Aftershocks

My friend reminded me today of “Aftershocks,” a beautifully written song from Next to Normal, that seemed quite appropriate to mention after experiencing the East Coast’s worst Earthquake since the 1940’s yesterday. The earthquake quite literally left me feeling shaken. Unexpectedly, the earthquake shook up my day and stirred up emotions, and today, I realized that this is a power theatre (when done well) also has.

Well executed plays and musicals can arouse audience’s emotions, making the audience feel something, and possibly, compel the audience to act in some way or another. Recently, I have fortunately been able to attend a number of well performed shows, including War Horse, Uncle Vanya and Wicked, that fit this description.

War Horse is an incredibly inspiring and moving play that really embodies the true meaning of hope. In fact, the slogan for the movie version directed by Steven Speilberg is "Hope Survives." I love this tagline. The play also depicts themes of love, determination, and courage. I left the play feeling like I had a new understanding of what true love is and what real hope looks like. This understanding reverberated within me long after the show had ended. Even today, almost two weeks later, I am still deeply touched by the story that unfolded before my eyes when I saw War Horse. To make the show even more poignant, there is exquisitely crafted musical numbers in the play. Every time the Song Woman, Song Man, or the Chorus sang, I got chills. The lyrics blend with the dialogue so well that I could argue this is more of a musical than a play. Either way, War Horse is a heartwarming story that will remain with you after the show ends.

Meanwhile, Uncle Vanya centers on the theme of “wasted life.” This provoked me to ponder what I am doing with my life and if I am making the right choices for how I live my life. Don’t we all strive to not waste our lives, but, instead, to find some sort of purpose or meaning that guides our lives and makes our lives worthwhile and valuable? This show confirmed my feelings that I need to take chances to uncover what I’m supposed to do with my life and to do my best to make the most of the time I am given here on Earth. Time is an incredibly valuable commodity in life, and it’s important to spend it wisely. Clearly, this show's after effects are still with me as well.

Another show that has impacted my life is Wicked. Based on the sold out shows and popularity of the phrase "defy gravity," I don't think I am alone. The show inspires me to follow my heart, reach for my dreams, and do my best to positively impact humanity. Those are excellant aftershocks to spread all over world. Apparently, enjoyable aftershocks equate to exceptional ticket sales.

Like earthquakes, theatre can cause aftershocks even if the main event has already finished. Many shows have influenced my life and made me who I am today. I am thankful for those experiences as their aftershocks have not only affected my past but will continue to shape my future.

~ LBD

Musical Quote of the Moment: “The memories will wane, the aftershocks remain...They moved me from your memory, I'm still there in your soul. Your life goes back to normal now, or so they all believe. Your heart is in your chest again, not hanging from your sleeve...The memories are gone. The aftershocks live on." ~ Next to Normal