Opening night.

I can't even begin to think of words to describe my opening night...but I'm going to try. First, let me say that being in this show is one of the most incredible experiences ever. I've seen the show 11 times now, and actually being in it last night was the most surreal experience I've ever felt. Yesterday truly changed my life.

I had rehearsal at 12:00 with Jason, our dance captain, and learned both chairs of rock and Thea. It was literally the most information I have ever had thrown at me in 4 hours! But I loved every second of it :) I went back to my dressing room after dinner (about an hour before call time) and just did some yoga to calm myself down, because my excitement was getting the best of me. Everyone started showing up, and everyone was so excited for the show tonight - my opening, Lucas as Melchior, and Krystina last show of 6 as Ilse. We all felt like it was going to be a good one.

I finally get into my costume and go outside to meet Perry to walk on stage. By this point, I'm shaking. We grabbed our mics, grabbed hands, and walked out onto the stage with our fake tickets. I almost started crying. As soon as the usher sat us down - in separate seats - the two girls next to me asked if we wanted to switch so we could sit together. I was absolutely ecstatic that they had no idea we were in the show. We said something stupid like "Oh, we've sat next to each other plenty of times" and they just laughed it off and asked me if this was my first time seeing the show. It was awesome.

Throughout the whole beginning of the show, ever cast member gave me a little look or a pat on the back when no one was looking, and it felt so nice to have everyone supporting me. I hear the music for Touch Me starting, and I can feel my hands starting to shake. I looked over at Julie and she smiled at me, reassuring me that everything's going to be fine. It was time to take my mic out, so I reach into the pouch sewed into my leggings, and set it on my lap. I suddenly feel a pair of eyes glaring at me, and out of my left eye I see the girl sitting next to me, staring at my microphone. I looked across at Julie and Chase and almost started laughing. This girl was freaking out, probably more than me. She had absolutely no idea that I was in the show. Finally, it's my turn to get up, and I'm praying that my shaking legs will hold me. Thank god they did.

It was the most amazing feeling in the world to get up on that chair and sing. Every number kept getting better and better, and by the time Totally Fucked came, I was not nervous at all, just ready to rock out. It was incredible. I actually almost kicked that same girl in the head when I was singing the Blah Blah's and hanging off the bars. We got a huge ovation, and I even saw a man and a woman standing up in the back! We all knew that this show was one to remember, and we worked hard to make it happen. Something happened that has actually only happened once before in Spring Awakening history - on Jonathan Groff's last day. During Purple Summer, the entire audience applauded when Lucas came out through the back door. It was incredible. We all just smiled, and everyone looked over at me at some point, and finally I started crying. I couldn't sing the a cappella section! It was just an overwhelming feeling; honestly, one of the best feelings I've ever felt.

After the show, I went to sign autographs, and this group of kids brought me a gift! It was so nice! I took a picture with them to remember my first Spring Awakening stage door experience. It was an amazing way to end one of the most memorable nights of my life, and I can't wait to do it again tonight. And the next night. And the next night.

Krista