Opening Night

Wow. That's the only word I can think of to describe it.

After a nervous/somewhat stressed/trying to 'remain calm and breathe' morning and afternoon (with little sleep the night before of course), I made it through my "put-in" rehearsal (straight run of the show w/full cast, orchestra, lights, my costumes) taking care to give about 85% and save 15% for the evening performance. I tried to absorb the lights, how to find my way around the stage with a spot light blinding me, how to take in the orchestra through the sound monitors, how to complete my quick changes in time...so many little details...and all the while the night show is looming in the back of my mind.

The next thing was setting up a little zen environment in my dressing room to help me relax, try and eat some food and sweat out the 2 hr. break btwn rehearsal and the 8pm curtain. Whew.

Then I was on...and the crowd was HOT! I mean it was a Friday night blast of an audience. They were so responsive and into it. I think that helped me subconsciously. And there was Kelli in that blue dress and...my g-d the rest of the show took care of itself. Really, I just don't remember much else. It was FUN, it was scary, it was beautiful, it was surreal. Before I knew it, I was taking a bow in the curtain call, and standing in the hallway to the applause of my fellow actors and crew and creative team. I was in a state of complete joyous shock. The show could not have gone better.

And then my wife came running back to my dressing room in tears completely stunned. She was the only one I wanted to see my first performance. I dedicate it and the rest of this run to her--my light, my love.