Well, here we are.
Yet another Monday.
Another beautiful Monday that is.
And on this beautiful Monday, I am feeling extremely sad with a touch of bittersweet.
On Saturday, we performed “Cabaret” for the last time during its very successful three week run at The Ephrata Performing Arts Center.
The doors to the Kit Kat Club have been closed for the last time.
And cue the tears.
Just give me all the tissues.
Cabaret was my first time returning to the stage for a musical since 2021 when I did Something Rotten.
I was extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to join this cast and even more thankful for my front of house staff (and Johannah) for keeping everything under control while I got to go back under the lights.
In the beginning of the process, I felt rusty. My nerves kept getting the best of me when I wasn’t picking up the music and dance as quickly as I thought I would.
The whole turn around for this production was the quickest one that I’ve ever experienced in my time at EPAC since 2010.
It was stressful.
But that stress quickly melted away as I got into my groove and continued to fall in love with the cast, production crew, and the show.
And that love is something that will live in me forever.
Cabaret is a show that I would continue to do over and over again.
Period.
Hands down.
Everything about the production was beautiful, emotional, funny, charming, heart wrenching.
And its message is one that is even more relevant in 2024. (The show takes place in 1929 Berlin).
I loved putting heels/boots on every night to welcome guests to The Kit Kat Club.
I loved putting on eye liner, eye shadow, and body glitter to give Victor some extra sultry and sexy energy.
I loved the moments of backstage hugs, loves, quick changes, and fun dance moves that occurred every night with my fellow castmates and crew.
I loved dancing with a cast of beautiful, sexy individuals who challenged the audience to see everyone for as they are–and accept and love them.
I loved embracing the sexual energy of being comfortable in my own skin–and showing it off.
I.
LOVED.
CABARET.
I loved the energy from the crowds that cheered, gasped, and went on the journey with us from beginning to end.
We have no troubles here.
In here, life is beautiful.
And the memories and love created within the walls of The Kit Kat Club will stick with me in a special part of my heart for all eternity.
It is going to be really hard to not be sad over the next couple of days when I don’t get the daily call emails from our Stage Manager Halli, hearing the opening drum roll to Wilkommen the crowd to our beautiful world, the threesome hilarity of “Two Ladies,” and everything else in between.
I have loved the moment of being under the lights again.
It has filled my soul.
And I’m so thankful that Summer 2024 was full of love and beauty as The Kit Kat Club.
Auf wiedersehen.
Sprinkle sunshine always,
JP!
Mr. Sunshine Smiles 