“What are you all moping around for? It’s my opening night!” (Rachel Berry, Season five episode seventeen) is all I could think of as the lights went out in the August Wilson theater as screams from the crowd started to roar. As the curtain raised and this tiny figure appeared the roars and applause continued as everyone in attendance stood up. At this moment is when it is realized that history is in the making.

Once those infamous lines were said, “Hello, Gorgeous,” did the cheers end and everyone went silent as Lea Michele started to bring Fanny Brice to life. Your eyes are transfixed on the story unfolding in front of your face. The audience’s energy could still be felt throughout the theater; everyone knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The laughs and chuckles throughout the first act were many. Lea’s comedic skills really shined. The timing, facial expressions, and over-the-top antics were on point. It was a side of her acting abilities that weren’t very prominent in Glee or Scream Queens. It was terrific to see this aspect of her acting ability.

I’m The Greatest Star brought another standing ovation, the chemistry between Lea and Jared Grimes was terrific during this performance (and throughout the entire play). The entire ensemble was able to keep up with the crowd’s energy. Then it happened.

The epic and infamous scene occurred and Lea brought the house down at the end of the first act. Don’t Rain On My Parade drove the crowd wild. Jonathan Groff (who was in attendance) was cheering her on and going crazy during her rendition of this song. It gave her the fourth standing ovation of the night. As the curtain fell and the lights came on the crowd was so riled up that many, including myself, had to walk off some of the excitement.

Everyone was mingling during the intermission. One woman had a daughter in the production and said (to paraphrase) that she had been to over two hundred shows in her life and never had an experience like this (referring to the crowd). At one point during the intermission, Jonathan Groff and Lea Michele’s mother embraced with teary eyes as they were so happy. I was lucky enough to not only get a picture with him but witness that touching moment; it was truly an honor.

It is hard to explain the feeling that one experienced during this first act but it was no short of euphoric. As the lights dimmed down and the curtain returned the cheers of the crowd commenced. That awe-inspiring energy of the crowd did not halt during the second act; the ensemble really fed off of it during the second act. The duet of Who Are You Know between Lea and Ramin Karimloo brought all the feels with it; which speaks highly of the chemistry of the ensemble again.

Tears were rolling down many checks as Ramin and Lea each sang Funny Girl. Then, as the show came to a close, Lea once again brought the house down with the final rendition/version of Don’t Rain On My Parade. As she sang the last word “Again,” with inspiring energy, everyone jumped out of their seats and cheered!

As she bowed for the first time in this production you could see her eyes filling with tears of joy. The ensemble had huge smiles on their faces. Tovah Feldshuh’s lips were quivering with elation from the response of the theater. This was truly a magical moment for the production; everyone inside the theater (cast, crew, and audience) would be blessed to experience the enchantment of this night again.