As someone who is just getting into musicals, but has seen a lot of shows it’s very interesting to just dive into a genre of performing arts that hasn’t really been a major part of my life. When I was younger, my family wasn’t really into performing arts. The most I ever did was perform in my middle and high school band. In high school though I was very into Jazz band, Pep band, Marching band and symphonic band. I never gave a thought about theater because it just wasn’t part of my life in anyway. No one I knew was into theater or no one would show me what theater was. I was ignorant, I wasn’t interested in it at all. Honestly it was probably because stereotypes from mainstream media that theater was just for the weirdos and etc. Back then I was lost in high school, and was trying to find my way. Alas I didn’t find my true self in high school at all. This is a time in life where I wished now that I was into theater or at least musicals, to help me figure out who I am.

Now that I’m older, I realized that my ignorant thoughts about theater was just nothing but me trying to fit in with the cool kids in high school trying not to be seen as one of the “weird kids” but we all know I was totally a weird kid in high school, I still am basically. I see now that theater is a great outlet for everyone of all talent, race, age, sexual orientation, gender and gender expression. Performing on stage is not a matter of who fits the criteria of a character but who can bring out the potential of that character. Every show is different, because of the cast. No two shows are alike; no two cast members are alike. I saw book of Mormon twice within 2 weeks and it wasn’t the same cast the both times. Different actors played different roles and some roles were played by their double basically to give the other actor a break.

Recently I’ve seen many musicals within the last 2 years. Thanks to my fiancée who’s a Broadway nerd so to speak. The great thing about musicals is that, you can listen to the soundtrack if it’s mainstream enough like Wicked, Book of Mormon, Something rotten, School of Rock and many many more on popular music outlets. Such as Spotify, iTunes, apple music, Youtube and even satellite radio stations. Although you have the experience to listen to the soundtrack, seeing the show is totally different. You get to see the emotions raw, live on stage, how the actors portray, how they sing, how they bring out their own character and express their acting with a team effort in performing musicals. Never have I thought that musicals can make such an impact because I didn’t get into them until later in life than most people I know. The impact a song can make, a simple scene even for 30 seconds can make a difference. It can literally help your mindset, expand your views and help heal the emotions you were trying to express but now can relate to a much bigger outlet.

Going to end this article with a little review (no spoilers) about the musical Fun Home that I had the privilege of seeing Thursday night. Walking into the show, sitting down at the very first row for 25$ was quite a steal. All I knew about the show prior was that it was based on a true story and that it’s very tear jerking and emotional. I didn’t even listen to any of the music even though it was accessible on Spotify. Fun Home, is based on a true story by a lady named Alison Bechdel, which is basically her contemplating her life through the memoirs she wrote in the graphic novel called “Fun Home.” You can feel the raw emotions these actors were portraying in this show. It gave me chills, especially during certain scenes when you think not much is happening but there’s so much happening. Silence is just as strong as the songs. The looks you see on these actors faces, shows a lot more than what the songs can. Didn’t realize how much I was able to relate to the musical. Seeing it on stage is an experience that you can’t get just by reading the book or listening to the soundtrack.

If you have the chance to see any musical near you, please go. You never know if you would enjoy it or not but it isn't a bad way to pass time in life. I find it highly enjoyable and a new healthier outlet to relate my feelings to.