The Long Intermission

I've been thinking over and over, the past four months, what to write in a returning blog.
It was Friday March 13. Not one to be very superstitious about the day, I was looking forward to judging a wonderful weekend of high school musicals. Mama Mia, Les Mis, and Holiday Inn, in that order.

At 1 pm the email came through from our high school musical awards moderator. Shows all canceled. Schools closing indefinitely. Welcome to our new normal in the world of COVID.

My first and only thought was my kids. No, they hadn't just didn't finish an audition and were waiting to see if they got the lead. They were literally ready to go on stage. They were past the dress rehearsals, past the tech, lines down to a tee, songs perfected, dances perfect. And the curtain came down.

My next thought was, well it'll only be a few weeks. Maybe they can perform them later in the spring. Nope, that didn't happen either.

If you are one of the many thousands of high school students across the country who didn't get to perform your musical, my heart goes out to you. I like many others did not think this intermission would go on as long as it has, and right about now your next question is, will school be reopened, and will we have a musical this year?

I wish I had an answer for you. I pray and hope right along with you, but because you are the wonderful theater people that you are and performing in your musical is in your heart and soul, I'm here to encourage you and tell you there is plenty you can do to be ready and prepared for your next show when it comes along, and it will. Yes even while you are at home.

If you've been studying voice, see if you can continue lessons virtually with your instructor. If you just want to keep your voice in shape You Tube has many terrific voice lessons you can choose from learning head and chest voice to perfecting the I Dreamed a Dream song from Les Mis. Don't worry about accompaniment. Practically every Broadway song ever written has a musical accompaniment on YouTube you can sing along to.

If you're a dancer again there are plenty of warm-up videos, routines, and even videos where you can learn an entire routine. Broadway 5 6 7 is another great DVD, not only provides great exercise but teaches you some of the iconic Broadway dances from shows such as Hairspray and Legally Blond.

Study another high school musical too, while on YouTube. Watch what other schools have done, and how each musical was presented. Perhaps you'll get ideas for a part you'd like to play someday.

So the message is? Prepare. We don't know what the future will hold, but when your school resumes and your show is announced you'll be ready and prepared to shine.

Because we all know, The show must go on, and I can't wait to see you on stage.