Before high school, I never really had an interest in experiencing the magic of performing arts. If there was a movie, why watch a play? If all of the songs of my favorite artists were available online, why go to a concert? If comedy specials were available on Netflix, what difference would it make if I went to watch it in person? It would make all the difference.
The first performance by professionals I ever had the pleasure of viewing was "The Lion King"... on Broadway! That definitely set the bar high, not only for its popularity but also since it still is to this day, my favorite Disney animated film. The tangibility of the event as a whole made it completely surreal. The grand opening, with the actors, singers, and dancers in their animal costumes, almost gliding through the rows of the audience delivered a feeling like no other. We weren't separate from them, but rather we were an integral part, as the audience, to their spectacle.
Later on, I had the opportunity to go to concerts of my favorite artists in American and Indian music, Imagine Dragons and Arijit Singh, respectively. The amount of energy they put into giving a show like that is unbelievable and left me in awe. Sure my ears were ringing for the rest of the night, but it would leave me with a euphoria that I've only ever felt at those times. Of course for the next couple of weeks or so, I couldn't get either of their songs out of my head.
The most recent performer I am so glad I got to see in person was the comedian, Hasan Minhaj, on his Before the Storm tour. Television makes everything seem so scripted but being able to see first hand, how important timing is in telling a joke or story really gives a new found appreciation for such a skill. Performers, no matter what their talent is, put all of their effort into giving their audiences an unforgettable experience. It's something that just can't be felt through reading a book or watching it from the comfort of home. Because of this, I honestly believe that their skills are extremely underrated and deserve to be appreciated and felt more. It really is a sensation like no other and always leaves me wanting more.
