709 blues

Joshua and I are roommates in Chestnut Hall 709. The little expanse between our living spaces that used to be called a living room has recently been converted into a bona fide actor's studio. Over the next couple of weeks, within the confines of that tiny space, Josh and Caleb will direct, conduct and lead the charge for Sing, City. Everytime I trudge back to my apartment after classes, there will inevitably be at least 2 people standing around inside, role-playing a tearjerking exchange of goodbyes between long-distance lovers, or dancing like puppets to Joshua's clapping hands. Curious as I am, I try to keep a distance between myself and the rehearsals, because I want to be captivated by the final performance - I want to believe that Ren and Janice are a real 4-year couple, I want to see Valerie staring up into Kenny's eyes with the fury of a woman scorned, I want to see Guo Rui actually shovelling porridge into his mouth while singing Sweet Potato Porridge. I WANT SING, CITY.