Apr 24 2007
Broadway Debut and Adieux
Today was the “Easter Bonnet” which is a Broadway fundraiser for Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS. I worked on Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” for 5 years of my NYC life. I dressed the ladies ensemble and was responsible for the Enchantress trick.Â
During my time at “Beast” I made some wonderful friends, learned how to SCUBA dive, got kicked in the eye during a fast change, lost a friend/coworker to cancer (he was 37…the age I am now), and met and married my husband. Lots of life changes. “Beast” is closing this summer…hence the last year in the “Easter Bonnet”….and all former cast and crew were invited to take part.
I stood on the stage holding the hand of on of my girlfriends and tried to sing the end of the Finale…emphasis on tried. I really couldn’t stop smiling. I think I even had goosebumps at one point. The lights were so bright that I couldn’t see the audience but I tried to look in the direction of my sweet husband who was sitting in the mezzanine.
I realized two things today. First, I am happy that I choose to leave my profession as a dresser and move on to other things. However and second, I do miss the companionship that I had at “Beast”. But, many of the gals I loved the most have also moved on with their lives.  I saw a few of them today…and recaptured the feeling of community that for a short time I shared with some very exceptional and talented folks.
I attended the show on Monday. The performance from the cast members of “Beauty & the Beast” had me laughing through tears.
A bubbler is a water fountain, but they’re not called bubblers in Minnesota. I always found that strange. The two cultures are basically identical, but what’s a bubbler in one state is a water fountain the next state over. Go figure.