I've seen a fair amount of Broadway and off-Broadway shows in my time since I grew up in Jersey and ultimately moved into Manhattan. Last night I saw Wicked, courtesy of a friend who managed to procure us great seats. I've seen Cats at the Winter Garden (my first play), the (original) Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, and the preview of Titanic all before I was 18. Since then, I've seen Avenue Q, Phantom of the Opera, and now Wicked.

I hit adolescence singing Miss Saigon first, Les Miz as a second musical, Jesus Christ Superstar after watching it performed at my high school. I even had a small role in our middle school version of Annie since my voice wasn't strong or true enough to really make a showing, but it was still interesting being an extra.

One thing that was cemented from that experience is that I don't have that natural talent and never will. I can sing decent karaoke, but I know that I was only made to appreciate, not create or publicly sing these songs. Some things you have to be born with, and the arts, be it painting, music, singing, or other areas are where that is most true. I don't punish myself for it; I have a decent voice and played decent viola, but music was not one of my inclinations. It still doesn't affect my awe for true talent, and it's always something I admire more since I know just how hard it must be to have that gift, develop it, work the hell out of it, and bring it proudly to the masses.

Another reason I'm glad to be in NYC. The best abilities on display, arts or otherwise, and even the secondary talent gravitates here most times :). Best of both worlds.