The Paramount Theatre

Wow. Can I just express for a moment what an honor it is to be included in a show like this? At a theatre like this?? When I showed up for the first rehearsal on Monday, I had never seen the theatre before. I walked by the front of the theatre as I was looking for the stage door and my jaw dropped, and my breathe got all caught in my chest - cliché I know, but it's true! I mean look at those lights! How could I not?? I'm performing in THERE!! God, what a glorious venue. And what a cast! It's an honor. And then I get inside, and everything is burnished gold and bronze, and carved - everywhere I looked. 

Rita Moreno rehearsed yesterday, and we just sat there onstage, and in the audience watching her. I didn't know what to say when she introduced herself, and then breezed on to the conductors stand, so I just smiled and introduced myself.  She's wonderful and hysterical! I just basked and reveled in her way of working. She just walked in and took over! Of course why wouldn't she, and why wouldn't anyone let her? She's about as high up the ladder as you can get.

So - the power of music: On Monday, I was a little overwhelmed just getting used to the space. It's always a little disorienting being in a new venue, because I don't know where anything is, and I don't know the ins and outs of the building. And in this building is so enormous, that the sensation was amplified a bit. But when the orchestra started playing - Oh. All that dissolved. It was so beautiful, as though everything that was scattered suddenly came back together again, fitting perfectly. It was so wonderful; as though I suddenly knew what I was doing here. I had a blast!! Or I should say, I AM having a blast. 

I'm so excited for the two performances (this Friday and Sunday!). I'm so grateful to be able to get paid to do this stuff. It's such a blessing. Sure, it can be a lot of work, but it's more than worth it. To sit and revel in the glory of music, and the brilliance of those around me, and then to be able to bring myself forward and count myself among them, and add to all that beauty. I'm not sure I could ask for a better and more fulfilling career.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. Bliss.

That fine balance of bliss and active creation. 

Blessing, all! I'll see you onstage!