Dear Gentle Reader,
Last night, towards the end of rehearsal, I finally had the opportunity to listen to Rachelle Abbey sing “Fly, Fly Away” from Catch Me If You Can. Now, look, I think Kerry Butler is great, but I what I heard last night blew the cast recording out of the water. I can’t stop thinking about it to this very minute. I am so excited to hear this at every show. I got chills and everything. This is one thing. The other thing, not so good.
But then, Dear Reader, I got home and I heard about the terrible news from Manchester. It is just so utterly heart-wrenching. Of course, to feel bad for the victims is natural, but I also feel terribly for the artists that were performing. What a weight that must be! I know it isn’t the artists’ fault in the least, but if it were me in that situation, I would be devastated. Such a cruel act and for what purpose? The average age of Ariana Grande’s fanbase is estimated at 18-23. What is the purpose of targeting young innocent people? A group has taken credit for the attack, of course. If it is them, ( like King Cheetoh, I refuse to say the name as I do not want to contribute to their self glorifying ways) I suppose the idea of a strong self assured woman really terrifies them. And for that same woman to be a beacon for younger people must really shake their manliness to nothing.
All I can think about today is the loss of life, the unrealized potential of the victims. It truly is a sad situation to realize that the possible ideas and lives of the victims could have advanced our world to peace, or not (I mean, I have to be realistic. However, I am ALWAYS hopeful of the positive.) The other think I am also dreading is how politicians will use this. It is a terrible thought, I know, but again with the realism here. Why is it that those few awful people can bring millions and millions of good people to their knees in sorrow. Why don’t the acts of kindness change the world in the same fashion?
In this situation, Kind Reader, these two things just seem to hold hands in my mind now. Most notably for lyrics like this:
We didn’t get to say goodbye,
Goodbye
No need to tell me why, my baby
Maybe it’s because you’ll fly back home to me one day
Baby when you’re in the clouds
Please keep a lookout
Maybe, darling, find a hideaway
For you and I
I know that this song is sung by a someone in love to her fiancé, but when I think about the kids at that show, I also think about the pain of the parents. It is such a heavy, heavy situation but I can’t stop thinking about it.
Dear Reader, I hope you are safe where you are. I hope you follow what makes you happy. I hope you remain strong in spirit and hope.
Until next time,
The Actorvist 