A Musical Journey That Led Me To Friends

Up until about 8 weeks ago, I knew maybe 10 people in this country.

In October, I saw an ad on Facebook asking for people to audition for a show.

To give me a chance to get out and meet some people, I decided to audition. Less than 2 months later, I have met more than 30 new people, all of whom I can call friends.

The Cast in our "Stayin' Alive" costumes!
Photo by Joshua Baylis, edited by Erin Grigson

Top of the Pops, a musical journey from the 1950s to today, opened yesterday/today, depending on where you are in the world while reading this.

I originally auditioned to sing "Chandelier," by Sia, but have since gotten involved in 6 more numbers.

We have 4 company numbers. We open with "December, 1963 (Oh What a Night)" by the Four Seasons. The lovely Julie is featured on it and it's a really fun way to start the show.

From there, we have solos, duets and small groups performing songs from the 50s through 70s including some by Elvis, ABBA and the Beatles.

We end the first half with a super funky, awesomely choreographed, Saturday Night Fever-esque rendition of "Stayin' Alive," by the Bee Gees. I've never felt quite so disco as I do during that number.

After a short intermission, we open the second half with Billy Joel's "For the Longest Time." We have 8 individuals featured in this number and I love getting to do the cool harmonies.

This half is when I have lots to do. I get a break in the 80s, but then stay busy.

I kick off the 90s with our group who salute the Spice Girls with our version of "Stop (Right Now)," a song I had never heard until they assigned me to that group.

But it's been an absolute blast working with the other girls.

Immediately after Spice Girls, I have to change into my cowgirl outfit (including my boots and hat) and come back out to do some line dancing in the second half of "Something to Talk About," by Bonnie Raitt.

After that, I get a few songs to catch my breath, which gives me time to change and glitter up before I go back on for "Chandelier."

There are 2 more songs before our final company number, which is "Born This Way," by Lady Gaga.

Total costume changes: 7. Total numbers I'm in: 7. Total amount of fun: Priceless.

Unfortunately, not all my loved ones can come see this amazing production. However, I'm proud to say that pretty much everyone I know in this country knows about it/is coming to it. (Though, to be fair, three quarters of the people I know in this country are in it, so...)

Stay tuned for more photos coming soon!