In preparation for the Oscars, you can go to a nearby cinema and watch the films that have been nominated.
In preparation for the Grammys, you can go online to iTunes or Spotify and listen to the music that has been nominated.
In preparation for the Tony Awards, you can hope and dream and wait for it.
I may have listened to "Waitress the Musical"'s cast album every day since it came out, I may be following Lin-Manuel Miranda's life and career obsessively, and I may have read everything I can about Deaf West's revival of Spring Awakening, but I have not been able to truly experience these shows the way I could the newest Matt Damon movie or Beyonce album.
People say "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." Perhaps this is true, because even though I live over 1,000 miles away from the Great White Way, the 2015-2016 Broadway season has taught me many things I will never forget.
1. You Have No Limitations
Deaf West's production of "Spring Awakening" made headlines this season by defying so many societal norms: not only did it feature deaf performers, but it was the first show in Broadway history to feature an actor or actress who is in a wheelchair. Both the deaf and disabled communities expressed deep respect and admiration for the attention these performers deserved. This inspiring revival, which had a limited run at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, showed that anyone can follow their dreams and find success.
2. They'll Tell Your Story
The sensation, record-breaker, and phenomena that is "Hamilton: An American Musical" teaches us all that if we fight for what we believe in, and if we give it our all, we will be remembered. The musical tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury and the man most people might vaguely recognize as the face of the 10 dollar bill. Before this musical, "his enemies destroyed his rep, and America forgot him." Now, more than 200 years after his life and death, Alexander Hamilton is being remembered for his expert military strategies and bold financial plans, rather than just for his torrid affair and death by duel at the hands of Vice President Burr (and we thought the 2016 elections were brutal!).
3. Any Publicity Is Good Publicity
"The Book of Mormon", which opened on Broadway in 2011, is a religious satire written by the creators of South Park. As you can probably imagine, it is absolutely hilarious and phenomenally offensive. Or, it would be, if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints wasn't as gracious as it has been. Instead of wasting time being offended or outraged by the vulgar and, frankly, obscene subject matter in the show, the LDS church has taken it in stride. Now elders wait outside of the theatre every night, handing out free copies of the actual Book of Mormon and looking to convert theatre-goers. In addition to this, the church has gone so far as to take out advertisements in the official Playbills that are passed out at the shows. Needless to say, the LDS Church is taking the phrase "turn the other cheek" to a new level!
4. Girl Power!
"Waitress," one of the newest musicals on the Broadway scene, has received its own share of public attention over the fact that it is the first musical with an all female creative team. This comes at the heels of several news articles about how little women do in the music, movie, and theater industries.
Musical theater is viewed by society as a "feminine" activity and interest, yet men consistently control over 75 percent of the creative leadership positions. Perhaps with "Waitress" as our example, women will be able to conquer the world, one Tony nominated show at a time. #YesSheCan
