Martha Merzib

*sappy post*

In honour of today’s closing day for @brilliantbway I just wanted to say a few things.

This was my first broadway show, my first time in New York City & my first time seeing Mariska.

I went in blind not knowing anything about the play except for how incredible it was. I was lucky enough to see it a few times but the thing that sold me was the dialogue/script. I connected to it so deeply & felt like wow, I’m not alone in this.

I won’t spoil it all (buy the book 👀) but there is a portion in the show where there’s a librarian named a Mrs Patterson that meant a lot to Mariska’s character. A person who listened, didn’t judge, helped when needed and was always there for her. I myself, had a Mrs Patterson growing up who I visited during recess to vent, cry & laugh with when I didn’t have anyone in my corner. She meant the world to me and always understood me. When I saw that portion of the play, my jaw dropped, I cried & it made me think.

I’ll forever be grateful that I was able to have this human in my life when I needed it most- When I didn’t understand the meaning behind life, when I thought I needed an answer for everything and when I just really needed someone to talk to. I was 11 years old. Because of her, I was able to seek a professional to help me and move forward ♥️

This show also brought me amazing new friendships that I will cherish forever 🥹

Thank you to @brilliantbway- it really was such a beautiful & incredible thing to see ❤️‍🩹

Mental health will always matter as well as you reading this xo