Hello Fab 40's

It’s the final day of my 30‘s. I’m going to embrace it by sharing a little of what I learned over the years ... from childhood up to last year. Here’s to the Fab 40’s!

1.         Family is forever

2.         The grass isn’t always greener on the other side

3.         Find your passion. It’s okay if you don’t know what that is.

4.         Some friends are meant to be with you for a period of time. Others are for forever.

5.         Spend money

6.         Save money

7.         Be a risk taker

8.         Smile more

9.         It’s okay to fail. It’s what makes you stronger.

10.      Be giving

10.         Be thankful for what you have-- not what you don’t

11.         Remember where you came from

12.         You do turn into one of your parents as you get older ... well a little

13.         Just be

14.         Be proud of your journey. We all start somewhere.

15.         Don’t close doors that are half open

16.         Fall in love at least once

17.         Embrace your curls

18.         Don’t apologize for doing things that make you happy

19.         Thank your parents. They put up with a lot.

20.         Travel as much as you can

21.         Don’t work your life away

22.         There’s nothing wrong with being single. Finding love takes time. Don’t settle.

23.         You learn who your real friends are during your darkest moments

24.         Drink tea. It’s a cup of happiness.

25.         Admit when you’re wrong. It’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength.

26.         Don’t throw away your shot

27.         Workout

28.         When you have a bad day remember someone out there is having a worse day

29.         Life is short

30.         Years fly by the older you get

31.         Call your parents daily and tell them you love them

32.         Celebrate your Birthday. You never know if it will be your last.

33.         It’s okay to call out sick. Your colleagues will be okay.

34.         Bungee jump

35.         “People be crazy.” It’s a fact of life. It’s how you deal with the crazy that matters.

36.         Ask questions

37.         Dance around your apartment, home, condo (etc). It will make you happy!

38.         Let it go

39.         Embrace your imperfections. It what makes you special.

40.         Even if you don’t take it ... listen to your parents advice. 

My Happy Place

Everyone has a happy place. I truly believe mine is at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre watching Kinky Boots.

Yes, I understand I’ve seen the show 30-something times probably. Yes, I get eye rolls... a lot. It doesn’t bother me. I won lotto Saturday night and I was going to go see Wayne Brady as Lola for the first time! Yes, I feel some of your judgement eyes through the screen. It’s okay. Judge away!

There’s just something about this show and the people in the show. The cast has changed since the first time I went to final dress in Chicago. The show has changed. However, when I walk into the theatre it’s the same.  I just feel the love. It’s like coming home to a big hug from a friend you haven’t seen in a bit.  I don’t come as often as I used to. There are so many amazing shows on Broadway I’m blessed to see. However, I come back as often as I can to show my support to a show and cast that lifts spirits, spreads love and preaches to “Just Be!” 

As I settled into my box seat I was excited to see the changes. I appreciate live theatre. Every show is different. Every audience is different. Every stage door experience is different.

I haven’t been inspired to stage door shows lately. I honestly don’t think I stage doored any shows last year. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because I can be a bit shy if I’m not with friends?  However, I really wanted to stage door Saturday to see some people I hadn’t seen in ... well ... probably a year. I settled along the barricade and was sandwiched between some really great people.  The man next to me asked why I’ve come so many times. I get this question a lot. I looked at him and told him, “It makes me happy.” The show has an important message and the original cast members still in the show have each left a footprint on my heart.  I explained I went to the final dress rehearsal in Chicago. I explained how I came back to New York the following morning and excitedly told my colleagues how I knew this show was going to be big. I just knew there was something special about it. 

30-something shows later ... there IS still something special about it. I still cry during the same scenes. I still smile when I see familiar faces step onto the stage. I still love this musical.

I’m sure there are many of you who feel that way about a musical. Maybe it’s Spring Awakening. Maybe it’s Rent. Maybe it’s Les Miserables. For me ... it’s Kinky Boots ... a show that every time I leave ... has me, and everybody saying “Yeah!”