~:[CH7 - Day 73]:~ A Story Unlike Any Other

~:[CH7 - Day 73]:~ A Story Unlike Any Other

It was a hectic day. While I have done many conferences, I haven't really done a "field trip" before and this would be my first. However, as much of a hassle it was, it was well worth all the trouble. We were lucky enough to attend the Los Angeles showing of Allegiance (140 strong), which is not only filled with great music, but has a story that is one that must be told over and over. I was lucky to have the opportunity to watch this musical twice on Broadway, three times in theaters and finally, I got to see it back here in Los Angeles. While I brought my seniors to see it in New York, I was so happy to be able to bring a larger group of my students to see it. With a story line that has it's ups and downs, it strikes every emotional cord within you, with a story that is often left untold, even within the generation of Japanese-Americans who live here today. Being able to share this experienced touched my heart and be able to once again reconnect with my classmate from high school was a big added bonus. I was reminded by my mother today that we actually had attended the same preschool way back when, as I searched up old photos of us in an old production. I realized that we even had our own story, as we shared a stage way back when. While I wasn't on stage today, many of my students thought that I was, as a character in the show resembled me in some ways. As I watched Janelle on stage, I was taken away by a character who kept the humor throughout the musical and also touched our hearts so deeply all the way to the end. I was so proud to see her on stage and so thankful that this story is being told. The cast came out to greet the droves of students who were around and I was lucky enough to have some time to chat with her, along with my fellow Watanabes who were also in the musical. As I thought back to the original cast on Broadway, I was also pleased with how they adapted this to fit the stage in Los Angeles, adjusting what was necessary, while continuing to tell a story unlike any other. Other musicals may dominate headlines as people around the world sing their tunes, but Allegiance is one that will be forever rooted in me. It definitely is a story unlike any other and am grateful for people like Janelle and this amazing cast who are delivering an important message we all need to hear; something for which I will be forever grateful.