Student Blogger: Breanna Ebisch

I had many plans for what I wanted my last BroadwayWorld article to be as a Student Blogger. As I have just graduated, and the program only goes until then, I knew my last one had to be special. I considered writing a piece on how scary it is to enter the real world and explore the possibilities that life is completely in your hands. The thought crossed my mind to write about my experience writing for this fantastic website and how it's helped me grow both as a writer and a person over the last two years. There were a million ideas.

I am a lover of all things Broadway. Minus a few very select shows, I'm pretty much game to see anything that graces one of the famous stages in New York City. However, the shows I usually see are rooted in a strong interest and that's usually the driving factor for me getting tickets and going. This past April, my best friend surprised me with tickets and a trip into the city to see her favorite musical of all-time, Beetlejuice. Because she's a big horror fan, she adores every bit of the show and was equally excited to share the magic of the production with me through this surprise. But if I'm honest, without this specific reason provided by my best friend, I most likely wouldn't have seen the show myself.

The stage in my high school auditorium became a second home for four years of my life. Following closely behind the field hockey field where I spent hours running through drills, celebrating wins with my teammates and more, the stage brought nothing but comfort during musical season. I laughed, I cried, I made unforgettable memories up there. But when my high school years came to an end, so did my career in musical theater.

In February, I was lucky enough to see former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson on his first world tour after being rescheduled several times due to the ongoing pandemic. And while Tomlinson himself put on an outstanding performance that left the audience speechless in the best way, the opening act for the tour stood out to everyone as well and I can easily say I'm a new fan of the band for a multitude of reasons.

Swift's statement in her song 'peace' rings true for my generation, but it will not define us moving forward. My twenties will be a time in my life that I'll remember forever no matter what happens or what I do during this time. We all deserve those incredible experiences no matter what, so let's go get them.

Everything about Come From Away was stunning. From the music to the stage design, transition between scenes or characters and the heartwarming story, this show was beyond incredible. There was so much to love and I truly adored everything about this musical from the moment it began to the very end. I cried, laughed and realized how that terrible day in American history affected so many other people and how their stories are often forgotten. It's a show that's easy to fall in love with and should be seen by everyone because the emotions are raw, the talent is immense and it's a story that deserves to be told and change our lives as it did for those individuals twenty years ago.

Please remember to take care of yourself. Take breaks while studying, drink lots of water and schedule in time to actually rest at the end of the day. No grade is more important than your physical or mental health so give yourself some grace and realize how much you are accomplishing each day without pushing yourself to the limits. If you need help, don't be afraid to reach out. There are many people around you all experiencing the same thing and are always willing to support you in any way that's possible. Take advantage of that, remember you are not alone ever especially during this time of the semester.

The day has finally arrived. Red (Taylor's Version) is in the hands of avid music listeners around the world, but most importantly, Swifties who have been awaiting the re-release could not be any happier. The album is the second Taylor Swift has re-recorded and released again to own her music after the sale of her masters to Scooter Braun a few years ago. And there's no denying that the anticipation for Red (Taylor's Version) was well worth it.

Because of the variety of music choice, the show was both a giant dance party and extremely emotional. While a majority of the concert was full of dancing, screaming out the lyrics and having the best time, there were also moments where tears were shed or the crowd grew quiet just to enjoy the heart wrenching ballads that were being sung. These few minutes were so powerful and only added to the overall experience of seeing Styles live. For many, these songs have been a saving grace throughout such an unprecedented time and to finally hear them live made it very hard not to get teary eyed.

I'm not one to go to events or trips by myself mostly because that's out of my comfort zone and I've gotten used to doing things with my friends or family. So when the opportunity came up to go to a minor league baseball game, but no one I knew could go, I was faced with the question of do I miss out on something I want to do because of my comfort level or do I step out of where I feel 'safe' and go?

For anyone who knows me, two of my favorite things are live music and spontaneous plans. Whenever there is a chance to see an artist I like, I'll somehow find a way to be there even if it's a plan that's pulled together in the matter of minutes. In my experience, the spontaneous concerts are some of the very best and there are never any regrets for going because it's worth all the craziness.

This year, I'm a senior which means it's my last year in college. That fact is both equally thrilling and terrifying. In less than twelve months, I'll be a college graduate with a degree that will be with me as I'm out in the world working and taking on life without any fear. All of my hard work over the past four years will finally amount to something great. But this is my last first day of school, opening the door for all the big moments that will also be my last. My last move in day, last homecoming, last finals week (which I won't miss), last time spending everyday with the people who mean everything to me.

There are so many irreplaceable things to be done during the warmer months that can't be missed. Whether you're walking the High Line, visiting Little Island, getting a view of the city from one of the many observation decks or exploring independently and locally owned stores, life in New York during the summer is something that everyone needs to experience. There is something for everyone to enjoy and creating memories is exceptionally easy on the days spent in the Big Apple.

In the grand scheme of things, you are the most important. Taking care of yourself should always be the top priority, no matter what. Whether it's going to therapy, setting aside time to do things that make you feel good or even journaling, doing what's best for you is only going to make you feel better going forward.

The possibility of entertainment is endless, but in case you are looking for podcasts to listen to during the warm months, I have plenty of amazing recommendations for you! From everything to true crime to romance stories, these podcasts are some of my favorites and are guaranteed to become some of your best listens this summer.

It’s important to remember that you are NOT behind in the imaginary timeline of life and no matter what you are doing, it IS enough despite what social media or others may say. You are on the right track, exactly where you need to be at this moment. I promise.

As for expectations, the movie is set to wow everyone who watches. Like the Broadway show, the emotions attached to the storyline and characters are sure to be overwhelming and will draw anyone right in. And because the wait for this film has been so long, the excitement and love is already heightened than if the timeline was any quicker.

The good news is, Broadway is back! It's been a very long year and a half, but theaters will be full of crowds, applause and happy smiles before we know it. There's no doubt that thousands are excited to see some of the most well known shows again along with the opening of others throughout the fall season. Get your tickets ready and best outfits out because as any avid lover of Mamma Mia! would say, here we go again!

A few weeks ago, singer/songwriter Taylor Swift released the first of her re-recorded albums and millions were stunned to say the least. Thirteen years after the initial release of Swift's second album, 'Fearless (Taylor's Version)' not only brought back countless memories and strong nostalgia for many, but the tracklist also included a large selection of songs that were brand new.

In recent years, several Broadway shows have opened that are interesting adaptations of well known books and pieces of literature. Some of the most popular are Wicked, To Kill A Mockingbird and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child which have each amazed thousands of audience members in their own ways. But while looking ahead to the return of Broadway, it's fun to wonder about the other potential adaptations of books that could take the stage.