Last Sunday afternoon, I drove the short distance from my home to the second rehearsal for the Listen to Your Mother Milwaukee Show. And then, I sat in the car for a good five minutes.
I re-read my essay out loud. Watched folks coming and going through the parking garage. Hoped everyone thought I was talking into my blue tooth on some very important phone call instead of mumbling to myself.
I took a deep breath.
I said a prayer.
I opened the car door and went inside.
I am nervous. I’ve read my work in front of friends and family before. Even this particular story isn’t entirely new. Still, there’s something different in the idea of taking the stage. Under the lights. In front of a microphone. But sitting around the table with the other women (who are likely as nervous as me), I heard exactly what I needed.
Alexandra Rosas, one of the co-producers of the show, opened the rehearsal with a pep talk of why Listen to Your Mother is so important. This show is about regular people–your friend, your neighbor, that woman at the grocery store whom you’ve never met in person but you see every Saturday afternoon–sharing stories about what it takes to be a mother, love a mother, honor a mother. And, as Alexandra so aptly said, it’s about people learning how much more they are capable of.
It’s about courage.
Courage to recognize your story.
To write it down.
To share it with someone new in a way that may be entirely unfamiliar but connects us just the same.
On April 27th at 3pm, we take the stage. You should come. If not to the show in Milwaukee then to the show in your area. It’s almost guaranteed you’ll hear something that strikes a chord, and you might even be inspired to write a story of your own.
You can buy your tickets HERE.
10% of the proceeds go to IMPACT, an organization offering services that “restore the health and productivity of individuals, organizations and workplaces leading to an improved quality of life for our entire community.”
You have no idea how much I lived in your area so I could come and hear you! I hope someone takes a video and you post it. You’ll be fab!
Thanks, Beth. And there will be a video. Here’s hoping my hair behaves and my voice doesn’t crack! 🙂
I am so glad that you are a part of our cast, Christi. Your words inspire me and motivate me. So honored to be on this journey with you all.
Ah, Christi. LTYM shows are everything they’re cracked up to be. From the inside out, from the director side to the cast member to the audience. Everyone is touched. THANK YOU for recognizing that and for spreading the word. Our shows are so much beyond entertainment… they are proof, evidence, connection, joy, celebration. They are LIFE. We’re so proud to have you.
last year i sat in those seats, swallowed the nerves rising in my throat and tried to keep my hands steady as i opened my mouth to read… now, having sat under those bright lights (won’t lie, it was HOT), having experienced those stories and lives surround me… I can smile and say, just wait. *Just wait*. your story matters. you matter. LTYM is a beautiful place of awakening. so happy to have another year experience it in Milwaukee.
Can’t wait to see your video when it’s ready!
Looking forward to this for many reasons… you’re going to be grrrrrrreat.
Thank you, Jen and Alexandra. You’ve both helped make the journey wonderful.
Tara, I was there last year. You all looked so calm 🙂 Thanks for sharing your words of wisdom there–and here.
Nina & Sarah, your support means a lot to me!