by Matt Smith . . .
What’s in a word… or three? There’s no doubt the pandemic has us all navigating a cavalcade of emotions. From rage and anxiety, to excitement and hopefulness, there’s no telling what we could be feeling at any given moment. Of course, our Broadway panelists are no exception; they, too, are feeling out their feelings as our new way of life continues to play itself out. And, having, last week, offered up their most-played theatre ditties, they’re here sharing their ups and downs with utmost honesty, not only detailing what they’re experiencing in the moment, but looking blissfully toward the future at the lighter feelings they’ll feel ahead.
Who’s embracing their sense of peace and gratitude? Who’s taking it all one step at a time? Who’ll be undeniably relieved when Broadway and theatre open again? (Well, really, who won’t be?) Scroll through and see what you can find. Perhaps their thoughts might not be too far off from your own. But regardless of how they, or you, or any of us are feeling now, take solace in the fact that we will see the light eventually. Broadway will be back. Because, again, it’s lengthy, but it’s #onlyintermission.
In three words, how are you feeling right now?
Christina Bianco (Funny Girl; Me, Myself and Everyone Else): Impatient. Creative. Hungry.
Todd Buonopane (The Play That Goes Wrong, #BathtubTheatre, #FridgeSongs): I’m getting by.
Kevin Chamberlin (Seussical, Disaster!, Wicked, Ratatouille): Optimistic, frustrated and creative.
LaVon Fisher-Wilson (Chicago, Newsies, SuperYou): Hopeful, thankful, snack-ful.
Kelsey Fowler (Grey Gardens, Mary Poppins, Bonnie & Clyde): Hopeful, realistic, present.
Jenn Gambatese (Mrs. Doubtfire): Truly, truly grateful.
Michael James Leslie (The Wiz, Little Shop of Horrors, Barrow Street Sweeney Todd): Fat and lonely.
Bobbi MacKenzie (School of Rock: The Musical): Stressed, elated and hopeful.
Michael J. Moritz, Jr. (Hadestown, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, On the Town): Hopeful, thankful, cautious.
Graham Montgomery (Kinky Boots, The King and I National Tour): Healthy, anxious and confident.
Donna Vivino (Les Misérables, Wicked, Cats): Ready to work.
Cori Wilson (School of Rock: The Musical): Anxious, eager and ready.
In three words, how will you feel when quarantine restrictions are lifted completely and Broadway eventually reopens?
Christina Bianco: Affectionate. Grateful. Determined.
Todd Buonopane: Hopeful. Relieved. Excited.
Kevin Chamberlin: Relieved, hopeful and grateful.
LaVon Fisher-Wilson: Free at last!
Kelsey Fowler: Encouraged, excited, grateful.
Jenn Gambatese: Ecstatic beyond words!
Michael James Leslie: God loves me.
Bobbi MacKenzie: Excited, cheerful and overjoyed!
Michael J. Moritz, Jr.: Hopeful, thankful, cautious.
Graham Montgomery: Undeniably, fantastically overjoyed!
Donna Vivino: Ready to work.
Cori Wilson: Hopeful, gracious and relieved.
