This was a beautiful production and I am so proud to be a part of it. I loved the music the moment I heard it, years ago, and wanted to sing in it for year. I auditioned a few years ago but didn't get cast. I decided to audition this year and asked the judges panel to please consider other people for the roles rather than picking themselves. Well they still picked themselves, but they did cast me as the part of Martha. It was a LONG road of some very frustrating rehearsal including a rehearsal that I left in tears. I actually sobbed in my car for 10 minutes on the phone with Sharla before I could even drive home. I hadn't been treated so poorly by a coworker in in my life. It hurt.
I worked hard and feel like I really did the role justice. I made a few minor mistakes in the actual production but not enough to worry about. I had a different dress for every performance and reconnected with my friend Emily Melville whom played Betty Haynes and I was her understudy 16 years ago. I would say it was fun but that isn't quite true. It was painful a lot of the time and hard to sing in a role I wanted my mom to hear. I thought of her every time I sang. I am not sure I will ever get an opportunity like this again and I am grateful I did it.
My best friend Chelsea flew out to see every single show. She videoed all of my songs and cheered me on. I adore her and just needed a friend like her this year. Stephen even came to two of my performances and it was awesome!! The photos just don't do it justice. You had to be there to experience the orchestra, choir, and youth choir. 500 volunteers worked their buns off to make it happen.
On Sunday, Stephen, Chelsea, and I went golfing to unwind. It was insanely windy but we had a blast. I walked because I am a terrible golfer. I love these two people!
