Something There

After quitting taekwondo my freshman year into high school, I was able to become involved with extracurricular activities. I have always had a knack for acting and singing. Having this passion, I pursued high school plays and musicals my junior and senior year. Junior year musical was 1776. I was disappointed with the selection. Not a huge US History fanatic. But the play grew on me, it kind of had to. I was casted as the masculine courier. My role required me to learn a solo, the song being “Momma Look Sharp”. Yes I played a man. It was a challenge, getting the accent and stride right. I was proud of my inner acting skills to execute a believable character. It was a true acting experience.

After my breakthrough performance, my pride sort of went to my head. The next year, Beauty and the Beast was released as the upcoming spring musical. My heart was set on becoming Belle. I thought I had it in the bag. I rehearsed my song and dialogue for auditions. I sang in the shower and annoyed my family with dancing around the kitchen island, pretending I was a classic Disney princess. What girl doesn’t ever do this? Of course, there was competition. I knew this other girl was going to audition for the same character. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t just me and this other girl. Many girls wanted to be Belle. But I knew this girl hard killer pipes.

I auditioned. I sang my heart out. I acted as emotional and believable as I could. And then I had to wait for the casting. Lo and behold I was not Belle. I was casted as Babette. Who the hell is Babette? I actually did know who she was. Babette, this saucy French feather duster. I wanted to throw up. I loathed the role of Babette. I wanted to quit the play all together. If I wasn’t Belle, I wasn’t going to be anyone. I was supposed to be the humble Beauty. I rarely whine like this. This was something I had dreamed of achieving. My mother became so frustrated with my complaining. She insisted that I stay in the musical, taking on the feather duster. I complied and agreed I was being overly dramatic. I should have been grateful for even getting a part in the play. So I got my big girl pants on and got over it.

Later on in the rehearsals, the director proposed that a young boy should try out for the Shepherd Boy/Dust Pan. I knew my little brother would love the opportunity, so I referred him to the director. My little brother, eleven years old in fifth grade, auditioned and ended up landing the role. I made a lot of memories with my little brother. Performing on stage with my brother, knowing he was having a blast, made me feel like I had gotten the best role in the play. I will never forget the laughs and fun memories I got to share with him. Ending my high school career, doing what I love to do, sharing the stage with my little brother. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.