5 Things I Learned From Being Dolly

As some of you may know, I was recently in my school’s musical production of Annie Get Your Gun. In the show, I played the lead role of Dolly Tate, a middle-aged show woman who was a Frank Butler’s, a shooting champion in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, assistant.

As the musical was originally written in the 1940s and rewritten in the 1960s, there were a few racists themes (and not to mention atrocious harmonies!!!) throughout the show, pertaining only to Native Americans. These theme’s were carried out by none other than me, oddly enough.

So overall, my character was an old, racist hag who was hated by everybody. Hopefully needless to say, the character was very much not like me at all. However, from day one Dolly and I got along pretty well and apparently my acting job as a rotten and snotty woman was 100% believable. I had fun being Dolly, and it was amazing how quickly I could go from little, smiling lily to racist and crazy Dolly. Nonetheless, I loved Dolly and being this racist old hag taught me a lot about me and about life.

5. If You Feel Ridiculous, Don’t Stop. 

These are the leads of AGYG on our last dress rehearsal night.

Both the stage and life are about having fun and giving it your all. When I first stepped on stage as a freshman, I was scared and timid and I hid in the ensemble. But I didn’t have as nearly as much fun as I should have. Dolly was a very over-the-hill and she flailed her arms a lot to get the attention, so as I was acting, giving it my all and not being scared of looking silly was important. And that proved to bring the audience a great performance and I had a lot of fun. So it is with life, giving everything I got is essential and not being scared to look a little silly let’s me do that.

4. Hard Work Pays Off

Some ensemble members during one of our late night dress rehearsals.

The musical took 3 months to put together, and although it sounds like a lot of time, it didn’t feel like enough. In the last month of rehearsals, we had to pack in extra hours and extra work. Two weeks before the show I was at the school till 8 PM rehearing, and during school I was painting the set during my study hall hours. This left me tired and worn out, however show weekend was well enough a reward! I was so happy that my friends and family came to the show and the feeling you get after you pull off an amazing scene is unlike any other. The chaos of tech week taught me that hard work really does pay off it you allow it.

3. The Show is a Team Effort 

Many people who are leads often forget how important each person on stage is. From the smallest middle schooler to the most annoying techie (my brother), each and every person is important to the show! When I was an ensemble member, I did not realize my importance because no one every made me feel like I was important to the show. This year, as a lead, I made sure not to exclude myself from the ensemble. The director also made sure to emphasize the

The cast during our bows

importance of the ensemble’s acting. The cast was amazing with this, I’ve never been part of such a fun and active cast, and the audience noticed. The group, in any environment is important, and it’s important to realize that.

2. Time Flies

My friend and fellow color guard member Sam and I, who I will be very sad to leave this year!

So my school has the tradition of a senior speech the last night of the show to the rest of the cast as we get ready for the curtain to open. Needless to say, I was in tears. I couldn’t believe that it was my last year. The past four years were only possible to live through because of things like the musical. And this year with the cast was the best of all time. My last show was just another reminder of how high school is ending, and I’m excited for what’s to come, but I’m also sad that it’s all going to be over.

1. Dreams to Come True (As corny as it sounds) 

I remember being little and wishing I was a lead in a musical at my school. As a freshman, I thought it nearly impossible, but it actually happened! I feel that God has blessed me my senior year because all my little high school dreams are coming true: I am color guard captain, I

Me as Dolly in my favorite costume, my Act II gown.

got a lead role in my musical, and I was just asked to sing the star-spangled banner this weekend! These little dreams from when I was a young girl are actually happening, and it’s crazy! Praise God for all these blessings 🙂