Whew. Okay well we did it. It’s now two days after Ragtime opening night. How did it go, you ask? I actually don’t know how to say how it went. After I wrote my blog that day, I didn’t feel afraid anymore. I felt like I could go in and tell Coalhouse’s story. I had a good warm up. I did feel a little dry; I hadn’t been drinking enough water. But I didn’t feel bad. The energy backstage was really good. People were excited but not revving too high. I was relaxed enough to do the show but I was keenly aware of being “watched” in a bigger sense of just having an audience. I did feel like I was emotionally in the scenes in the moment but when I’d come offstage, I found I couldn’t remember what I just did. That can be a good or bad thing. I didn’t know which but I didn’t feel like I was doing a bad job.
But the weight of the event hit me before I went out to do the library scene where I have to sing Make Them Hear You. I got out of my dressing room chair to go backstage, and was suddenly exhausted. I had to take a couple of breaths and really focus. I was suddenly aware of how much pressure I was actually feeling. But I knew I could go out and finish the show. Which I did and it was a good time.
The response in the curtain call was overwhelming, to say the least. The crowd was very generous and exuberant all evening long and the bows were no exception. I don’t think it is an exaggeration to say that it was a very enthusiastic standing ovation with a great deal of hooting and hollering. Lots of love coming at the stage.
It has since come to my attention that there have some very positive reviews. I’m very happy to hear it. Now let’s just share this story with as many people as possible.
i know u don;t read ’em but we do.’ – over the top!!! no surprise to us. we’re looking forward to seeing you – julie will arrange soon i hope. hope you’re well. john and julie