Page 196 - Reason To Sing by Kelita Haverland

Reason To Sing

body is betraying me even though I’m trying desperately to
control myself.
Finally, my music charts are handed out. I step up to the
microphone and begin my introductions to the band. I’m
especially jittery when introduced to him. He is the bass
player, and his name is Gord. I’m also introduced to the other
two female lead singers, Rosita and Suzanne. The three of us
will each have our own solo spot in the show. Then we’ll all
come together for the big group production numbers. Those
will include the dancers too who we’ll meet after a few music
rehearsals.
These shows are really fun and the production values are
first class. The government pulls out all the stops with a healthy
budget. Having been on the Christmas tour only six months
ago, I’m super stoked to do another one. Plus, it’s a chance
to escape from Hudson. Nothing has changed and nothing
has improved. Maybe, just maybe, THIS will be the time I’m
able to build up the courage to make my exit. I’m beginning to
sound like a broken record. I hate that about myself.
After rehearsing for ten days, we perform the full show at a
theatre in Toronto. It’s a private function for friends and family,
plus the big-wig military personnel who come from Ottawa.
They are the ones who have to officially approve the show so
really, it’s for them.
The show proves to be a hit. The large cast is just oozing
with talent. Singers, dancers, musicians, a magic act and one
very famous country and western honky-tonk queen named
Dixie Lee (me). Yes, I get to do my Dixie Lee comedy act in
the show.
Within days of the final approval, the cast and crew bid
farewell to our families and take to the sky. Our first stop is
Germany, a country I love. I’m very excited (especially about

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