And suddenly I wonder if I have a totally wrong idea about what starring in production is all about

“Girls, quiet. Girls, this is important!”

The final run-through is over and Miss Weller is up on stage, trying to get everyone’s attention above the excited chatter filling the auditorium.

Tova and Elisheva, production heads, make a valiant effort at shushing everyone. Finally, the room settles into comparative quiet.

“We need everyone here by five p.m. If you’re late, there might not be time to do your hair and makeup.” Miss Weller says this with an absolutely straight face, even though we all know that we’re going to look perfect before going onstage. After all, this is a Bnos Ayala High School production; we have a reputation to uphold.

“Also, a reminder that absolutely all makeup is being done here at school. Please, no one waste their time doing their own makeup at home, because it will be removed.” Miss Weller speaks with emphasis. I roll my eyes. Everyone knows that only the ninth graders take that part seriously. I mean, I guess the school is worried about girls doing their makeup overdramatically, but honestly, by 12th grade, we know what we’re doing. I’m sure most of my class is planning to come with makeup done. Who wants their face smothered with some commercial cheap product that’s far too orangey for their skin? Not me, that’s for sure. My voice is gonna be mortifying enough.

“You’re gonna look gorgeous, Reens,” Lani tells me as she does my makeup at home, and I try to smile. I don’t want to look gorgeous, I want to sound good. But it doesn’t seem like I’m getting a choice.