Music Man

I thought it was probably time to post about my experience with the Music Man play I participated in along with some amazing people in my stake. I really don't know where to begin. I said a lot about our crazy rehearsals and what seemed like endless hours preparing for this show. What else is there to say?

Well, I can tell you that I was exhausted by the day we started the actual performances. I was also extremely excited and nervous. I couldn't wait for them to be over and at the same time I didn't want it to end. I don't know how else to explain it. I was a ball of confusion. So many rehearsals had led to that weekend in March, we were so ready, I was so ready, but at the same time I didn't know what I was going to do with myself when it ended. What would happen to these wonderful relationships I had been growing over the last few months? What will I do with the time that once was taken by Music Man? Is all of this work even going to be worth it in the end?

Well, the performance came and it was all I was hoping it would be. It was real, it was fun, people were actually laughing at the jokes I had forgotten were funny. And that's another thing... people actually came! It was amazing to look out into this amazing and really big theater and see so many people. People who took the time away from so many other things I'm sure they could have been doing to support me and all of the other cast members. That was so great. I can't tell you how grateful I am to those who came to the show. Thank you again, if I haven't done it enough already. It meant the world to me to have you there. I hope you all know that.

As for the worries I had about it coming to an end, well I did make some incredible friends during this experience. Friendships that I am sure wouldn't have even happened if it weren't for the play. I was so worried that these would somehow disappear without Music Man holding us together, but I am so happy to say that we have been able to go on with out it. I have received the sweetest notes, thoughtful little gifts, and much appreciated phone calls saying hello or touching base. I have run into some at stores and have felt such excitement at getting to stop for a minute and hear how they are doing. I feel like there is this whole group of people out there who I love and who love me. I may not get to talk to or see them every day but they are there and that is enough. (I can't wait for the next reunion in May. Yep, we're having a reunion already! Love it!). And all that time I thought I would have on my hands? Who am I kidding? I didn't have time before the play and I don't have time after. It seems my life was just put on hold for 3 months while I was in the play and the minute it was over my life started right up again. Didn't miss a step. I'm grateful and sad for that. Wish I could have breathed for at least one second, but glad not to feel sorry for myself with no friends or things to do. And I will say IT WAS TOTALLY WORTH IT IN THE END! So glad I did this. Good and bad, I am better for it, Steve and I are better for it. The end.

Steve brought our camera on the last day, I just kept forgetting it. He was our official picture taker. We don't have a lot and none of me and all of the pick-a-little ladies which makes me sad. I was hoping to get some of those pictures from the other ladies but I don't want to wait any more. I'll post them if I get them.

My very purple Pick-A-Little Lady costume

Julie and I. The other "young one"

Ashlee, Justin and one of the traveling salesman. Gotta love the make-up

This is the only picture I have of Steve and I. Sad, I know. We did the best we could. I think I should let you in on a little secret, Steve learned how to put on his own make-up during this whole production. That isn't something every guy can say. I think he should be proud, he doesn't agree.

Nancy (Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn) and I. One of my absolute most favorite people. Love that I got to know her.

Lots of pictures of me. Thanks Steve.

Having a little too much fun with the camera. Steve and Brandon.

Joan and I. Another amazing woman who I wish I could be more like.

Me, me, me