BroadwayCon and then some
Getting ready for BroadwayCon 2020. Fun fact! The dress was created from a Value Village find which served as the source material. When altering it my mom would have me try it on and at one point she was trying to forgo a zipper, so as I lay on the bathroom floor attempting to squeeze into this dress, she told me to suck it in. Realizing that I have very little to "suck in" led her to the decision to put in a zipper!
Initially I had decided to go to BroadwayCon when interning at North Pole Middle School in 2017. I must say that going was kind of a bigger deal, because it involved a lot more planning. I'll never forget when first looking into it I tried to justify to myself that it wouldn't really make sense and that I could pretty much watch YouTube and absorb just as much. At the time I was definitely a star student who completed all assignments and over-achieved in all capacities. When I let my advisor know that I wanted to go he knew that my heart was ultimately in the world of the theatre and that it would be a sin to not let me attend. He therefore practically demanded that I go and enjoy myself, my mentor teacher also couldn't have been more supportive. I think they could see that I was a talented teacher but there
was no denying the extreme passion and love that I had for all things Broadway.
Here's some photos from the 2017 BroadwayCon. It's pretty evident that I haven't changed a lot, but there were some definite changes to this convention. First of all "Hamilton" was the big show at the time, for this second time around I must say that "Beetlejuice" and "Six" had won this coveted position.
I had definitely seen "Beetlejuice" by the time that this convention had rolled around, and I must admit that it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, however, unlike many of the attendees I was unable to quote the cast recording word for word.
They call dressing up as an homage to your favorite show "Cosplay." I was dressed up as Kira from Xanadu while there were many Beetlejuices floating around.
BroadwayCon is such a fun gathering, and it's approaching on too over the top for me, but it's a celebration of nerdiness and acceptance of any identification, religion, personality, or disability. The Broadway community is such a wonderful place to find and be a part of. It's not all about the shows, it's about the journey that goes along with them. Once I remember waiting for all of the tickets to be sold to open up the ability for standing room for the show "Waitress" with Sarah Barellis. The show was quite good, but the six hour wait in the lobby is what made this experience truly memorable. In the process everyone organically tells stories and their tales of becoming a musical theatre enthusiast, and at intermission the guy standing next to me told me that he admired my extreme dedication to the theatre world. At the time I was living in Alaska and was taking back my love, enthusiasm, and appreciation for musical theatre and transferring this knowledge to the theatre scene in Fairbanks, AK.
Here is a photo of me at the show "Waitress" taken many years ago. I was able to secure one of the coveted $25 standing positions, after waiting in line for 6 hours. When asked how my day was, I responded that it was wonderful. I was able to spend my day swapping stories with fellow theatre enthusiasts and I did not break the bank in the process!
Back to BroadwayCon
At the Broadway Convention it is normal to visit a variety of forms and panels, but one of the most exciting elements of this convention is indeed the gift shop. I think this Periodic Table poster featured the most innovative and creative approach to classifying Broadway musicals. When I asked the employee if he wouldn't mind taking my picture he gladly obliged and then asked me to hold up the symbol that I most identify with. Not even thinking, I grabbed the letter "M" for "Michelle," but "Mamma Mia" is by no means my favorite show, I'd just like to clarify that.
Probably my favorite part of "BroadwayCon" is referred to a "Sneak Peak." During this concert (which is held on the mainstage) the audience is given a taste of what's to come on Broadway. "BroadwayCon" is put on by Anthony Rapp (the original Mark from Rent) and he must have great connections with everyone in the Broadway community, therefore, he is really able to get many of the biggest names in Broadway, Every new show and every show that is to come gave performances. Here's a list of what I was able to see: Jagged Little Pill,Six,Mrs. Doubtfire, The Girl from North Country, Between the Lines, Caroline or Change, and Hadestown
By day 2 of any con I always find that I am kind of exhausted and need to dress down and simply absorb. Well, as you can see, Ursela: the sea witch wasn't feeling any fatigue and must have come out of her underwater crevice in rip roaring fashion, ready to pose and schmooze with any individual. I wasn't about to let this quality photo opp walk/swim by therefore I made sure to pose for my moment of stardom.
After my brief visit with the sea witch, who DID NOT take my voice, I ventured in (yet again) to the gift shop. While circulating and weighing my options I did managed to get approached by a voting recruiter. Talk about being in the right place at the right time. I was able to claim residency in New York and transfer all of my existing voting information to my new precinct! Once I had filled out all of the paperwork I was asked if I would like to take a picture at their booth. They even had created a variety of signs that had to do with voting and related it back to a Broadway show. The one that I am holding is from "Mean Girls." It must be known by now that theatre people are very exuberant and therefore enjoy taking pictures, therefore, any excuse for a photo opp. is always welcome in the world of Broadway.
By day 3 of BroadwayCon I must say that I was experiencing both this sense of sadness and relief. I knew that a part of me would miss being fed this wonderful information that I valued so deeply, and experiencing this sense of community is so wonderful that it cannot be recreated until next year rolls around. There was another part of me that just knew that no longer could I keep up with this relentless pace.
On the last day I went to a seminar of the villains in Sondheim musicals. It was given by a man who had a PsyD and studied musicals by Sondheim as a mere hobby. It is a given that if one is an appreciator of Sondheim then they have reached the pinnacle of musical theatre nerdiness.
Sondheim is to musical theatre as Shakespeare is to straight theatre. Both began as more approachable and gravitated to the profound and less mainstream. I absolutely adore Sondheim, however feel that there's always time to broaden my repertoire of his music and lyrics.
Next I hoofed it on down to the main stage for the final farewell performance. I was a little disappointed that no one was scheduled to speak, however, just a good solid sing-a-long was able to suffice. So the last thing that was played at BroadwayCon 2020 was "Seasons of Love," and what a gorgeous ending to a fabulous weekend.
"Measure Your Life in Love" - Rent (J. Larson)
Well after BroadwayCon had finished, I went over to MidTown in order to meet up with my relative/cousin Jamie from Alaska and her daughter Lily, Now they are living in West Virginia where Lily remains to be a fabulous performer who is supported by her family members. From time to time Jamie and Lily venture into the city to study with famed vocal teacher Badienne Magiziner. Magiziner was once on the staff at Juliard's school of music in addition to pursuing an opera career.
After Lily's voice lesson we met up at my favorite Starbucks (52nd & 8th). It's always so nice to see a familiar face and I find that Jamie and I are able to talk quite easily because I have some knowledge when it comes to self promotion and the musical theatre industry.
When we met up we first went to Junior's to eat a meal. I knew that Junior's would have a kid's menu and it would provide us with a calm environment in which to talk.
At Junior's enjoying great company as well as great food!
After our meal out we ventured over to the Disney Store, which used to be a staple during my childhood days. It was fun to once again to witness the joy and excitement that Disney is capable of bringing to one's life.
