ANNIE IS 51

  I kid you not. That little, ever optimistic powerful voice is now 51. That Annie of color, reminding us that we all, each and every one of us, that we all are sharing, to always share, in the dream, the optimism of America, is now 51. And going strong! Last night, at the Kravis Center, that message was heard, felt, supported by every one of that cheering audience, that audience that demanded she return for yet another song. The audience that needed reassurance that we are now, and always, despite current efforts opposing us, remain true to America.

 Opening with a powerful, meaningful "I Am What I Am", the audience received that message loud and clear. America is the fulfillment of that promise, that allowance and acceptance to be who and what we are. It allows for diversity, for similarities and differences. Despite contrasting messages of recent years. Despite, in spite, of the disgusting messages being sent that Amerika will replace America. Despite a Hawley openly selling mugs with his hateful raised fist and words of encouragement on Jan 6, supporting the rebels, the insurrectionists. The traitors, those who wish to destroy us. As we were told "Nazis are bad. Nazis are bad."

Audra McDonald sang of the reciprocal joys of making someone happy, of loving others, even as we love, and approve of who and what we are, what we build and protect. What we will become, now and well into the future. That soaring, rich, powerful, operatic soprano rang the rafters and touched the hearts and souls of those present. The approval was loud and clear. The thirst for good news, for optimism, was deep and relief was given, loud and clear.

I was hoping for the iconic "Tomorrow" but did not get it in song version. I understand. That naive, American optimism, that hope, that knowing, that tomorrow was only a day away, has been washed too many times, has faded. It can be given new life, but only if we remember what this country is, was and always will be. It cannot be stated and emphasized often enough. Even if we stumbled and fell along the way. That tomorrow was always just a day away. Now, perhaps the distance is more like miles and days away. An unfortunate situation which can be ameliorated. If we try. If we remember. If we turn away those whose words and actions are polar opposites of America, the United States of America. 

 While no "Tomorow" was sung, we were left with a message of hope and encouragement. The entire program was beautiful, replete with talent, with love for the audience, audience approval, with rapport, dignity, humor, and presence. At 51 this once Annie has matured, now recognizing life for what it is and what it can be.

 Closing with one of my all-time favorites, "Climb Every Mountain", Audra McDonald brought down the house. Amazing moment. Powerful moment. Eternal moment. Perhaps the moment, the impetus, for a better future.

"Climb every mountain,

Ford every stream,

Follow every byway,

Every path you know....

Follow every rainbow

Till you find your dream."

Perhaps, just maybe, we can look towards that tomorrow, the one that is only a day away.