Dear wonderful, incredible, patient and understanding second-grade church choir director,
Just in case you were curious….
…..I’m here.
I know….right? I’m just as surprised as you are.
I always told you that….I knew that I knew…..that I knew….
….I was going to stand on the stage of a Broadway play.
To me….it wasn’t really a question of if….more of a question of when.
You see….I knew that one day I was going to be discovered singing quietly to myself in aisle seven of Wal-Mart. The notes would dance softly across the polished linoleum floors….into the waiting ears of a big Hollywood agent who would immediately….on bended knee….offer to represent me.
And then he would whisk me away to the Broadway stage…..
….to a world of fame and fortune and a long and illustrious singing career.
It was going to be amazing.
I couldn’t wait to see my name in lights.
Except.
Except for one, tiny, insignificant, often-overlooked, miniscule detail.
I couldn’t sing.
Not ever.
Not even a note.
I can remember when you had me try out for the solo part in “Away in the Manger” in the Christmas program at church.
I sat at the piano in the music room and you listened so patiently to my enthusiastic over-the-top-complete-with-choreography-totally-off-key rendition of the song.
And after the first verse….you stopped me quickly with an awkward smile and asked me if I was nervous….
….and offered to play the song on the piano for me so I could hear the notes.
I took this as an encouragement.
Step 2 in the audition process.
And so I sang louder and stronger with more gusto and proceeded to act out the entire first verse of the song.
And when I finished…..
…..you simply sat there for a moment without saying a word.
Then…in a sweet and gentle voice….you told me I was amazing and that you loved my dramatic song interpretation….(especially the part when the cattle were lowing).
And even though you thought that I would have made a wonderful soloist….you had decided…..with moves like that…..
….I would make the perfect innkeeper’s wife.
And I was.
An amazing non-singing innkeeper’s wife that is.
I never sang a solo in that children’s choir.
But life went on.
And I grew up and got married and had four children and moved to a farmhouse in the middle of nowhere.
However….the story doesn’t end there.
Because you see I write this blog. And sometimes people read it. Wonderful, incredible people with connections who invited me for a behind-the-scenes tour of the musical Jersey Boys.
The show was truly, truly amazing.
And last week I had the joy and privilege and honor of standing on a Broadway stage with one of the stars of the show and one of the most incredible voices I have ever heard, Joseph Leo Bwarie.
And so dear wonderful, patient and understanding second-grade church choir director….
….let’s let him do all the singing. 🙂
PS This entire post was made possible by my new Broadway BFF, Brooke and her husband, from the blog, Be Fed Again. And her blog is just as amazing as she is…..you can check it out….here.
PPS I’m sharing some fun spring decorating ideas over at the Homes.com blog today. You can check it out…here.
Dreams do come true, Karianne! You really are a rock star!!
So thrilled for you! We were able to visit NYC for the first time this past saw and saw 2 Broadway shows- I loved Aladdin, but didn't get to see Jersey Boys. I'm so happy for you!!
It should have read this past fall.
"C'mon Karianne, c'mon Karianne, say you can understand...my Karianne!" Glad you are having so much fun. : )
I have seen Jersey Boys twice - once in Chicago and once here in Orlando and LOVE IT!!!! Also went to see the movie when it came out. Such great music!! So glad you had this opportunity, Ms. Rock Star!!!
Oh you lucky girl...clean living with less singing has permitted you to give your regards to Broadway...I have seen JB the movie, but not the play. I wrote in a post just before Valentine's day that it is a want of mine....until then I will remember that Big Girls Don't Cry as a wait for this to happen. What an excellent adventure and memory to go with it.
You always dreamed of standing on a Broadway stage and you did it...just not the way you ever imagined! Looks like your NYC trip was a blast :) I was there last July and would love to get back some time soon. Have a great day!
God Bless your choir teacher for not crushing your spirit and highlighting your other potential. :)
Love you so Much My Cinderella friend! Glad your dreams are coming true! Truly even thought of you when watched movie Cinderella as I counted my blessings. So funny always thought someone would hear me sing and off to Opry I would go! With my Roy Rogers guitar and teddy bears named Johnny n June! Keep sharing and enjoying life!!
But you've been a tremendous talent -- you are a storyteller!! And you are a fabulous creative genius who comes up with original ideas. Frankly, I never heard Liz Taylor sing a note. I didn't hear Katherine Hepburn trill a sound. So, my friend you don't have to sing to be on Broadway!! Now, tell the truth -- as you stood on stage, did you do anything dramatic?? Just a little?? And has it been recorded? Big Hugs to you.
So happy for you and The Jersey Boy experience!!! How does one return back to normal life after that!!! Thanks for sharing it all with us!!!
I am thrilled...for you. Bustin' my buttons as a matter of fact. Guess what! I can't sing either, but I love to sing. I make myself feel better because I know God likes my "joyful" noise.
Wow that is great
That is A-MAZING!! So excited for you and wow…to be on a broadway stage in any, way shape or form is incredible. And by the way, you look stunning!! Happy weekend!!
I don't sing either, I "audience". I can clap better and louder and right at the peak moment as the stage lights dim. I'm a rock star clapper. Singing, not so much. I joined my church junior choir (if you show up, they HAVE to take you). First practice I got moved from alto to the bass (I think she was hoping they'd drown me out). No chance, I was there to SING. Next practice, she asked me to just move my lips ... silently. Thus ended phase one of my musical career. Mom signed my sis and me up for piano lessons. After a year, our teacher took mom aside and suggested I "try an instrument with fewer notes". I inherited my sister's violin and took lessons at school. One day mom (a school teacher) stopped my violin teacher in the school hallway and asked how I was doing. He burst into tears. Never took lessons again. My sis went on to study piano for nine years and also played cello in the school orchestra.
You are living the dream! ;)
Love your story. The suspense was killing me haha! I really thought you were going to sing at the end :) I hope you will share your Broadway visit with our Link Up - Idea box: https://milaslittlethings.com/2015/04/idea-box-thursday-link-party-6.html xx Mila
What fun!! So glad you made it onstage! I know you had a ball!!