This past winter, I auditioned for the Cedar Rapids Follies, knowing full well how tight-knit their community is. Heck, I am not from Cedar Rapids, and they don’t know me AT ALL. Might as well see what it is all about, besides, who doesn't love a variety show based on the Ziegfeld Follies... oh, wait, that's not cool anymore? Psh. Classic never goes out of style. 
Just look at this stud of a guy, I got to call my partner. 
Cedar Rapids Follies gave me a chance, and put me in a duet with one of the most talented male vocalists in the Corridor. 
And something just clicked. 
The first rehearsal was nerve racking, as it always is for me, because I have been told all my life I am not qualified enough to be a singer, or I am more of a "vixen or Villain" character. Lol, which got me parts like Wicked Witch of the West. No joke. I scared some kids. 
His cool attitude was charming, yet the way he looked at me, I felt like "Crap, this guy is ALWAYS a lead. Did Damon make a mistake to put a first year in?" But his kindness wilted my nerves. And our first run through was like a bull running through the lilies. ;).... lol It was great, but we definitely were not going to put on a performance that night. HAHA
Over the course of our rehearsals, we did what I do best, play. Our characters turned from Michael Bublé/Marilyn Monroe into Dick Van Dyke and Lucille Ball very quickly. At one point I think we were mobsters. I laughed until I peed. We were weird. 
And something just clicked. 
Amidst the Follies rehearsals I had opportunities to join other shows. 4 of them to be exact. And each time—- I remembered the paper I signed at auditions “You are part of a family. Are you willing to be there when needed. Follies is family.” —- I signed. And it rang loud and clear, because at every rehearsal, I felt cared for. I felt like a true me again. When those callbacks came through for the other shows, my old self would have been selfish and thrown Follies under the bus. Just to get a part. But in my spirit I knew, this was different.
And something just clicked. 
Fast forward to a month later, and I get to share these photos. 
This is why I do, what I do, how I do it... my wealth is in my relationships. I stuck to Follies, because something was calling me. I get to know a man who emanates class, loves hard, laughs frequently, cares whole-heartedly and is genuinely invested in others. 
Thank you for sharing you, Joe.