Let's Put On A Show

One of my amazingly talented friends has written a musical. Well, more than one, it takes a village. But the concept and story are his. The lyrics are his. And he has generously asked me to be a part of it. We have been learning songs and recording them and now, we have just had our first read through together.

Now, I love putting on a show. I love putting on a show with friends even more. But, sitting in a living room with all of the friends that you know are talented but have never heard sing in the ten years of knowing them...that's something that you just can't top. Well, maybe you can top it by getting on stage with them and performing. That might top the living room. Maybe.

The most magical part of this is really seeing how wonderful your (in this case, my) friends are. There is a core of us who have known each other for just about ten years. We worked together or went to college together and all came to LA seeking...well...what most people are seeking when they come to LA. We met working together or through each other as mutual friends and sort of became a family. We all knew we had all done theatre and musicals. We all knew we were all performers of some sort. However, aside from seeing me in the chorus of "Pippin" and "Chicago," none of us had ever heard any of us sing. Well, seriously sing. Joking around after a few cocktails in Big Bear doesn't really count. Now, after all of these years of friendship, seeing everyone create this beautiful piece of art...it takes my breath away.

There are voices that should be on Broadway. There is musical talent that should have a record deal. There is so much love, camaraderie, and support.

It is one of the sparkliest experiences of my life.

Snap, Crackle, POP

I love pop music, shamelessly. It's so fun and light and sparkly. I've loved it my whole life and I will probably love it for the rest of my life. I was a New Kids fan and a Debbie Gibson fan and a Tiffany fan. I loved the Backstreet Boys and N'Sync and 98 Degrees and Take That and Britney Spears. I still love Robbie Williams and Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera.

I know it seems silly, but I dare you to blast The Right Stuff or I Think We're Alone Now and not feel 10 years old again. I bet you can't turn on Bye, Bye, Bye without thinking of the infamous dance done at sorority parties across the country. It's okay to love pop. It's okay for music to be fun.

So, crank up the volume and start doing the New Kids dance....or whoever's dance it is now.

Oh, and just for inspiration, here are some of my faves: