Charlie Brown, 8 Years later
Tonight will make 8 years since the 1st of 5 performances of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" at Hercules High School back home, the first musical performed at the school.
I know it was only a simple little high school/middle school production in retrospect, and it probably may seem as if I dwell on this too much, but I'd be lying if it didn't have such a significant impact on myself all these years later. Plus, for a high school production, we really put a lot of effort and detail into it. The background murals, the set pieces, the lighting. Still fucking beautiful in memories.
I understand it's nothing but that now, and probably for some, it was just a simple thing. That's fine to see it that way, I couldn't blame anyone for feeling that way. Hercules in itself is only a memory for me now, and when I made a brief visit there last September when my Mom died, it felt like I stepped back in time.
What I remember most is all the rehearsals and using the whole cafeteria as a big backroom during shows. I always had a water (or Pepsi) along with an orange, and carrying my walkman listening to Giants games when not on stage. For being in the ensemble, it was the good life.
To start with, it was living proof I could make friendships, even in the hell that was high school (I still was special ed and had a teacher's aide at that time!). It was a pretty fucking big deal for someone with Asperger's that was so used to having to isolate himself from all the teasing day in and day out. When all that happened, it pretty much kicked out all my suicidal thoughts as well.
Second, it gave me an idea of what kind of field I'd enjoy. I thought it could be theater, but perhaps it's not my strength. But it did inspire me to get into Rocky a year after I moved to Vegas. Anyone who knows me knows the rest of that story to this day. Charlie Brown was the first step towards where I am today.
The past several weeks haven't been the best for me in regards to Rocky, and I admit there have been times where I wonder about if it's all worth the efforts of the show. But then I am reminded of all this and where it started for me. No drama, no anxieties, just good people, fond memories, and sold out performances. It's just like how friends I've made through Rocky hold conventions a special place in their hearts (as do I). That's why I love doing what I do, and it's where I belong.
It's a pity all I have left to remember this by is the promotional shirt we got for it, my performance shirt (with the small bleach stain), and the few people I still keep in touch with from it. If anyone ever had old photos, let alone video from it, I would love to see it someday.
Even though I'll probably never speak to most of my castmates again due to time fading away, I still take a bow for all of you and the fine job you all did.
I know it was only a simple little high school/middle school production in retrospect, and it probably may seem as if I dwell on this too much, but I'd be lying if it didn't have such a significant impact on myself all these years later. Plus, for a high school production, we really put a lot of effort and detail into it. The background murals, the set pieces, the lighting. Still fucking beautiful in memories.
I understand it's nothing but that now, and probably for some, it was just a simple thing. That's fine to see it that way, I couldn't blame anyone for feeling that way. Hercules in itself is only a memory for me now, and when I made a brief visit there last September when my Mom died, it felt like I stepped back in time.
What I remember most is all the rehearsals and using the whole cafeteria as a big backroom during shows. I always had a water (or Pepsi) along with an orange, and carrying my walkman listening to Giants games when not on stage. For being in the ensemble, it was the good life.
To start with, it was living proof I could make friendships, even in the hell that was high school (I still was special ed and had a teacher's aide at that time!). It was a pretty fucking big deal for someone with Asperger's that was so used to having to isolate himself from all the teasing day in and day out. When all that happened, it pretty much kicked out all my suicidal thoughts as well.
Second, it gave me an idea of what kind of field I'd enjoy. I thought it could be theater, but perhaps it's not my strength. But it did inspire me to get into Rocky a year after I moved to Vegas. Anyone who knows me knows the rest of that story to this day. Charlie Brown was the first step towards where I am today.
The past several weeks haven't been the best for me in regards to Rocky, and I admit there have been times where I wonder about if it's all worth the efforts of the show. But then I am reminded of all this and where it started for me. No drama, no anxieties, just good people, fond memories, and sold out performances. It's just like how friends I've made through Rocky hold conventions a special place in their hearts (as do I). That's why I love doing what I do, and it's where I belong.
It's a pity all I have left to remember this by is the promotional shirt we got for it, my performance shirt (with the small bleach stain), and the few people I still keep in touch with from it. If anyone ever had old photos, let alone video from it, I would love to see it someday.
Even though I'll probably never speak to most of my castmates again due to time fading away, I still take a bow for all of you and the fine job you all did.