This past weekend, I closed my final show here at Sacred Heart University, which just so happened to be a senior capstone by a dear friend, Paul Keegan, called Reject Me, Already, an original musical. The process, starting for me in November, (but for Paul, May 2022) began with initial drafts, readings, character assignments, and then memorization and learning music. By opening night, April 28 2023, it was a fully realized, costumed, lighted, and memorized musical, and one that was adored by the supportive audience.
I was lucky enough to perform with some of my best friends, and as I took that last bow, surrounded by people I loved, I couldn’t help but relive my Theatre Arts Program experiences here at SHU, including a total of 11 shows: Richard III; Sondheim on Sondheim; Ghost Quartet; Once; The Velveteen Rabbit; The Other Josh Cohen; A Chorus Line; The Crucible; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; The Rocky Horror Show; Reject Me, Already.
My journey through theatre has been just that: a journey. It involved tears and hard work and late nights and a whole lot of imposter syndrome. But it also involved support and new friends and research and trial and error. The performer I was in Richard the III was not the one that donned the stage during Reject Me, Already. Not in confidence, skill, comfort, or love.
And of that, I am proud. The learning and continual fight forward; I am a firm believer in fighting for what we love. And theatre, despite all its complications, is something I continue to fight for.
As I congratulate the cast, creative team, and the writer of Reject Me, Already, I too thank them for a wonderful last bow and an amazing conclusion to four years on the Sacred Heart stages.