Musical theater is the one thing in life that I know I can always count on. The motivational, sometimes angsty songs, can always accurately express how I feel. Elle Woods and Alexander Hamilton are there with me in MacPháidín library, they are the soundtrack to my hours-long study sessions. Whenever I feel alone, I can put my music on shuffle and soon I’m surrounded by a cast of characters who love, who fear, who feel the same. I am forever grateful to be involved in such a community with people who are very open-minded and also know what it feels like to get the sudden urge to sing. Every year when I watch the Tony Awards I tear up because I’m watching years of hard work, of sacrifice, and of passion culminate into the recognition that they deserve. When Neil Patrick Harris and James Corden both made references to their childhood selves finding refuge in theater, it just hits me. There are people out there who understand what it’s like to be unsure of the future, who felt like they’d never find a place in this world.
Growing up, I always felt like I didn’t really belong anywhere or to a group of people. I felt severely lonely. So, I found solace in books and in music. It started small. I’d watch Disney movies; the animated heroines would burst into song and it was astonishing. From then, I explored the classics. I credit my mom on this one, as she introduced me to Roger and Hammerstein, The Sound of Music, West Side story, etc. And from then on, my affinity just grew.
Over the years, my love for musical theater grew into a love for the dramatic arts in general. I got involved, with the help of my mom who pushed me to pursue camps and classes. I wasn’t a natural. But, those things take time. They take experience and most of all they take heart. Eventually I would get to the point that I am at today. Today, I am proud to be a part of the Stonehill Musical Theater Club.
I love the long rehearsals; I love not being able to think about my own life for three hours. Instead, I am preoccupied with dance breaks and group numbers. I can make jokes and references to Hamilton, Les Mis, all things musical and they will get it. These people get it, they get me. I think I’ve finally found my own little corner, that place in this world that I’ve been looking for.
Overall, musical theater is the sole reason I feel like I can climb every mountain; it is an empowering, driving force. But, I have realized that it’s not only the music that makes me feel that way, but also the people that I do it with. I am so grateful for the Stonehill Musical Theater Club. College is a hard enough transition without worrying about finding “your people.” I remember the audition process, what is usually a daunting task, STMC made it fun. The panel was full of friendly faces and there was no pressure whatsoever. During the course of one semester, we’ve gotten close and created some lasting bonds. I can’t wait to see what unfolds in the coming years. STMC is more than a club, they’re my family. And you know what they say, a family that does jazz squares together, stays together.
