It’s always easy to tell if the performers on the field like their show.  It seems to be in every cell of their bodies, in their very breath, and certainly in their energy level.  If a group of kids hates their show, we are all sure to hate it too.

But conversely, I have loved watching some really terrible shows simply because the performers were loving what they were doing.  As stupid as some show design problems might be, this can be overcome (to some degree, anyway) by the hard work and joy of the performers.  If their heart is in it, my heart will go out to them.

Recently I had the great pleasure of seeing the touring company of “In The Heights.”  It has been a long time since I’ve seen an entire cast of performers having such a great time.  They were all obviously enjoying being in this show.  The energy level coming from the stage was amazing and quite contagious.  They were working hard, and doing so because they loved what they were doing.

This hard work by the performers will never go unnoticed.  Everyone in the audience can tell that there is joy coming from the stage.  I had two different people describe “In the Heights” as “energetic.”  And it certainly was.

I have had other terrific experiences where the cast performed with energy and joy.  The first time I saw “Mama Mia” was a special experience.    The dance production at the end of the First Act just about knocked me out of my seat.  I have since seen the show two other times when the cast was more pedestrian in their approach, much to my disappointment, but this first time will always stay with me.  Everyone was working hard and putting full effort into the performance, and this energy created a moment I’ll remember forever.

“Blast” was a production with a special connection for me.  The first time I saw this show, the cast finished “Medea,” the lights came up, and I was physically unable to move my body.  I sat there in shock.

Lee and I had the great good fortune to have premium 4th row Center seats for “Wicked” on Broadway.  At the end of Act One when Elphaba finishes “Defying Gravity” I remember that the lights came up and Lee looked at me and asked “Are you okay?”

The members of our performing groups can get lazy, or take for granted what they are doing.  It’s our job to remind them of their responsibility to the audience, to the group they are part of, and to themselves.  The energy and effort, the sheer joy of a performance, really DOES matter.  None of us should settle for anything less than our best.