The Tony Awards were on Sunday night. I love musical theater — I would say it borders on obsessive. I don’t know if I should admit this in a public forum, but when my life goes through dramatic moments I hear musical numbers. When I’m having a bad day whispers of “On My Own” from Les Miserable rumble through my mind. When I’m driving to see a man I love, “Miracle of Miracles” from Fiddler on the Roof. When I’m in the shower I spend a lot of time going through my catalog of musical numbers to see — How many songs I know. I go through one after another. I know, theater geek right? If I had my life to do over again, I would devote my life to singing and dancing on Broadway. Until that times comes, I will live through the Tony Awards.

Lessons learned from the Tony’s

1. Keep drama in your life.

The Tony winners made no excuses. There were hands waving, tears streaming, and winners using phrases like — “I would die without my art” and “the stage is my home.” Make an effort to bring drama into your life today. Wear a yellow scarf on a Tuesday. Go into a public place and laugh so loud that people turn their heads. Give someone an over-the-top compliment “Donna, that is the most beautiful black cardigan in the world. I love it.”

Find the drama in your day.
2. Dance.
Just dance everyday. End of discussion.

3. Imagine yourself the heroine of your own story.

Yesterday, I was in line at the grocery store and there was a handsome man in the next lane over from me. Our check out clerks just happened to be taking items over the scanner at the same time. So the beeping of the scanner, became like a heartbeat. I had this fantasy of both of us breaking into song about love in the checkout line. We would both be singing our own melody and at the end — Love erupts.

What actually happened: Nothing. I took my diet coke, weight watchers fudge bars, and artichokes and headed for home. But the fantasy remains.

The big winners of the 2006 Tony’s were: Best Play — The History Boys, and Best Musical — The Jersey Boys (There is even a Jersey Boys Podcast!). Check out a the full list of winners here. The Tony website also offers tons of cool video clips of past winners, flashbacks and performances.

If just reminded me wherever you are — Support Local live theater. See traveling Broadway shows, regional theater, or your summer community production. Enjoy.