a dream that you wish | kasey winslow |

Chapter 77

At last, the Frozen cast was called backstage. Kasey could feel the energy and nerves practically bouncing off her cast members. 

They had a mini-show circle in the wings. From outside, Kasey could hear the applause and screams as awards were announced.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Tony award for best orchestration goes to Christophe Beck and Ryan Willson, from Frozen," the cast heard as they were gathering for their performance.

Cheers filled the wings. Some of the stage crew members gave them strange looks as they walked by, but Kasey didn't care. 

Christophe and Ryan had worked so hard for the past years on the orchestration, even before Kasey had even been cast. She couldn't imagine spending that much time on a score or a show. They deserved it, for sure.

Then, she heard a familiar voice over the sound system. It was Ben Platt.

"Captivating audiences this year with its award winning orchestration, magic, far of kingdoms, and sisterly bonds, this next show has been stunning audiences since September. This show features the characters from the hit-Disney movie of the same title, bringing it to life onstage. I am so happy to be introducing the cast of Disney's Frozen on Broadway, including Tony nominees Sebastian Carter, Jessica Clarke, Reed Garrett, and Kasey Winslow."

Kasey took a deep breath as the lights in the house dimmed, and the stage lights brightened. This was the moment she'd been dreaming of.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As soon as the music began, Kasey inhaled sharply. This was when it hit her. She was onstage, performing in a role she'd originated, as a Tony nominated leading actress.

It was a dream come true. She'd said that many times in interviews, but now was when she truly appreciated what those words meant.

The road to this stage, this moment, had been harder than Kasey would have ever thought imaginable when she declared she wanted to be on Broadway, at age five.

Her family's accident, the consequences of that, had been devastating to young Kasey. She'd struggled to even bring herself to go to dance class when she got out of the hospital, just knowing that it would no longer be her mother who brought her to dance.

And somehow, she'd still made it. 

She stepped out into the light and began to sing, letting the music wash over her, erasing the knowledge that thousands of people were watching her. This was for her cast, not the audience... not even herself. 

Catching a sight of Jess, she couldn't help but smile as she danced her way around the stage with the ensemble. 

Kasey only let herself glance out into the audience once or twice, knowing she'd probably psyche herself out if she let herself dwell on the pressures of the performance.

Overall, it went better than it had ever gone before. The energy onstage was amazing, and everyone was at the height of their game.

It seemed too soon before the last notes of the song rang through the theatre, and then all Kasey could hear was the thundering applause from the audience. 

The cast darted backstage, unable to sit and revel in what they'd just done for too long- there were only a few awards between their number and the ensemble award. Kate and Jackson had been chosen to give the speech if they won- and everyone wanted to watch the acceptance in person.

Kasey slipped out of her costume and unpinned her hair as quickly as possible, finishing a few minutes before Jess. They both hurried down to where the cast was gathering to be escorted into their seats.

"You've only missed a few awards," the official said, consulting his clipboard. "Best music and lyrics, best ensemble of a play, and best book."

"Who won?" Sebastian asked.

"Music and lyrics went to Spongebob," the official said somewhat sympathetically. Kasey gave a little sigh of disappointment. They couldn't win everything, she supposed. He looked up again. "Do we have everyone?" 

"I think so," someone else called out.

They all walked down the side aisle, sliding into their seats as quickly as possible. Kasey was surprised to find that she was sitting right behind Jace. He turned around and gave her a wide smile.

"You were stunning, babe," he whispered as the next presenter began talking. 

"As always, there would be no show without a stunning supporting cast. As talented dancers, actors, and professionals, the ensemble is often able to express themselves without words, and just using their bodies. They add new depth and character to shows that may not be as successful without them. These nominees are the epitome of talent and spirit as they grace the stage every night alongside the principal actors."

Kasey clutched Jess's hand as the nominees were read out. 

"And the Tony goes to... Bailey Adams,Victoria Allen, Fitz Bayard, Rebecca Benton, Kate Drescher, Nicholas Grant, Elizabeth Gray, Nicole Handel, Maura King, Lucas Marten, Kaira Matthews, Elijah Nolan,Brandon Oliver, Donald Peters, Danielle Rainiere, Jackson Schelde, Lily Thorne, Allison Trudell, Evelyn Varner, Derrick West and Emma Zee, from Disney's Frozen." 

Kasey jumped up, exchanging high fives with Kate and Jackson before the entire ensemble hurried onstage to accept the award.

"Thank you so much for this honor. Bringing the magic of Disney to life each night is such a pleasure for everyone in this ensemble," Jackson began. "I am so proud of every cast member standing onstage. To have this achievement is a dream come true, and we are so honored to be counted among the elite of showbusiness tonight."

"Thank you, to every ensemblist and swing who stands on this stage. You've earned it. And we'd be nowhere without our stunning creative and technical teams, and our fantastic leading actors. Thank you for giving us this precious opportunity to give to the audience every night. Thank you," Kate finished.  

The awards ceremony kept progressing. Reed didn't win for best supporting actor, disappointingly- that award went to Spongebob, but not to Jace.

She could tell he was a little disappointed- she would be, too. To get so close and yet fall short was one of the hardest parts of award ceremonies. She squeezed his hand between the seats as the next presenter stepped forward.