Baby's First Gala

gala (noun): a social occasion with special entertainments or performances.

Two weeks ago, I went to my first gala (see definition above), which was a huge deal for me. I had never been to one of these events before and had no idea what to expect. In addition to that, I would be going alone since the theater wasn't able to offer me two tickets because of producing fees (whatever that means). I was a new journalist. I had done an interview with the STAR of the gala, Laura Benanti. I didn't know if I would be meeting her that night (SPOILER ALERT: I DIDN'T. I WASN'T VIP. But it's okay). This event meant a lot. I LOVE Laura and admire her work so much. I had done a few articles for the theater as well, so it made me feel even more of a connection. I bought a new outfit and everything.

Let me tell you: going to events alone is WEIRD. I HATE IT. Some people love it, which is fine, but I don't. I walked into the performing arts center and literally everyone (except maybe 2 people and the children's chorus) was several decades older than me. I walked up to the box office to pick up my ticket. The box office attendant asked me if I had reserved two? But I didn't? Then later realized the seat next to me was EMPTY. WONDERFUL. We weren't allowed to go into the theatre for a little while so I stood near the bathroom by myself and pretended to go on my phone while watching the VIP members be served hors d'oeuvres. The whole vibe was so weird. I wanted to feel on top of the world because I felt proud of be a journalist and land an interview for this kind of event - but at the end of the day I was at the bottom of the food chain. I wasn't a VIP, and I'm still a rookie. #MYLIFE

They finally let people into the theater and I was so happy to take my seat and feel less awkward. They had a big screen playing montages of shows that played at the theater this past year. I almost got emotional because I saw the videos for Aida and Mamma Mia and it was a culmination of months of hard work. I was a part of the theater community and it felt great. A few of the members of the theatre made speeches first then Laura came onstage and I was SO HAPPY. It had been a few years since I've seen her live, even though it didn't feel that way because she is always on the TV shows I watch and on social media! She is so freaking funny, has a beautiful voice, and combines humor and sincerity extremely well. 

FYI: I didn't have to write a review for this concert but if I did I would go on and on about how amazing she was. I'll just list some highlights:

• Laura sang a medley of songs from My Fair Lady and I was kind of sad I didn't see her in the show because it sounded amazing!
• I got emotional when she sang "Vanilla Ice Cream" from She Loves Me while pretending to write on a notepad because GOD.. I MISS THAT SHOW SO MUCH!!!
• She did a medley of random songs including Single Ladies, Fat Bottomed Girls, I Like Big Butts, Proud Mary, etc. and it was my favorite part of the show because it showed Laura's humor
• I loved hearing her talk about her daughter Ella (who is SO CUTE BTW) and how she likes to carry a purse and is so sassy.
• Laura and the theatre's children's chorus sang two songs from The Sound of Music. It was BEAUTIFUL.
• At the end she left the stage and everyone thought she was doing an encore but then she came back out and was like "Guys, I usually don't do an encore" but some drunk guy yelled "DO MELANIA" so she sang "Send In The Clowns" in her voice.

There is a lot more I could add but that would take forever. This was one of the most memorable events I've ever been to and I hope I can see Laura again and maybe even meet her! Here's to the next one.....