Dream Girls: The Simplicity of Musicals

I’ve never seen a musical in my 17 years of existence. My lovely friend, who is an aspiring actor, invited to come to see a musical in our city include city. We saw the infamous Dream Girls, which in one word was beautiful. The show focused on the ambience the actors were creating rather than the props and custumes. Growing up, I loved watching Bollywood movies because of the cliche love stories and the various dance numbers. Musicals, in some ways are the same, but the live element makes the experience that much more enjoyable. There were so many aspects of the show I had to divide my attention amongst, but there was never a gap that could take your interest away. As an audience member, you feel like you are part of the show because all the actors and actresses on stage are acknowledging your presence. As the music moves on the pages of the score, the story is moving from different locations, moods, and time periods right in front of your eyes. Some may feel like it is not as realistic, but to me it added another layer and dimension to the story, one that can never to achieved through regular cinema.

Through this experience, I was able to appreciate the simple pleasures of live performance. Live performance can connect people in that very moment to their past memories with friends, families, significant others, or even pets. At the same time, it can spark this new sense of self. I felt more inspired and ambitious after watching the show because of how fast the storyline transcended. I had this sudden desire to go home and practice my flute and dance to Bollywood music. People will always feel emotional during a movie or theater production, but once it is over it is gone. After every movie I watch, I feel cheated on because of imperfections seen in reality. It's not that some movies don’t have happy endings; it’s the fact that those endings are still seamless and powerful. Similar to other people, I fall in the trap of living vicariously through the characters in movies and shows.

The key in viewing any theatrical or cinema production is to be present in the moment, but also separate yourself from that story because your story is more special. Please learn from these stories because there is always a new style or perspective that you can gain. It is okay to also feel frustrated after one of these productions because each of these directors, choreographers, and artists want to leave the interpretation of the story up to you. Enjoy the beauty in these productions, but most importantly remind yourself of the beauty in your own life.