I am no stranger to the stage. I’ve played the violin and performed with it every year since the 4th grade, however, I have always wondered what it would be like to act onstage.
In high school, I was introduced to musicals. Literally life changing. However, I remember thinking, “Thank goodness we are able to have our sheet music to play off of during the show. It must suck for actors who have to memorize EVERYTHING!”
Fast forward to 2023.
Auditions
Earlier this year, Billings Studio Theatre put out auditions for “The Marvelous Wonderettes.” The show is based around the 50’s and 60’s eras, which I love, so I was super interested. But I told my husband I couldn’t do it. There was NO way I could get up on a stage and perform songs and act out lines WITHOUT the script in front of me. It felt like I was being torn in two directions, but my heart wanted to see if I COULD do it.
Audition day arrived and I debated on even going. To give you a sense of just how torn I was, I changed my audition song last minute from “Teenager in Love” to “My Funny Valentine.” I felt more passionate singing “My Funny Valentine” and knew it would show off my lower and higher registers. So, I finally mustered up the courage to get in my car and drive to Billings Studio Theatre.
Low and behold, my audition went as well as it could have possibly gone. We sang through some of the songs from the show, and man, it got me so excited for it! The audition also consisted of some dancing, which, again, so. much. fun. and true to the 50’s and 60’s eras! And there was even a character who I felt embodied my personality. Perfect, right? Not long after the audition, I got THE email. My immediate thoughts were, “OH MY GOSH, I ACTUALLY HAVE TO MEMORIZE WORDS? I CAN’T DO THIS!”
Rehearsals
I was so excited to start rehearsals and really dive into my character, Betty Jean, but the task of memorization was constantly looming. Everyone in the cast has such amazing voices, so singing with them was a blast! I thought we blended really well together. Plus, learning the music was fairly easy. Soon after, we started to put choreography with the music, and it was coming together a lot easier than I expected.
I did everything I could to memorize my lines, the music, the choreography. It is no surprise that “The Marvelous Wonderettes” was my most listened to album on Spotify this year because I listened to those songs every moment I could. When it came to memorizing my lines in particular, all I had to do was put them into bite-sized chunks, take a look around during each scene and think, “Why is my character reacting this way,” “Why is she saying it THIS way and not THAT way?” I am very much a visual learner as well, so highlighting and writing down notes, arrows, and little doodles helped me out a bunch! But I often wondered if it would be enough to really get me into my character and help me through the fear when I step onstage.
The first show
Well, the time had finally come: opening night. No more stopping. No more adjusting. Just go straight through the show, trainwreck or not. I remember standing behind the curtain bouncing my knees up and down to make sure they didn’t lock, heart practically beating out of my chest, and I’m sure I looked as nervous as I felt. Then, before I knew it, the curtains opened to an audience and off we went with our first song “Mr. Sandman.”
After the first show, I felt such a sense of relief and accomplishment. I made it through one night of what I thought would be the scariest thing ever and felt pumped to continue the run!
Of course, throughout the run I messed up my lines here and there, but I finally conquered my fear. I had survived the trials of memorization and performed without a script!
The show went by very fast, but I remember every moment. Like that one night I completely fell on my butt in front of all of our friends and family. (Low-key wish I could see that on video.) But one of my favorite memories overall was the impact this show had on audience members. One night, I looked out in the audience to see two people sobbing in the front row during one of the sad songs, which then put me into tears as well.
During rehearsals, you never know how a show is going to be received, but getting live feedback is extremely validating and energizing. To let your guard down is scary, but the theatre is a safe space where we are free to process emotions, release personal baggage, and even let the world fall away for a few hours. It’s a mighty powerful tool.
WE WON!?
Something that was truly wonderful to experience was winning some awards at the Billings Studio Theatre’s 70th Anniversary Season Awards Show. The cast and crew of “The Marvelous Wonderettes” took home:
Best Joint Performance
Best Musical Direction
Best Musical
I was so shocked considering this was my first rodeo. It was awesome to also give my first acceptance speech haha. I obviously hadn’t planned anything so everything I said definitely cam out on the fly but completely from the heart.
Everyone in the cast was truly a dream to work with, and they’re so talented! Once I had a taste I couldn’t stop and just recently performed in my second show, “The SpongeBob Musical” at Billings Studio Theatre. This time, I felt more prepared, but that’s only because I took the first step with “The Marvelous Wonderettes.”
Also, my amazing team, Macy Doucette and Brianna West, were involved in this production working on the lights and costume design. (They’re amazing!)
Here are all of the fun photos from rehearsals and behind the scenes in general. These photos are so wonderful to look back on already as I miss performing in this show with these incredible ladies.
Photos: Ashley Williams Photography
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