It’s Better than a Dream!

“Where is my dress!”

“Hey, who’s got my shoes!”

“Come on people show starts in 5,” yelled the stage manager.
You could feel the energy building as the cast quickly assembled themselves into position smoothing down skirts and adjusting bodices. The guys straightening ties and cummerbunds, smoothing back their hair with nervous gestures.

There was a soft hum as the group brought their voices into the proper key for the intro song.

“Okay! Places everyone ! Lights! Curtain!” The stage manager whispered into his headset, “aaaand..”, his arm came down to signal the curtain rising. The applause could be heard for the opening number across campus all the way over to the administration building. The few latecomers started running to get into the school auditorium before they missed the rest of the song.

Mary fidgeted nervously while her friend applied the rest of her make-up and fixed a few stray hairs that had come loose. This was her night! She could feel it! Everyone she knew was coming to see her debut. Her first lead role in a musical she loved. The stage manager peeked into her dressing room, “You’re on…right after this number..you ready?”

Mary looked over her shoulder, “of course!” she said, somewhat nervously.

“Then let’s get you into position.”

Mary entered the stage to enthusiastic applause from her friends and relatives and whistles from an admirer. The opening chords began. Mary began her solo.

As the last song finished the crowd jumped to it’s feet and clapped while shouting and wolf whistling. The cast bowed and then stepped back to give the lead performers their due. An usher came on stage with a large bouquet of flowers for Mary. As she graciously accepted them the applause grew.

I wish this night didn’t have to end, she thought, while she bowed and smiled at her family and friends in the audience.

“Is everything ready?” asked Mary’s mother as she surveyed the reception room that had been set up for the party. This was going to be the perfect ending to a great performance. All cast and stage people plus selected friends and relatives were coming and the cast was told to come in costume directly after the show. Little did they know that this WOULD be a night they were unlikely to forget for Mary’s mom had not only hired an event planner with catering and music and lighting but also a specially laid out red carpet for the stars to walk down that lead to a special area with a personalized step and repeat banner! The stars would be photographed and interviewed and their night would be remembered for a long time to come!

“One never knows what the future holds for these young hopefuls” thought Mary’s mom, but at least she could ensure they would look and feel like stars tonight!