A week ago today, John and I walked out of a sushi restaurant and found ourselves under a rainbow. I can’t remember the last time I saw one, and my heart brimmed with love at the sight of it—a welcomed giddiness.

I thought of Ramón, yes, but I was equally mesmerized because I’d just arrived in Houston to see John perform in an opera written by Stephen Schwartz, creator of Wicked. And there we were, somewhere under the rainbow, on the eve of the show’s opening. 

Schwartz wrote the show, Séance on a Wet Afternoon, based on the same-named novel by Mark McShane and screenplay by Bryan Forbes. John played the male lead, Bill Foster, whose wife Myra, a medium, schemed to kidnap a child so she could use her talent to gain fame. John’s singing and acting were mesmerizing. A man came up to him after the show and said, “Whenever your character was on stage, I couldn’t take my eyes off him.” Same. Same.

John received the offer in April and began learning the music months ago. Then, in the first week of June, he relocated to Houston for almost six weeks to begin rehearsing for the show. The best part? The legend himself, Stephen Schwartz, traveled to Houston for the last week of rehearsals to help fine-tune the show. 

On opening night, I sat just a few seats away from Schwartz as he watched his show come to life. John likened it to having Mozart in town to workshop Così fan tutte. After the show, Schwartz told John he “couldn’t have asked for anyone better in the role.” Collapse. I watched John’s eyes well with tears (not a super uncommon occurrence), and it was literally like watching a dream come true. I held back squeals. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment—though hopefully Schwartz keeps John in mind for the future. 😉

As an artist/creator, it can be difficult to feel seen. Sometimes it feels like you pour so much passion into your work, only to realize it can’t compete in today’s attention economy. Artists/creators are now fighting AI and the algorithm and corporations who have the money to buy your attention. But as the audience clapped and cheered that night, I basked in the moment, knowing that the energy in that room couldn’t be replicated. 

Now for the vulnerable part—the thing I’m not proud of. When I see other artists succeed, I’m undoubtedly happy for them. Yet, deep inside me, I always feel a tinge of jealousy. It’s not that I wish our places were reversed. It’s that I know I could be doing more to reach my own creative goals. But, rather than judging myself for that uncomfortable feeling, I want to reframe it as a reminder that I, too, have big dreams that I want to bring to life. It’s proof that my deep-seated desires are alive and kicking. And that’s a good thing. 

Stephen Schwartz was so humble and grateful, and it was an honor to meet him. I wanted to ask who he knew in the publishing industry, but he was leaving to hop on a flight to London to work on Wicked: For Good. Everyday activities.

Congratulations to John on another amazing show! If a video becomes available, I’ll be sure to share.

There’s room for all of us under [and over] the rainbow.

Ain’t she pretty? [the rainbow]

John took a bow (or three) with Stephen Schwartz during the well-deserved standing ovation.

So much emotion.