In which I was *this close* to choosing a life on the stage
Posted by Isabel on February 5th, 2009. Filed under: Back in the Day, Churchy Stuff, Me.When I was two years old I starred in my family’s version of the Nativity. I’m not completely sure who everyone is playing in this scene. I know I’m the small one carrying a twig, so I assume I’m some sort of shepherd. Or maybe the angel proclaiming the birth of the Baby Jesus.
Either way, I rocked my role.
I’m sure my role as shepherd/angel was a hit. But it wasn’t until 1983 that I returned to the stage to perform in my church congregation’s adaption of The Reluctant Dragon. I co-starred with my older brother. (I’m the one in the dress. He’s the one in all the make-up.) (I’ll say it again, how did we not know he was gay?) (Okay, we knew. We totally knew.)
Again, I rocked this role. I think I may have even had a speaking part, although I’ve long forgotten it. It took twenty years for me to decide to return to the stage. Again, with my church congregation.
This is where I must explain something. For some unknown reason (I even googled it and could find no history) us Mormons like to put on, what we refer to as, ROADSHOWS. Basically they are just an excuse to perform your talent or a play and just have fun.
I think they are embarrassing, but hey, I participate. I like believe in being a part of the team and showing my love and devotion for Jesus through silly musical numbers.
And that is why, in 2003, The King and I took part in a 10 congregation wide Roadshow.
This time, I’m the one in the make-up. That’s May’s husband as The Scarecrow, The King as The Tin Man and a cute little (unnamed) girl as Toto.
(I’m Dorothy and I’m totally wearing ruby red slippers.)
This show was a hit and we performed for a few nights. I was happy with it being my Final Show and had since moved on with my life, happy to leave the stage, the lights, and the drama that goes along with living the life of a stage actress.
And then…..
I was informed that our new congregation will be putting on a Roadshow and since I’m one of the leaders over the youth I must participate with them.
Okay, this doesn’t sound too bad.
Until I found out what their act is.
Dude, we are totally learning Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance.
Last night was night two of our rehearsals and it did not go well. I’ll be honest, I gave up even trying. I was all “I’ll just sit on the edge of the stage and watch Babboo and all the other leader’s toddlers.”
After about an hour one of the 12 year old girls came and sat down next to me. I encouraged her to go back out with the rest of the youth and learn the dance. She told me she was just needed a break. And then she leaned in a little closer and whispered, “I don’t want to embarrass myself in front of the boys.”
I knew exactly how she felt, because even at 33, I didn’t want to embarrass myself either.
The “Thriller” dance is hard. And I can’t dance.
So we both sat out. We cheered for the other kids and participated that way. But yeah, we sat out.
And I’m okay with that.
So tell me, am I the only adult that sometimes still feels like a teenage trapped in an adult’s body?
February 5th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Only every single day. I walked by a group of teenage girls last weekend and I could have choked on the feeling that they were looking at me, thinking mean thoughts about me, JUDGING me. Then I slapped myself across the face (invisibly) and assured myself that being married to a hot guy and living in a cute house while working a fun job TOTALLY beat out being a snobby teenage girl sitting in front of Safeway.
I don’t even know if those girls really were snobby. But somehow I just KNEW.
February 5th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Oh man, you have described my life. I am so awkward around the older teenagers in my ward because I FEEL LIKE THEY ARE MY PEERS. Except, when I was a teenager, I was less afraid of other teenagers.
February 5th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
I feel that way occasionally… but dude… you get to learn the thriller dance? I can’t dance either, but I would love to learn that dance. I’d make my friends learn it to and make them perform it at parties.
February 5th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Oh yeah, there’s definitely times when all of my teenage insecurities come roaring back. Mostly when faced with teens who appear to have everything figured out.
Like Erika, it usually only takes a look at the rock on my left hand to remember that I am an adult with a gorgeous husband and a pretty good life, and that, like me, they probably aren’t as sure about everything as they act.
February 5th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Oh, those little snippy girls are probably judging me, just like I did when I was their age. And when they are my age they will be on the flip side of the judging and regret it, like I do.
Have you seen Hoda and Kathie Lee do the Thriller? You have to be rocking it better than those two?
FF to 3:59 – that’s where they lesson starts – funny stuff. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFQ8pOWVB-I
February 5th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Not in a million years are you the only one. Most of the time, I feel pretty put together and confident with myself. Every once in a while though, I just feel like others are scrutinizing me and totally making fun of the nerdy girl that I am. Like I’m just trying to fit in before someone asks, “who invited that girl?”.
February 5th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Oh man… I’ve always wanted to learn that dance and I never have. I should be in your roadshow… it would be a totally legit excuse to learn it. LOL. (You would have to let a Catholic into your Mormon group though and I totally think that is not allowed.) LOL.
February 6th, 2009 at 12:37 am
I TOTALLY FORGOT ABOUT THAT ROADSHOW! Mr. May looks so sad & angry with the world in that photo(I mean more than usual…) Too bad we didn’t do “Thriller” before, he has that dance already memorized. In 9 years of marriage I’ve only seen it once. He’s hiding that light under a bushel…
Did you know that I am a 13 year old girl trapped in a body with stretch marks? Weird, I know.
February 6th, 2009 at 2:43 am
…you are learning Thriller. I heart you. I suggest watching “13 Going on 30″ 287 times because it has the Thriller Dance in it and will help you feel like you aren’t the only adult in a teenagers body. Plus, Jennifer Garner is hot.
Also, to Meritt–if Mormons can accept Micheal Jackson I’m sure they’d be ok with a Catholic. ;o)
xox
February 6th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
No, you are definitely not the only one. I volunteered to help chaperone my church’s youth group a few weeks ago and I felt like such a fraud. I felt like I didn’t fit in with the kids or with the other adults.
February 10th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
You make a great Dorothy. How awesome. You’ve been a busy, busy girl lately.