7:50 PM on a Saturday night. For many people in many theatres along the eastern seaboard, it’s almost curtain time. The cast are backstage, fully costumed and made up, chatting aimlessly amongst themselves, or maybe off in a corner for a few minutes of centering time. The pit orchestra is warming up, making that odd cacophony of warring sounds that sends a chill through theatre-lovers because they know what’s coming next. In the audience, people of all ages and backgrounds wait, some patiently, talking to their friends, others impatiently, waiting to see a friend perform onstage, or to witness the show they’ve dreamed about seeing for months, maybe years.

The anticipation is a sweet, sweet part of the experience. If the show lives up to expectations, though, that anticipation is just the warm-up. Whether the show makes you think new thoughts, feel new feelings, or just laugh, it’s magic.

To all the casts out there preparing to perform, break a leg. To all the theatre-goers waiting in the stalls and balconies, enjoy your Saturday night magic.