“There’s no business like show business

Like no business I know.

Everything about it is appealing.”

Opening night jitters are part of the thrill of participating in a live theater production. Nervous stomachs abound even for the most seasoned actors. Some shaky hands attempt to apply make-up, and soon an actor is summoning someone from make-up to come to the rescue. The director paces backstage making sure all is in place. He tried to hide his panic when he sees a prop missing from the prop table. The roller coaster ride is about to begin. The cast is on edge as the countdown to curtain begins.

“I can’t find my pants. Has anyone seen my pants?”

The audience begins to arrive early, and the director sneaks a peek through the curtain. He looks at his watch and checks the school clock to be sure it’s accurate.

“Jenny’s not here yet, and she’s supposed to bring my curling iron.”

Several students on the tech crew make final adjustments on the set. Bill grabs a paint brush and swipes it across Mary’s face. She screams and chases him down the hallway.

“Someone put water in my shoes and now my socks are wet.”

The director tries to gain some kind of control as the principal stares at him unapprovingly.

“I think I’m going to be sick.”

“I think we should get paid for this.”

The custodian begins ranting and raving because someone has been smoking in the bathroom. The principal hears this and repeats the stare, only this time he pulls a pen and paper out of his pocket and write something down.

“There’s no people like show people.

They smile when they are low.”

The director gathers his cast for some last minute directions and a brief request for divine intervention.

“We can’t start yet. My dad has to work overtime.”

The director makes one final check backstage and gives the signal to dim the house lights. The audience settles down and the intro music begins. The house lights dim again, and the curtain opens. The curtain catches on an ill-placed flat and begins to wobble. The audience gasps and the director perspires as he takes another Tums.

“If we can make it through act one, we’ll be fine.”

The director breathes a little easier as the final act curtain closes. The cast screams in celebration, as if they were surprised at what they accomplished. The curtain call shows an audience standing and applauding in appreciation. The cast comes together as a team and close friendships are established.

“What show are we doing next? I don’t want this to end.”

The director presents the lead actress with a large bouquet of yellow roses and, as she begins to tear up, other cast members join in.

“That night you open and there you are; next day on your dressing room they’ve hunt a star.

Let’s go on with the show.”