RENT

RENT.
The first time I saw the show was on Broadway. I remember when the show was over, I felt completely overwhelmed. I couldn't even get out of my seat. It was as if everyone in the theatre had experienced something so emotionally powerful, that we all just needed a minute to breathe.
After RENT closed on Broadway, my friends and I ended up at our local movie theatre to watch the taping of the final performance.
And when RENT made its way over to the Pantages, I was there closing night.
It is quite obvious that RENT is one of my favorite shows, so when I found out that it was making its way over to the Lewis Family Playhouse, right in my own backyard, I was stoked.

RENT will open at the Lewis Family Playhouse in March, and it will be directed by Ron Kellum & Courtney Corey. And if ya wanna see a bad ass portrayal of Maureen, please youtube Courtney Corey.
I was beyond grateful when I was asked to assist with the audition process, as the directors scoped out talent in both L.A. and Rancho. It wasn't just the voices that I heard that was magic, it was the essence of the people who showed up to the auditions. The show hasn't been cast yet, but it was amazing to see all of these people embrace the meaning of the show.

I know what it's like to be in the shoes of a person auditioning. It can be stressful and emotionally exhausting. You keep telling yourself to just have fun and go for it, and the other half of you is scared shitless and suddenly feeling self-conscious. You overanalyze everything that is said to you, and you feel like you're on a reality dating show. Been there done that. And even if that is what these actors were feeling on the inside, they exuded something completely different to me. I couldn't get over how completely supportive everyone was of each other. There was no nasty gossiping or trying to psyche each other out right before they had to go in and sing. Everyone seemed to have a buddy system. If one actor was M.I.A., another actor not only knew where he/she was, but would take the time to tell me so he wouldn't miss his turn to sing. At the beginning of the call-back process, the original plan was to have the Marks and Rogers sing last, so all of those guys knew that they had a long night ahead of them. When plans switched around, and the Rogers were called earlier, everyone in the holding room literally cheered for them. Everyone was a team, and everyone was in it together. A couple people even gave me a hug before they left and thanked me for sticking it out with them through the process. I can't wait to see how everything comes together.

2010.
I'm only 5 days in, and so far so good.
People at work keep asking me what my New Year's Resolutions are, and I told them that I didn't make any this year. Whenever I say this, I receive a look of pity. People who don't know me well assume that I'm an underachiever completely content to stay exactly the same year after year.
Here's my theory behind New Year's Resolutions: We are excited to make them, but unwilling to keep them. I figure if I don't make them, I am more likely to accomplish more this year.

Christmas with the family was fantastic. We parked our butts on the couch all day and watched old movies, and I couldn't ask for anything more. Our family gift exchange was extremely simple this year. We each got each other one or two gifts. When I opened the present from my parents, I couldn't help but cry. It was a delicate silver bracelet, and on it read, "Live the Life You Love." My mom started crying and even my dad was tearing up. My mom explained that my dad had seen it in a catalogue months ago, and knew that it was the perfect gift. It wasn't the bracelet that was so touching. It was the fact that my parents are behind me 100%. I spent 5 years in college studying something that I have no intention of pursuing, only to take my B.A. and work in a restaurant...just so that I could have a flexible schedule to do what I really love...theatre. There have been numerous moments where my parents could've easily said, "Life would be easier if you used your degree and got a full-time job." Instead, they get nervous every time I attempt to apply for something that will tie me down, at the risk of not having time for theatre. If "Live the life you love" was a movement, my parents are the strongest supporters I know.

In other news, I went for a run exactly 2 days ago. To anyone who knows me, this is an exceptional accomplishment for me. I don't do runs. I've tried to enjoy them, but to no avail. I wasn't running because I needed to get anger out of my system. I wasn't running because of the holiday weight I had deliciously gained. I just remember putting in my ear plugs, and tugging my dobermin Luke out the front door. A Beatles tune blasted on my earphones, and something about the lyrics, the air, the scenery...I was running...no...sprinting down the street. I ran like a serial killer was on my tail. I was actually outrunning the dog. I felt so happy was actually skipping/dancing at one point. I woke up the next day to a surging pain of defeat in both of my legs, but it was still worth it.

I went to bed last night with the odd feeling that a cold was overcoming me. I wrote it off as allergies, since I haven't had a cold in years. As strange as it sounds, I was relieved to find that I did wake up with a small cold. Nothing horrendous. No coughing fits or sinus infections. But still a cold nonetheless. I guess I'm not wonder woman after all, which I must admit is kind of a relief. I'm now taking the time to tackle the stack of library books I picked up, and also spending some quality time with crunch-bite.