free to be

One day recently I found myself watching Oprah when Fastasia was a guest. I absolutely love this girl and at the end of the show she sang "I'm here" from the Color Purple. I read the book, I saw the movie...and it resonated in so many ways but nothing compared to how I felt when I watched this performance. There I sat, all alone on my couch, glued to the TV, and as she got to those last few lines of the song, there I was, crying right along with her. I wonder if it's the same in living rooms all around the country...or if there's something wrong with me? ;) Anyway, I loved it so much that I went straight from the couch to my computer, to do a search about taking a trip to New York while she's still performing.

My good friend Luke, who also wants to be a black, soul singing, hip shakin powerhouse, listened graciously as I shared my cathartic Oprah experience. He ever so kindly put her performance on his blog so that I could get a little fix every now and then. (you're the best, Luka!) He was over last night doing laundry and we watched her -- while I cried, yet again. :) Admit it Luke, you were holding back tears--I could see it!! And while I completely love the rendition he has posted, I found my Oprah moment today and decided to share it too. If you get a chance to hop over to his blog click on a tab at the top that has something about performances on it...that will take you to many more listening treasures.

I'm serious about the trip. I think I might do whatever is necessary to get there. Kyle's in, even though I don't think he's quite as desperate to see the Color Purple on Broadway as I am. He's always a good sport! Marcia? Jacs? Luke? Any other broadway lovers? Allison, this obviously excludes you since you fast forward through the songs of every musical we've ever watched together. ;)