Sharon Higgins
CFL.ca
Tom and I recently saw the musical “Wicked.” Wicked is about Elphaba, The Wicked Witch of the West, the story of what happened before the Wizard of Oz. The production is nothing short of triple amazing, with the set and costumes being spectacular, actors highly talented and the music riveting.
At the end of the first act – in football lingo the first half – we both looked at each other and said we could go home more than satisfied as it was just that good.
Something unusual happened at the beginning of the second act when it was announced that the understudy for Elphaba would be taking over. No explanation was given but we quickly drew the conclusion she either became ill or had an injury. All of a sudden there was a shadow of doubt in my mind, wondering if the understudy would be as good as the lead.
The curtain went up and almost immediately Elphaba was on. With an all-encompassing costume and a lot of green body paint, it was hard to tell if it was the lead or the understudy Elphaba. The musical continued and I kept looking for a hint of failure from her. Was she on key, did she remember her lines, did the other cast members support her?
An understudy has to know the complete role and be able to step in on short notice. What a thrill for the understudy Elphaba to actually take the stage! It was her moment to shine and prove her worth. The cast members rallied around her, and although I am not a professional critic, I would say the second act was equally, if not better, than the first. Note for note, song for song and step for step were flawless. The audience was on their feet in a thunderous standing ovation at the end of the performance. I guess you could say it was a winner!
We were also very fortunate to experience musical theatre when Tom was with the Eskimos. Our three children spent the better part of their junior and senior high school years performing with St. Albert Children’s Theatre. They exposed us to the trials and tribulations of auditions, rehearsals and performances. The hours spent in preparation seemed insane, until you saw the performance and then you quickly realized the necessity of it all.
Our son Thomas was also playing football at the same time. Tom asked him to explain what it was like to be in a live musical performance, night after night, not ever having had such an experience himself. Were there similarities to football? Thomas said it was exactly like playing in a football game except in live theatre you sort of know the outcome.
So what does this have to do with football? As Tom would say, “It’s simple.”
There are always backup football players waiting patiently on the sideline for a chance to prove their worth. Opportunities are presented to them in many ways, just like for Elphaba. Injuries, sickness, a motivational spark when teams are losing, or alternately when a team has the score out of reach and has wrapped up a win, backup players are put on the field to give the starters a rest.
Tom always told me it’s just as hard to be a backup player as a starter, having to be physically and mentally ready to go when the coach calls you, sometimes waiting on an opportunity for weeks, months or even a football season.
Many times it’s perceived the backup player won’t be as good, so you’ll often see the opposition pick on them to test their talent. More often than not the new kid on the block will rise to the challenge, as he is a bundled up mass of passion, energy and desire, ready and willing to satisfy.
Whether an understudy or a backup football player, it’s simple; the role in which they play can possibly unleash a future star of tomorrow.
I salute all of you for your intense drive and commitment to be the best you can, while waiting patiently in the wings or on the sideline for your chance.
