Something bittersweet.
“Such a sisterhood, brotherhood, comradeship. Like no other place—no other time on earth.”
A Piece of My Heart was performed for the last time* this weekend, in front of three thousand theatre students at the Selena Auditorium in Corpus Christi. After almost two months, we revisited the world of Martha, MaryJo, Sissy, Whitney, Leeann, and Steele to tell the same incredible story that has brought out the deepest emotions in all of us.
I'll never forget the way I felt after the play was over, when I stood at the foot of the stage, hand-in-hand with Audrey and Mal, while every person in that great big auditorium stood up to applause our performance. But even sweeter was thirty seconds after curtain call, when Mr. Cottom caught us all in one huge hug backstage, kissed each of our foreheads, and proudly told us how amazing we were. Even if our last performance had been less than impressive, it wouldn't have mattered. We told our story the best we possibly could under the circumstances, and that was the only thing that mattered.
It's been a rollercoaster ride, frightening yet exhilarating, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat if I could. But it's finally time to put this show to rest, something bittersweet. It goes without saying that A Piece of My Heart—the play, the girls, and the entire experience—will always hold a very special place in my own.