Hello Beautiful People,
Each year I watch the Tony Awards, I get more and more emotional. More and more invested. I become more and more in awe of the beautiful community in which I find myself a part of — I mean, The Secret Garden was the first show I ever saw, Daisy Eagan the youngest woman to win the Tony Award, and she’s in my next show at 54 Below on July 20th. As is Loni Ackerman Kennedy. As is Maddy Trumble. As is Ellyn Marie Marsh. As are a whole lotta other ladies whom I admire a great deal.
But alas, I digress.
The Tony Awards have become surreal for me.
It’s surreal to watch the people you know make an imprint in the lives of artists everywhere – I mean, when my girl Michelle Ventamilla was DANCING ACROSS THE RADIO CITY STAGE WITH CHITA RIVERA AT THE GODDAMN TONYS I SCREAMED AT MY TELEVISION.
Then there’s Nathan Madden and Jessica Vosk, two of the most hardworking people I know – giving their gifts to viewers across the country.
I hope to someday become half the director that Benjamin Endsley Klein is – and I can’t wait to see The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time this weekend.
The teacher in my hopes that schools start to take children to see theatre – and it’s not so that they all become Broadway stars. It’s so they start to feel connected to the world around them. It’s so that they recognize that they are not alone in their struggles, that they are not alone in their dreams, that there are people out there in this world who can understand what they are going through.
I can count a PLETHORA of children I teach who would benefit from FUN HOME. And Curious. And Something Rotten. And DISGRACED. And Hand to God. Ecetera, ectetera…
But really, this night makes me think of all the people I know who have yet to make their mark on The Great White Way, but are making waves upon waves in theatres across the country.
People like my dear friend, Angelo McDonough, giving his all up in Boston. People like Christopher Hlinka, letting audiences across America experience Mamma Mia! People like Kenneth Ferrone, pioneering new work in California. People like the brilliant Joe Iconis changing the scape of theatre once again down at Two River Theater. People like my gal Shakina Nayfack (THE LILY AWARD WINNER), who has created the theatrical haven and thinkspace -Musical Theatre Factory. People like Kate Mueth – creating stories and platforms for voice both here and abroad.
I think of the truly tremendous woman I am proud to call a friend, Jennifer Ashley Tepper, who is a champion of new voices, and a cheerleader for those who have paved the way.
This night, more than any other night, reminds me of the beauty of theatre. The magic that happens when live storytelling occurs. And it calls me to speak to the children and teenagers and people watching at home who dream of a life in the theatre.
It’s not easy.
If anyone tells you it’s easy, well, they’re lying.
Is it easy doing what you love? Yes.
Is anything else about this business easy? No.
Is it worth it? Well, I think so.
Because the stories that happen on the stage, well, they’re the stories that change the fabric of the world in which we live. They’re the stories that ignite the spark of inspiration. They’re the stories that are stones of strength for those who need it the most.
The stories that happen on the stage, well, they’re the ones that are often tucked into the furthest corners of our heart, finally living and breathing the spotlight.
Congrats to the winners, the nominees, and those who are making a life in the theatre – this night is for you all.
Live, Love, Learn,