Dancing in the Dark ✓

30 | theo

It was the day of Leilani and Sasha's opening show. I enjoyed watching musicals, but being here for people I knew and cared for, was always a different level of anticipation. 

Leilani's parents bought tickets for not only Deandre and I, but for Charlotte, Josef and Joshua as well. We were all now seated in the hall, with Joshua sharing stories from school.  

"I miss the snow," he complained. "My teacher would leave big footprints and I would try to match it -- it's easier than trying to walk a new path." 

Charlotte chuckled. "On the bright side of Spring, you can see all the plants growing again. It's like a fresh start." 

"Maybe it's the Hawaiian in us," Uncle Koa mused, "But Kalani and I love summer the most. Even the ones here aren't warm enough for us." 

"Theo gēge, what's your favourite season?" Joshua asked. 

I hummed. "Honestly, I see the beauty in every one. Your jiĕjie likes Autumn the most though, right?"

He nodded with a grin. "She always brings me to the park to jump in leaf piles."

A voice came through the speakers. "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen. The show shall begin in five minutes. Kindly take your seats, ensure your phones are silent, and we hope you enjoy yet another musical of ours." 

"Five minutes?" Joshua whined. "Do I count to five? One, two, three --"

"You have to count to 300," Josef corrected him apologetically.

"WHAT? Why --"

The adults entertained Joshua's questions for a few more moments before the lights dimmed, and an excited hush fell over the audience. 

I leaned over towards Deandre. "Ready for Maria?" 

His answering smile was enough. The red curtains parted and the orchestra cued the opening number. 

I had watched Leilani on stage countless times before, but her charisma and passion never failed to amaze me. The audience seemed to be entranced in her performance as well, all eyes glued to her. I noted the other details as well, such as the lighting, props, and even the orchestra. Standing in the shoes of a director really changed my perspective, increasing the immense respect I had for stage performers. 

The Sound of Music also had one of my favourite storylines, with the themes of family, music, faith. Leilani had been worried that the topic of Nazis would be sensitive for Charlotte and Josef, but they had healed from that past, and wanted to watch Sasha perform as well. 

Time completely flew, as the intermission came quicker than I thought it would have. Aunty Kalani helped Charlotte to the toilet, whilst Uncle Koa helped Josef and Joshua. Deandre and I were tasked with getting snacks, which we all downed before entering the hall again. Before I knew it, it was Sasha's turn to perform.

Cheers rose from the audience, upon realising it was a solo. All Sasha's warnings of her possibly messing up from being overly anxious proved unnecessary, as she absolutely stepped into her on-stage persona. I had watched one practice session of hers when we were over at Leilani's, and seeing her transform from the basement to the stage felt intimate.  

The rest of the show went fairly smoothly -- Leilani had a bit of a technical problem, as her mic suddenly stopped working mid-song, but she continued on, much to her parents' relief.

"I taught her that," Aunty Kalani whispered to Uncle Koa. 

 Soon enough, the hall brightened as the cast took their bows, getting the audience on their feet for the encore. Sasha took her bow with the ensemble, and searched the crowd while shielding her eyes from the stage lights. I waved enthusiastically, miraculously catching her attention. Once the music ended, Leilani's parents rushed out of their seats to meet her, and we struggled to chase after them.