BWW Blog: Molly Tynes of PIPPIN - First Preview, or The Most Exciting Day Ever!

I absolutely love springtime in New York City. After months and months of bitter cold and grey skies, those first warm days revive the spirit and warm the heart with the promise of Spring. It was during those early warm days last year that I first began auditioning for "Pippin." I remember traveling to Brooklyn on Easter Sunday for my "circus audition." I had to perform cerceau (aerial hoop) and aerial fabric. I still remember vividly the hope and the nervous excitement I felt that day. I had never wanted to be in a particular show more in my entire life. I knew I was perfect for this show and desperately hoped the creative team would feel the same way. Now almost exactly one year later, I got to walk onto the stage at the beautiful Music Box Theatre and make my Broadway debut with that very show - truly a dream come true.

The energy at the Music Box was electric on the night of our first preview. My boyfriend told me the excitement and anticipation in the lobby before the show was like nothing he had ever experienced before. He said total strangers waiting in line to be seated were joining each other in singing their favorite songs from the score.

Onstage before the show began we could feel the energy and anticipation of the audience through the curtain. And when those first iconic chords of "Magic To Do" began, there was a wild, celebratory roar louder than anything I have ever heard at the theater. It was amazing! It seriously felt like we were at a rock concert. That rush of excitement will stay with me for the rest of my life.

All through the show, the audience was amazingly supportive and vocal. Twice the show stopped for applause - first after "Magic To Do," and again after Andrea Martin performed "No Time At All." I won't spoil the number for you, but I will say that what she does is so extraordinary that she got a roaring standing ovation that went on for minutes after the number was done. (The following night she actually got a standing ovation in the middle of the number! This woman is truly amazing!)

We will continue to tweak the show over the course of the next few weeks leading up to our opening. But looking out at the audience during our curtain call leaping to their feet to cheer and feverishly applauding, it was clear to us that we have something really special here.

That night was one of the most amazing experiences I have had in my life thus far. I will never forget the joy, gratitude, and sheer thrill I felt. I know it will always remain one of my most cherished memories.

Molly Tynes ready for the show

Molly Tynes in her dressing room before the first preview

Molly Tynes and boyfriend, Richard Wagner, celebrate after the first preview

The cast and company of "Pippin" celebrate their first preview