Texting the Next Broadway Stars [ Pokémon AU ]

33; opening night

July 10th, 2020, 7:46pm

Paul

I hated to admit the feeling, especially because it was purposed to watch Thoroughly Modern Millie of all shows, but I was actually genuinely excited to watch the girl perform.

A few of the cast and I had gotten her fish earlier that day and it was backstage waiting for her. I asked the stage manager, who I know very well, to hide it as a special favor. When we get the tour, we're going to reveal it and she can name the damn thing and the nightmare can be over.

Barry hadn't shown up, much like a coward, and I was placed next to Serena who seemed filled with excitement tonight instead of casting her usual sardonic comments. I was on the aisle seat, likely because no one really wanted to sit next to me, and I was okay with that.

I stared at the Playbill until the lights dimmed and a cheery 20's theme began to ring throughout the theatre.

Dawn Berlitz (Millie Dillmount)
Broadway Credits: Spring Awakening (Wendla). National Tour credits: Footloose (Rusty). Regional Theatre credits: Mamma Mia! (Sophie Sheridan), High School Musical (Sharpay Evans), Brigadoon (Jean MacLaren), Guys and Dolls (Adelaide). Much love to her Spring Awakening family for supporting her in this endeavor to follow her dreams.

Her resume seemed somehow longer to me.

The curtain had opened on Dawn in a single spotlight, her clothes very matronly as if she'd just escaped the ranch to come to what was clearly New York. Her hair was long and messy and her character came off as regretful. That is until the music picked up. Her belt, which she hardly showed in Spring Awakening sounded extremely smooth and untaxed.

Serena turned to me with eyes as large as saucers when the ensemble joined the blunette on stage. "She's absolutely killing it," she whispered. I nodded in agreement.

+++

Intermission. Ash was totally impressed by Dawn's willingness in chemistry with her cow costar, Kenny.

I wanted to throw up in regards of her description of the kiss a few weeks ago. I would never use tongue in a stage kiss unless specifically directed to do so. It was completely irresponsible, especially if you thought about the germ transfer.

But Dawn was holding up really well. Her performance was spectacular, with not a single crack in character. I guess Millie was much more similar to her actual personality than Wendla. She was a spitfire and much too ambitious for her own good.

May strutted over with Drew to chat to me. Oh joy! May was practically shouting, "Dawn's killing it! Don't you think, Paul?"

"Her performance is very impressive."

Drew agreed, adding, "Very different from what we've seen her do in Spring Awakening."

May jumped, "I know right! She's such a versatile actress! She played dumb in Footloose!"

Drew chuckled, "You have to be dumb to kiss Ash Ketchum every night."

Ash whimpered, somehow overhearing Drew's comment, "Hey!"

Luckily, I didn't have to bear listening to this conversation any longer. The lights flickered twice on and off and we all made our way back to our seats, and soon enough, Berlitz was center stage in a different costume, visibly upset, and surrounded by her 'coworkers.' She had picked up right where she left off. Good girl.