I really underestimated how sad I would be after having finished all three performances. In the week leading up to the performances, there wasn’t a day that went by into which rehearsals were not somehow incorporated. The entire weekend before the shows, the cast had two all day rehearsals…not to mention the half day rehearsal on Tuesday and the final all-day rehearsal on Wednesday.

It would be incredibly inaccurate to say that we didn’t give this performance our all. Despite being troubled a week before the show by the fact that we hadn’t ever run through the entire thing, all the extra rehearsals, lunch and break time blocking really pulled the whole thing together. To be brutally honest, there was a point, much too close to performance night for comfort, at which not many involved thought we could pull off what we’d set out to accomplish. Lots of people were genuinely worried we would make a fool of ourselves opening night. But I am proud to say that massive amounts of dedication and focus turned into into something that the entire cast can be proud of.

In terms of the actual performances, the Saturday night gala performance was my personal favorite. I thought I carried out my roles the best that night out of all three and I was thrilled that it was actually the night my parents came to watch. The first and second followed close behind. It really is the best feeling looking out over an audience from on-stage and see them smiling and laughing at what you’re doing. I’m honored to have been such a fun piece of OSC theater.

I owe much thanks to the directors Mrs. Jackson and Trae, but the biggest thanks by far, I owe to my co-actor, Nehe. Without his incredible talents and onstage presence, I never would have been able to become comfortable on stage myself. He really helped me discover a love of theater and it’s heartbreaking to think that this was my last production at OSC. But of all the last experiences I could have had, I wouldn’t trade this one for anything. Thank you to the Oliver cast!