They say neon lights are bright on Broadway…

Dear Broadway…

First off, I want to say thank you. Thank you for being the first thing I was truly passionate about and loved. You’ve given me strength, confidence, laughter, and a community in which I have no problem to express my love for everything you offer. I remember the exact moment when I fell in love with the theatre. I was three and half years old and my parents had taken me to see “Beauty and the Beast” at the Lunt Fontaine Theatre. At the time I was only excited to see my favorite princess, Belle. I was so excited and so jittery. This next moment was about to change my life, the lights dimmed and there was a spotlight center stage. For the next two and a half hours and for the rest of my life, I was hooked. I was so beyond fortunate to grow up in a house who appreciated the theatre just as much as I did. My dad had performed all his life and passed that on to me. We both were destined for the stage. Maybe not forever, but we both were always drawn to it. Throughout my eighteen years of living, I have been fortunate enough to have been able to see roughly twenty-one shows and counting.

Throughout the course of life everyone has their norms. My norm is Broadway. Some people get sick of their norms because it’s the same old song and dance (no pun intended), but for me I know for a fact that I will never get sick of this norm. There is not a day that goes by where I don’t think or see Broadway. Now, you might ask “how do you see Broadway if you’re not in the greatest city in the world?” Well, theatre is everywhere. Broadway is everywhere. I could be walking from class to class and hear the sound of others music and I will either be inspired and think how that sound could make an awesome song for a musical or it reminds me of one. When I’m listening to any Broadway show, whether it be Hamilton or The Follies, I feel a rush throughout my entire body. From my head to my hips to my toes, I feel it everywhere. Broadway has the power to intensify any feeling I’m feeling.

Besides all of those feelings, Broadway has not only taught me things about theatre, but it taught me to persevere. No matter whatever life throws at you, you always have a reason to come back and try again. As Elle Woods says, “…this chip on my shoulder, makes me smarter and bolder…I am reclaiming my pride.” A chip on your shoulder simply means that you are strong. No matter how many times you feel like giving up, the chip on your shoulder is a constant reminder that you are destined for greatness. You will always work your way up, reach your goals, and succeed. Yes, failure is inevitable, but it gets easier. Broadway is a constant chip. It also helps to keep reassuring yourself that if Elle Woods can get into Harvard law school, graduate as the valedictorian, and be one of the most amazing success stories then you and I can do anything.

There are so many more things I could thank Broadway for. Such as the beautiful lyrics and shows Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Stephan Schwartz, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mel Brooks have written, the incredible dance moves by Bob Fosse, Michael Bennet, Bob Avian, the voices of Patti Lupone, Patina Miller, Leslie Odom Jr., Nathan Lane. But to be perfectly honest, there is too much. Broadway has given me so much over the years and there is no doubt in my mind that it will continue to do that for the rest of my life.

Broadway and theatre doesn’t get enough credit for what it has done for the world. Broadway has and will always be a place filled with love, music, and acceptance. It teaches you things that no teacher can teach you and no textbook can offer. There are things that you don’t realize till later on that Broadway has taught you. Broadway has taught me that people are family. You could watch the beginning and end of a show and watch a family grow and thrive and think wow this is so real. It doesn’t even end when the show is over, that family is a family who loves to make beautiful art and share it with the world. Theatre exposes your fears and dreams. How to always strive for greatness. Broadway has shown me that magical moments happen when YOU let them happen. You can’t just wait around, you have to go out a find it. Broadway teaches you to speak up. To let your voice be heard and not fear what the outcome may be. Broadway has taught me no matter how strange I could be and no matter how wild I may be, that I am not the only one.

You will never find a place as kind and as loving as Broadway. No matter who you are, no matter where you come from, Broadway welcomes you with open arms. I think the most important life lesson Broadway has taught me is you should never be afraid to be yourself. Always be confident, show the world who you are with no fear. Always love unconditionally. A song and dance is usually a great fix to a problem. But most importantly, Broadway has and will always be a place filled with love, music, and acceptance. That should always be part of your everyday life.

With that being said…

Thank you, Broadway. For giving me the most amazing outlook on life. With your help I can defy gravity, not throw away my shot, keep it positive, and sometimes be a little bit naughty.