These Happy Days are Yours and Mine: Reconnecting with my passion

Back in June I found out that the Lackland Performing Arts Group (on Lackland AFB, where Mike is stationed) was going to be holding auditions for "Happy Days: A New Musical." I had been meaning to attend meetings for the group for about 6 months, but just hadn't done it. A brush with being on stage in April reminded me how much I enjoyed performing so this seemed like the perfect opportunity to get back in the game.

I reminded myself that this was just a hobby and if I got a chorus part that would be fantastic and if they didn't choose me for any part I would just be happy that I tried. I dutifully prepared my selection, "If I Were a Bell" from Guys and Dolls, a song I had performed on stage as Sarah some 10 years before. I downloaded the instrumental music and recorded myself singing on my iPhone camera (wow, technology has come a long way since I did this stuff!).

When I arrived for the audition, I saw several copied scripts. Women's roles included "Pinky" (Fonzie's girl), "Joanie", "Lori Beth" (Richie's girl), "Marion" or a Pinkette (Pinky's posse). I chose to read for "Lori Beth" and "Marion" (hey, I'm not in high school anymore and there will probably be a long of young 'uns doing this!). I didn't feel like a "Pinky" and "Joanie" felt like too big of a role at this point.

I stepped into the audition and gave them my CD. I began singing and all three directors started writing vigorously. They stopped my music after the first verse. They asked who I'd like to read for and when I told them they said "Go grab the script for Pinky, look it over and come back in." In the end, I was selected to play the part of Pinky!

Over the next 3 months I diligently attended rehearsals (with a 3-week break during my trip to Oklahoma). I was always excited to go to rehearsals and when I was there time went fast. I came home energized and chatty. I was full of stories of who did what that was funny and what song we worked on that night. It was great to be back.

A couple weeks before the first performance things got real. We had costumes and we were working with complete sets and props. This was going to be great!

Act I, Scene 4 at Arnold's

Pinky, Fonzie, Chachi, and Joanie

The performances were great. Nothing went terribly wrong in any of the 4 shows. We had great crowds that were very supportive.

The Pink is in Town!

"What I Dreamed Last Night" with Joanie and Marion

Elvis and James Dean remind The Fonz to keep his collar turned up

Final Bows!

I'm so glad I had the opportunity to participate in this production. I'm also blessed that over 20 people came to see me play Pinky.

Dad and me

Mom and me

Terry and me

Mike even came to 3 of the 4 performances!

Wah wah wah!

And, of course, after the last performance we had a rockin' cast party! Our pianist, Miss Gina, had us over to her beautiful house for some yummy food and karaoke!

LeVon and Ben

Becky

Fosco and Eric singing "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'"

Laura and Kendra watch from the sidelines!