The Allure of Theater: A Journey from a Slum to Broadway and Beyond

The theater is more than just a stage; it is a world of adrenaline, challenge, and growth. It is a place where the magic of transformation can happen, turning a lifeless individual into the very heart of the production. That's what The Sound of Music did for me, a dirt-poor kid from a slum.

From Nervousness to Home on Stage

At the age of 8, I got my first break when I was cast in a Broadway performance of The Sound of Music. This was before I had even been in a play. I had been in a boy's choir and sang solos, but that was my extent of theatrical experience. The pressure was immense as I filled in for a boy whose voice was changing.

Naturally, I was terribly nervous before going on stage for my personal opening night. However, the moment I made my entrance, all nervousness vanished, and I felt at home on the stage. The audience's applause was the first moment I was not a "nobody," but a "somebody." This experience marked a turning point in my life.

Endurance and All-Encompassing Presence

Theater is an endurance sport. It requires a relentless commitment, both physically and mentally. It challenges us to push our limits and, in doing so, learn more about ourselves and the craft of acting. This enduring drive is what keeps countless actors and actresses engaged in the theater, year after year.

The Cast Family and Personal Growth

Acting in theater is not just about performing in front of an audience. It is about creating an entire world with your cast family. You start off with people you hardly know, and by the end, you are creating a world with some of your closest friends. This sense of family can be incredibly rewarding, as it helps to counterbalance the challenges and emotional demands of the role.

The Trials of Being Bare for the World to See

The theater requires you to be vulnerable and bare in front of an audience every night, without any camera cut to help. This can be daunting, but it is also liberating. It is a chance to be someone else for a little bit, a chance to cope with life and find clarity through the characters you portray.

One character in particular, Maria, taught me a valuable lesson about resilience and compassion. Each time I step on stage in The Sound of Music, I try to take away something new from the experience. This opportunity to grow and learn is invaluable.

The Lasting Impact of Theater

This experience from 1960 has lasted a lifetime. Every year, I perform at the annual Cabaret Festival in Providence, MA, for the 4th year running. It does not matter how I feel off-stage or what is happening in my life—on stage, I am 'at home' and a 'somebody.' The power of the stage never fades, and I plan to continue acting, directing, or singing as long as my body allows.

The allure of theater lies in its ability to transform and reveal. It is a place where we can shed our shells and become something new. This is the magic that keeps me coming back to the stage.

So, for all the young actors out there, don't be afraid to stand on stage and let the world see you. For on that stage, you will find the truest version of yourself.

Keywords: theater, acting, broadway