to see the contrasting portrayals by the very different performers. More importantly, the unbelievable students who played these roles were also ensemble members. Yep, they not only learned their actual parts but all the ensemble songs and dances too. I may have mentioned this before, but I am and forever will be in awe of those who perform.
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Eric Blum, who played one Jimmy, was always just wonderful. I don't remember a moment when he wasn't spot on in every way. He's an amazing dancer, singer and actor and the way he portrayed Jimmy Smith was exactly as I imagined. He's one of those actors that you see and just sorta think, "Well, that's how it's done."
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| Diego Velazquez, who played the other Jimmy, also did a fantastic job. Of all the things that were done so well by him, I must comment on his exceedingly powerful, full on tenor voice. I have to admit, that last note from "What Do I Need With Love?" easily brought me to hyperventilating level (though not quite to the extent of Aaron Tveit, but still very well done). |
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| Andrew Leto, who played one Graydon, was always simply hilarious. He found the seemingly manly but mostly awkward and ridiculous side of Graydon and played it off perfectly. It was always an absolute pleasure to watch him perform, especially in this role. And... I even had the honor of Charlestoning with him closing night! |
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| Daniel Yearwood, who played the other Graydon, was great in a very different way. No matter what he was doing, he always had an almost overpowering star quality. He took to the more powerful and strong side of Graydon, and did so perfectly. Also, he dances like a dream. |
In all honesty, the amount of talent and hard work the went into this production does not cease to amaze me. It wasn't until my actual involvement in theatre, beyond that of an audience member, that I really began to understand how incredible this art form is. To be part of not a bunch of individuals, but one being, fully committed to a final goal that turned out to be amazing not once, not twice but three times was something I never thought I'd ever experience. I can say so easily that being a part of this has completely changed my perspective on theatre and that having the opportunity to be a part of this has made me happier than anyone could ever know.
Thanks to all of you wonderful theatre people. I hope I have said enough.
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| The beyond incredible, absolutely perfect cast of this amazing show. |
