From Nobody to Lead

Composing an Extraordinary Life in a Musical Key

I'm on the brink of another show, just three weeks away, and the familiar wave of anxiety washes over me as I take the step in another round of uncovering my voice.

This round, I'm bringing my show to an intimate setting: a living room, with 30 attendees gathered close. I'm fascinated by the contrast between the mundane backdrop of everyday life and the enchanting realm of a musical. It’s a story that begins in the ordinary but is woven into the extraordinary. My goal goes beyond performing; it's about creating a deep, personal connection with each person there, making every moment resonate.

My show unfolds the tale of an "ordinary" person who casts herself as the heroine of her own epic journey. When I refer to her as a "nobody," it's not a gesture of self-deprecation. Quite the contrary—it's a recognition that the world brims with "nobodies." And if we're all "nobodies," then, paradoxically, we're also all "somebodies." Turning your "nobody" narrative into a musical rendition of your life is an act of embracing something greater than oneself.

This musical odyssey has been much more about peeling back layers than adding them. Hiding behind the spectacle of bright lights and complex dance moves is easy. So is slipping into my signature comedic voice to draw out laughter. But my aim is higher.

It’s like catching a glimpse of a form in the darkness, feeling its urge to emerge more fully into the light. Yet, bringing it into full view demands both precision and courage—the meticulous assembly of small, deliberate steps coupled with bold leaps of faith.

After a five-year journey to discover my voice, simplicity has emerged as the core theme. My aim is to occupy a space where I can genuinely share creations from the heart, connecting deeply with others. This calling resonates with me more profoundly than anything else ever has.

Perhaps, this is the greatest lesson from my project—a relentless pursuit of writing, singing, refining, and rearranging. It's been an immense personal odyssey, reflecting the everyday woman's journey, revealing that the true essence lies in the simplicity of sharing one's truth.

It’s a pervasive thought, though silently kept, that if you're not famous, your story lacks worth. No one explicitly says this; it’s a mental barrier we construct to avoid the introspection required to deeply understand our lives. This self-imposed narrative serves as an escape from the weight of personal reflection.

But it’s quite the opposite isn’t it? More than ever we need to hear stories from those that are deeply embedded in the throes of everyday life. Because this is what life is like for most people. And life is hard, and it seems to be getting harder.

Nearly 48 years of living have led me to a revelation: maybe life's true meaning lies in paring down to the essentials, in the faith that we can thrive without the fanfare.

I admit, I have a fondness for the fanfare—the bells and whistles.

Yet, they often overshadow the core narrative.

And in this instance, that narrative is the story of my life.