I was just cast as Anna in “The King and I”. I am so excited to be a part of this production. It is my first lead role and to tell you the truth, it’s the first role I have ever played. Today was our first rehearsal with the children. I was so rewarding to ee their little faces light up when we would play their songs.  Being a seasoned singer I have already learned all of my music, so I am concentrating on learning all of my lines and staying ahead of the game so I can get the most out of the rehearsal. Preparation is everything right?

You know, I have been a performer since I could talk. I have been entertaining people in every way possible and yet, I never really thought to try acting. When I was 10 years old I wrote and directed a play for my family called “The Monster and the Meatball.” I don’t really know what the premise was anymore but I remember putting y little brothers in tights and wouldn’t let them take them off until rehearsal was finished. So, I guess you could say the interest has always been there I just never perused it until now.

So why now? I think it’s because I am at a point in my life where I needed to find an outlet. I am a mother of two and have been through a lot in my short life. I got to thinking and realized that in one way or another I am always acting. I have learned to be someone else to escape all through my life. I looked up the community theater page and guess what??? There was a huge, bright shining light pointing at the “AUDITIONS” page. When I clicked the ling I found it…. The role that I was waiting for… Anna in  “The King and I”. I knew it was time to try.

We are now on our fourth week of rehearsal and I love it. Its strange though, because something happened the other night while rehearsing a scene. I was the scene where Anna and the King dance. Its like I can feel Anna. Does that sound strange? As I read my lines I felt so much emotion. It was as if Anna was there speaking though me. I no longer had concept of being in a rehearsal hall or that I was reading from a book, I felt it. I was ecstatic and nervous like a school girl when the king asked for a dance. There is more though.  I was also sad and happy in a sort of bitter sweet way. Later, when I sat and thought about this rather strange experience I realized that the sadness came from Anna and her loss of          Tom (dead husband). I was sad for my loss and yet somehow I was overjoyed by the fact that because of my relationship with the King I now knew I could love again….I mean Anna could love again. Even now I feel like her and I are one in the same. Weird?  Maybe.