One Chapter Ends, Another Begins

This past Saturday marked our final show and an end to "Dolly."  Knowing the sadness I would feel, my mom sent me a beautiful email reminding me that the memories will always live on...and I know she's right.  Still, there was a mix of sadness and joy that I am still trying to process.  Above, I am presenting our wonderful directors with signed posters from the cast at our final meeting before our last show.  And yes, those are tears in ALL our eyes.
It was such a blessing having my mom there at the afternoon matinee, and as an added bonus, my sweet nieces, Chloe and Alaina, were there.  Here we all are with "the boys" and my mom. Do you see Jerry in there?  Have I mentioned what a BLAST we had doing this show together? Such fun. 
Here's Horace and Dolly...one last time.  "You go your way, and I'll go mine."  :-)
And, as I stated earlier, when one chapter ends, another begins.  Last night marked Caden's first time sleeping in a toddler bed.  

And we all survived. 

I Don't Want to Say Good-Bye to Dolly

It's almost over.

And I'm relishing every moment.

Doing this show has been great for my marriage, my boys, and me personally.  Jerry and I have had a blast doing our first musical together.  We have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this production and the new family we've gotten to know over these past couple of months.  They have embraced us with so much love and kindness, and we feel so blessed.  It has also brought my family together in a special way, and I will remember this experience always.  (Thanks again for everything, Mom and Kari!)  Most importantly, we all love Jesus and each other, and that is what makes this experience so different from community theatre.  I can't describe it any other way...it's just really special.

For all these reasons and so many more, I am going to miss playing Dolly Levi.  She and I have had a blast working together again, and I'm so thankful I didn't let "the parade pass by."

Four more shows.

I'll treasure every moment.

Hello Dolly!

I have refrained from posting any photos from the show up to this point because I wanted my family to be completely surprised when they came to see it.  I feel so blessed to be a part of this production, and performing with Jerry has been a blast.  (Pictures to come soon of the two of us together...we have yet to take any!) This is kind of a silly photo of me, but I like how it gives a nice view of the backdrop.

We have been having such a wonderful time, and it meant so much to look out among the sea of faces and see my family sitting out there smiling (and sometimes crying) last night.  This show is so special to us all, and it's been a joy sharing this experience with them.  I truly feel so incredibly humbled to be a part of this show. I don't know when another opportunity like this might come along again, and I am so happy to be portraying the role of Mrs. Dolly Levi.  I love her to pieces!

If any of you are interested in seeing the production, here is my shameless plug.  : )  All ticket information can be found there, but if you want to come, move fast.  Tickets are selling quickly.