Starstruck 

 

My role: member of Conrad Birdie fan club

running across stage shouting He’s over there!

Freshman year, extra in Bye Bye Birdie. Brownie camera

strapped around my neck, I commanded the stage for one minute,

three words, some thirty yards, enough excitement to fuel a motorboat

plying Lake Michigan. Now the spotlight beaming on the star, senior year Maggie,

burnishing her chestnut hair, her petite frame, her heart shaped face.

She was lovely, I was ready for more lines, applause, blinding lights.

But that was it. Still, I mingled with the cast backstage, the words You’re On

sparkling like fairy lights. For me this was a one off. I couldn’t sing or dance.

I knew I could act, I knew it. But the force of the moment rumbled off

like fading thunder. I playacted backstage as if I belonged.