So this Wednesday, I went to New York to see Antoinette perform in the off Broad Way production “The Wonderful Wizard of Song”. She didn’t know I was coming so it was a surprise. As I took my seat in the theater, I looked at the audience and smiled to myself. It was a sea of old Jewish women and men, excited and adjusting themselves for the 2pm matinee. The show began and 3 men came to the stage crooning old time songs, snapping their fingers, bobbing their heads. “I hate musicals” I thought to myself.
Finally, Antoinette stepped on the stage. She was 3 feet above me. She looked beautiful and radiant in a blue gown. Her hair was styled in a 40′s fashion, makeup flawless (as always) and she began to sing. I have not seen my friend perform in a musical in nearly 4 years. Her voice, range and control was like I have never heard it before. Her eyes swept the crowd and brightened when she saw my bushy, curly head amongst the sea of gray. Her big smile broadened. I felt so proud of her. I felt like crying. Throughout the rest of the show, I know everyone was anticipating when Antoinette would step on the set again. She brought life to the show.
I have come to the realization that support is an interesting and very important phenomena. A lot of us misconstrue the appropriateness of when to support. More often than not, we “support” when the other person is gaining recognition from others or when they are closer to ‘success’ then not.
I have realized that is a bit too late. Real support coincides with the meaning of the word – “A thing that bears the weight of something or keeps it upright”. It is the reassurance of love, recognition and attention to another when he or she is just starting and when that person’s own self assurance and pep talks may not suffice on it’s own. Support is the reminder that he or she can do this.
I am so proud of you Antoinette. Your grace, energy, control and sheer talent in that production is really inspiring and beautiful. Everyday that you step on that stage and give it your all, you are an example of someone making her dreams a reality. You are an example of the amount of work that is required. You are perfecting and pursuing and performing your art by any means necessary. You are doing nothing short of what you said you were going to do. You are doing it! Don’t get discouraged, your on that course! Keep moving!
After the show! It’s blurry but I love this pic.
Lunch
You see our effin shoes? This is the reason we are never and will never do fashion or OOTD type posts! We simply are not about that life…
My tiny backpack (camera bag) that Antoinette just would not let me live down
New York City Life
Ended my great day in a NY diner waiting for my bus. I was amped after 3 cups of these.
To see Antoinette shine and to support her journey, get tickets to the Wonderful Wizard of Song Here Type in the code wizfnf for the discount.
Your friendship is admirable and touching. :’)
This just made me tear up. For real. I admire the support you two have for each other. It’s very rare, few and far in between. Shanti, I personally LOVE your acknowledgement that support begins from the start… from the rubble all the way through the end when they shine. That’s real support.
This post really touched me in this particular time in my life because I’m making the big move to NYC and I literally can’t sleep at night running through countless irrational “what-if” scenarios all out of fear. And I have a few close besties that EVERY SINGLE DAY remind me, it’s going to be okay and never get tired of reassuring me, though they literally tell me the same things daily as this move approaches.
Words can’t describe how lucky one is to have someone who you can always lean on when you’re about to fall. Beautiful post!
Antoinette was great! I’m glad I got to see her perform, and Shanti is so right – people were definitely looking forward to her stepping out on the stage again throughout the show. She has a beautiful voice and an amazing stage presence. Congrats on following your dreams, Antoinette!
Sudane
Truly awesome! For you to come all the way and see your friend perform, but just to be super supportive. It makes me think of who I have in that role and honestly I don’t see anyone. Right now just me and God. God bless your Friendship!
Aww u guys r awesome! I love the bond u two have and Shanti is on point when she talks about support in a relationship
CONGRATULATIONS Antoinette and much love to you both and to your friendship! I can see you as fabulous old ladies chilling in the coffee shop (note that I didn’t say rocking on the porch, lol).
Am i the only one who as issues seeing the posts? its been like a while since the pictures on the right of the screen covers part of the wrtings…
interesting. I actually had the same problem but when I updated my internet it looked right. ill definitely do some tech work
You are such a great friend, Shanti. This post got me all teary eyed and what not…
Ant, I will be coming to see you very soon! I look forward to it!
I have had problems seeing the post for several days. Maybe I do need to update my internet???
really? what kind of problems?
All of the most recent post will bleed into the “What’s popping” section so readers are unable to read the right side of the text or see the image if there’s an image. I am unable to see the text in your “Ouidad” post today, 2/13/13 on the right side. It’s like the post is on the right side is hidden behind the “What’s popping” section. Hope that helps. It may be my internet version but I think it’s up to date.
This is a really sweet post Shanti! And you’re right, support can be a neccessity in the course of most people’s lives. It’s great that you two have each other!