How many of you know where that quote comes from??

I am absolutely thrilled to tell you guys a little bit of news that I’ve kept from this little webspace for a few weeks now.

I’ve been cast as Maureen in a local theatre production of RENT. RENT is my very favorite musical ever.

When I was a freshman in high school, our choir director introduced us to the music of a musical that she’d just discovered in NYC. It was a little out there, and she cherry picked the songs to be sure that they were all appropriate for us to sing, but our show choir performed that music and I loved it from the very first time I sang about measuring life in love.

As I got older, and more interested in the music, I had an opportunity to work on the song “Take Me or Leave Me” in a college musical theatre workshop class. My love for the show (and the amazing drama queen Maureen) grew.

Even more years later, when the motion picture was released, and I had an easy and cheap way to see the show over and over, my love just really continued to get deeper.

For me, the stories in RENT are about love. Love that is color blind. Love that isn’t defined by gender or station in life. These stories that weave together the plot of RENT are about the fact that we’re all imperfect, and yet still perfectly made to love each other. Life is fleeting. And we must leave regret behind us and focus on the present moment. Not what has been. And not what might come.

The role of Maureen… I’m no fool. I know that there is some Kelsey in that character.

I often wonder if the people that have recently said, “OH MY GOSH, you’ll be such a good Maureen” are trying to compliment me or insult me.

Certainly, that character is narcissistic, unfaithful, and impulsive.

Three traits that I don’t readily see in myself.

But that character is also emotional, passionate, creative, and willing to raise her voice.

And I think that I have a little bit of that.

So, needless to say, having the chance to play Maureen is a dream come true.

I can’t think of one other role in one other show that I’d be more excited to play. I really can’t.

I’m so happy to share this with you! If you live in the DFW area and want information about where and when the show is being produced, let me know.

Have a great week, everyone!!