A New Musical

18

 Rehearsal for the gender bent show has been pretty simple, since the show itself isn't anything too big. It's really nice to be performing again, and to have the distraction. It's also weird though, because I've been used in a lot of marketing for the concert. Bringing up how I just recently starred in the recent world premier of "Walk In My Rainbow Shoes." Of course, the marketing team likes to bring up that it was alongside Oscar winner Mason Pierce. But at least my name is put first, so I count my blessings. I can hope that this won't last forever. Always having Mason's name attached to mine.

I've yet to give Meg a straight answer, and to be honest I push it off as much as I can. I want to do the show, but I don't want the creatives to risk their sales just for my sake. I think the better option is if they have Mason continue on with the production. It might be better if I take a step back all together, and let the production move forward without me. It would be hard to watch, but I'm thinking about how much better it would be for my mental health.

[Bobby]

Hey Ash, would you mind coming in early to work on your solo before the show?

[Me]

Sure thing!

Bobby is our director for this production. We've only gotten to go over my solo once, so I'm assuming that may be the main reason he'll need me to rehearse it. It's a well known song, and I've known it my whole life. Honestly I should've sang this for my audition for "Walk In My Rainbow Shoes." Then I wouldn't have messed up, and maybe gotten the role all on my own.

When I get to the theater, Bobby and our pianist Jen are at the piano looking over some sheet music. "Hey Ash, how are ya?"

"Not too bad, thanks!" I say happily.

"Great, so we just wanted to run your solo one more time before the show. I know we haven't gotten many chances to run it, but I have no doubt that you will knock it out of the park."

"Thanks Bobby, means a lot."

We get started and run the solo a few times, just fixing sound and lighting. The concert isn't too lavish, we sit on stools or stand when we perform. And we'll just be wearing casual clothing for the show. Some of us try to dress to match our characters for the performance. I'm wearing a purple polo, with dark green pants. I also added navy green boots to pair with the whole look.

The song I'm singing is called "Wonderland." It's a stand alone theater song, one that never was written for an actual production. But it was composed by famous Broadway composers. "Great, now that we've worked out the kinks. Do you mind running through it, in one go?" Bobby asks from the audience.

"Sure thing." I nod, looking at our pianist and nodding that I'm ready when he is.

I begin:

"Drowning, out in silence.

I guess you didn't notice that I'm lost.

In this magical world.

I see this, running rabbit.

He seems to have this habit to notice that.

People are running out of time.

Acting out my words, so I know it doesn't hurt.

And I know it's different, to make predictions.

Acting out my words, I'm falling through this hole. I am lost.

In this Wonderland.