T-Minus 4 Days (or: 5,760 minutes)
Today, we had an amazing music rehearsal with our music director extraordinaire, Brett Schrier. We started off by singing “Seasons Of Love” with the Broadway In South Africa company. Tracy McDowell and I were a bit emotional - the last time the two of us had sung this song together was onstage at the Nederlander Theater for the final performance of RENT on Broadway.
There was a great tradition with RENT where every time a new company was formed, even if the only change was a single new cast member, everyone would gather in a circle to sing “Seasons”. It was a ritual that signified the start of something new, and the further solidification of something established. Today, in rehearsal for Broadway In South Africa, I looked around the circle of faces singing “525,600 minutes” for the first time (and sounding AMAZING, I might add), and I saw Sean Bradford and Zach Bandler looking around and smiling, probably thinking the same thing I was - “I can’t believe we’re here.” We couldn’t be happier with our company.
What excites me more than anything about this trip is seeing how all the first-timers will be affected by the country and by the children with whom we work. It truly is life-changing, not only for the kids, but for the staff too. Sean and I were looking around rehearsal today trying to decide who is going to be the kids’ favorite BSA staffer; who is it that will quickly become the inevitable and incredible camper-magnet. Our prediction is Asmeret.
On the way out of rehearsal today, Zach and I were reveling in the warmth and compassion that we felt in the room. This is a group that is ready to make a difference, spread some joy, and “measure in love.” Here’s to the remaining 5,760 minutes before a journey of a lifetime.
Stay tuned,
Adam Kantor, co-founder of Broadway In South Africa
3 years ago