The first few bars of The Circle of Life sounded and I started to cry. The music was overwhelming and was coupled with the colours of the dancers' costumes as they walked down the aisle of theatre. I was 18 and it was the first time theatre had taken my breath away.
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Before this moment I hadn't been that engaged with arts. My sister performed in a play, but I was more transfixed with the value of the team on display both in front and behind the curtain than the actual performance.
The Lion King was the first time I was transported from a seat next to my Aunty who had asked me to join her in Sydney for the performance. My mum had taken me to a performance of Oliver! in Melbourne as a child and I wish so much that I could remember how I felt at that moment.
After The Lion King, I was hooked. Musicals became one of my favourite genres both on stage and on the screen.
I had always wanted to attend a Broadway show. My wish came true during my surprise honeymoon. The Big Apple had been added to the itinerary and we spent one very cold night attending Rock of Ages.
A few years later, the husband and I rendezvoused in New York and I managed to convince him to attend another show. Jersey Boys was a good choice for a non-musical loving husband. But what I really wanted, really wished for, was to attend The Book of Mormon.
After waking from an afternoon nap in the hotel, the husband told me to get ready to go out. He had gone and purchased tickets for the show that took both our breaths away.
I often tell people that if theatre staff had closed the doors and told us to pay the ticket price again I would have given them the money without question.
While the husband's musical journey ended after a disastrous attempt at having him enjoy Jesus Christ Superstar by a small community theatre group (it was brilliant), my love continues to grow thanks to outstanding community theatre here in Launceston.
The two standouts for me have been Les Miserables last year and most recently Strictly Ballroom. There was something special about seeing the talent on stage delivering fine performances in an Australian accent and telling Australian stories.
Closing night was Saturday, so for all who missed out, I'm sincerely sorry. Because you lost the chance to witness the creative talent our city harnesses on a regular basis.
Thankfully you don't need the ticket to New York to have the opportunity to be transported from your seat on Brisbane Street, just buy a ticket to the next show and be ready to laugh, cry and be proud.
