#rallison

Ray and Claire are in the audience tonight, she hopes they’re proud. Klaus has come too, and even managed to bring along the new Ben. She draws on the four of them too, believes she can feel their support from across the theater, and doesn’t even dwell on the way her family circle has dwindled. The stage lights come up just enough to see her company assembled beneath her as she’s lowered back to the ground. They beam up at her and silently cheer, enveloping her in hugs as soon as she’s released from the flying rig.

God, it’s been so long since she’s been in a show but there’s just nothing like it. Film work is amazing in its own way, but it’s so much more divided. Solitary. Now more than ever, she needs the communal experience of working on a show. Brittney, her Glinda, is smiling and crying as she grips her face and tells her how proud she is. The importance of their partnership specifically places yet another layer of significance on the moment. Never before in the show’s near twenty year run have two Black women lead the company.

Act II is another blur and before she knows it she’s taking her final bow, hands clasped with her costars, and waving goodbye to the cheering audience as the orchestra plays them off. The curtain falls and behind it there’s another round of hugs and congratulations until she and Brittney get to share another moment.

“I love you so much” She says right into her ear, holding her tight. “I’m so glad you’re doing this with me”

At long last they separate and Allison goes back to her dressing room. Her wig, microphones, and costume, heavy with layers and beads, are all removed, a literal weight off her shoulders, and she takes a moment for herself. Sitting in her robe, Allison draws a few calming breaths to ground herself in the moment before the Stage Manager knocks on her door and announces her visitors.

Her family spills in and three sets of arms are suddenly squeezing her tight, then two as Klaus steps away, and finally four as he coerces Ben awkwardly into the fold.

“Baby you were incredible. Absolutely blew the roof off this place!”

“Mom you look so cool! Can I ride in the flying thing?”

“Yeah! Can we ride in the flying thing?? Also, what about those costumes, what are the rules on trying those beauties on? By the way, simply incomparable performance, dear. Blew the tits right off everyone in the theater”

“You did a great job”

Ray gives her a kiss and Claire hands her a bouquet. Brittney pops her head in the doorframe, bag slung over her shoulder “Alli, you stagedooring tonight? Oh! Your family’s here, I’m sorry”

“No, no, come in! Meet everyone!” Allison introduces her people, hugs and greetings are exchanged before Brittney starts making her way out.

“I don’t think I’ll make it out tonight”

“No worries, I’ll let the people know”

“Thanks, Britt”

Allison keeps her arms around Claire as they continue talking. It’s not long before the exhaustion hits her, but thankfully Ray notices and graciously ushers everyone from the room so she can shower and pack up. He kisses her once more for good measure and promises to get Claire in bed if Allison doesn’t make it back in time. She kisses Claire good night, gets a hug from Klaus and a nod from Ben, and sees them all off.