Defying Gravity (Again)

Fun fact about me: I collect Broadway playbills. If I had to guess, I have at least fifty, spanning everything from The Sound of Music revival in 1998 to Rent (my all-time favorite) in the mid-2000s, to Hamilton in my late twenties, where I coincidentally sat right behind Lin-Manuel Miranda and his son. Best. Birthday. Ever.

Now I have a daughter, every bit as dramatic (in the best possible way) and an aspiring theatre kid through and through. Last year, when Wicked hit theaters, she was rapt for the entire film — wide-eyed, mouthing along to “Defying Gravity” — while her best friend fell asleep beside her. I had this quiet moment of recognition: Oh, I gave birth to myself.

We’ve been counting down the days until Part Two comes out, but in the meantime she’s channeling all that Wicked energy into her birthday party. Think “Popular” friendship bracelets, green and pink balloons, glittery cupcakes, and the soundtrack playing on repeat. And yes, she will be wearing a full Glinda costume: tulle, tiara, wand, and all. (She’s seven.)

Honestly, I’m not sure who’s more excited — me or her.

I saw somewhere that being in your thirties is all about rediscovering what you loved as a kid. But motherhood feels like that too, watching your favorite stories come alive again, this time through someone else’s eyes.

Ask Clara: Why is it important for women to have hobbies?