THE SPEECH

Good evening, everyone.

Tonight, behind every mask is a story, a secret, and a celebration. And I am honored to share mine with all of you on this unforgettable evening.  A Masquerade is a place where fantasy meets reality and tonight, I’m so grateful to celebrate my 60^th Birthday with the people who make my reality so meaningful.

Tonight, I want to share a few words from the heart.

But first, I want to recognize the incredible individuals who helped bring this event to life: Rachael, my Event Planner, Stage Factor, Revel, Niche, Sound Investment, Moonlight Studios, Metropolis, and Alliance Bakery. Your creativity, imagination and artistry made this grand masquerade ball possible.

I also want to thank John, Aaron, and Joseph for their contribution to this special milestone in my life. Thank you for your kind words, your thoughtfulness, the energy and love you poured into making tonight extraordinary.  I love you guys!

I want to acknowledge two very special people who inspired me and helped bring my vision to life.  My dear friend Lisa, when I shared the Masquerade Ball concept with you back in December, you encouraged me by saying, “Trust me, honey. If there’s anyone who can pull this off, it’s you.” And here we are! 

And last, but certainly not least, I want to acknowledge a very special member of OG Productions, my Assistant Director, Assistant Producer, Co‑Writer, and husband, Rodney. Thank you, for supporting my vision, and encouraging me to flourish in my imagination, storytelling and my love for the performing arts. 

Now, I would like to share a brief story about myself.

Growing up, I was always drawn to storytelling. It’s been my way of teaching, building trust, and connecting with others. Bringing this Grand Masquerade Ball to life feels like creating a Masterpiece, one born from years of dreaming, learning, and growing. My life has been an extraordinary story filled with challenges and rewards. Tonight is about the rewards. It’s about celebration, appreciation and the love I have for you for being here for this special occasion. Tonight’s celebration is also about sharing and honoring the soundtrack of my past six decades with significant songs like

Everyday People                                         From the 1960’s

Every Kind of People                                  From the 70’s

I’m Coming Out                                           From the 80’s

You Don’t Know Me                                    From the 1990’s

Waiting On the World to Change              From the 2000’s

Same Love                                                   From the 2010’s

These six songs represent humanity, equality, love and they helped shape my identity and values as a human being. When you hear these songs played this evening, and you know the words, please sing along.  Let’s celebrate together!

Many of you know that The Phantom of the Opera is my favorite Broadway musical. Yes, it’s a beautiful love story, but for me, it carries a deeper message. The song Masquerade resonates with me because it speaks to acceptance and to hiding. For many years, I hid behind a mask so the world could never truly see me. I used that mask to protect myself and to shield my vulnerabilities.

Ladies and Gentlemen, every day we walk through life wearing “Paper Faces On Parade.” We put on masks to fit in and to hide our fears.  The problem with that, when we hide our faces from the world, we also hide our gifts, unique stores and our true selves. The truth is that the world can never truly know you if you never allow yourself to be seen.  Behind every mask is a unique voice, purpose and a person who deserves recognition.

So tonight, I Invite You!

Take off the paper face.

Stop hiding behind the mask and show the world who you really are.

Thank you.

Maurice, The Opera Ghost