Student Blog: My Theatre Journey: Reminiscing on Some of my Favorite Show Programs

Everyone who loves theatre remembers that first show they saw that really solidified their passion, or the first time they stepped out onto the stage themselves. Whether it's a physical collection of Playbills or simply memories to be cherished forever, it's important to reflect and look back on those important moments. While going through my own collection of Playbills recently, I gathered a few that made me remember some great stories and mean the most to me.

The Phantom of the Opera: 2012

The first ever Playbill I ever collected, and the first show I ever saw in New York was The Phantom of the Opera. I had been watching the movie version on repeat for as long as I could remember, so of course it was the show 14 year old me was dying to see live. I had not seen many live shows before so I really had no idea what to expect. I am lucky enough to have an aunt who lives just minutes from New York City, and my mom and I took a trip to stay with her for a weekend to finally fulfill my dreams of exploring the city. I remember walking into the Majestic Theatre and having my heart stop immediately due to its beauty. Sitting down in those seats with everyone else around me felt like I was about to witness something really important, like I was a part of something really important. As soon as the curtains lifted and the music swelled, I saw that huge chandelier being raised into the air and I knew that this was a feeling that I would be chasing for the rest of my life.

Wicked: 2013

I went back to visit my aunt a year later on spring break, eager to jam as much Broadway down my throat as possible. This time around we saw Cinderella and Phantom again, but it was Wicked that gave me a night I'll never forget. I hadn't known much about the show going in, other than the fact that it was insanely popular and of course about the Wicked Witch from Oz. I had heard Defying Gravity a couple times and thought it was pretty good, but had no idea of the grandiose and incredibly powerful score this musical provided. As soon as Elphaba soared through the sky, belting for her life and the curtains suddenly closing on act one, I turned to my aunt and started bawling my eyes out. It was the first time I can remember being so moved, overwhelmed and impacted by art, that I simply had to physically let out all that I was feeling. My aunt beamed and told me how proud she was to have a niece that truly understood the power of theatre like she did.

Spring Awakening: 2015

Fast forwarding a bit, and after many visits to my aunts and having the opportunity to see so many beautiful shows on Broadway, the opportunity arose for me to see one of my favorite shows of all time. My friend Cara and I went to stay with my aunt around Christmas time, eagerly awaiting the moment we would step into the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. To witness the songs we had been belting in our high school theatre program performed lived in front of us. On top of it all, the production of Spring Awakening we would be seeing was a special touring group called Deaf West, where the characters were portrayed by both deaf and hearing actors. It was truly a beautiful experience and I've never seen anything like it, and of course there wasn't a single moment throughout where I wasn't in tears.

Anything Goes: 2016

It was finally my turn to be in the spotlight and add a very special Playbill to my collection. I had been cast as Reno Sweeney in my high school's production of Anything Goes and I was thrilled! I had been performing all throughout school and always loved it, but this was different. This was my very first leading role and I couldn't wait to put in all I had learned, experienced and the love and passion for theatre that I had accumulated over the years. There is no better feeling than pouring your heart out onstage for all to see, and sharing with everyone how much you love what you are doing.

Rent: 2017, 2019 and 2021

I had always been so lucky that going to see shows was accessible to me for my entire life, not only being able to visit my aunt but also having a fantastic theatre venue in my hometown Detroit. After performing in my school's production of Rent, I was quick to fall in love with the show and it shortly became my all time favorite. I was ecstatic when I heard it was coming to Detroit, and Cara and I were once again on our way to see one of our favorite shows live. I was fortunate enough to see this show again a few years later with my mom, and it will be the first show I see again since quarantine and Covid has happened this October. It will be the first Playbill added to my collection in almost two years, and I cannot wait for the happy tears and new memories that will be added along with it.

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