When you turn 8 in our family, you go on an adventure. It started with Maddy, who was gifted tickets to see Frozen on Broadway for her 8th birthday (that’s a story for another day). Covid delayed Regina’s until she was almost 9, and it almost threw Molly’s adventure for a loop, too.

If you know Molly, you know that she is a unique kid. She knows what she likes and doesn’t care if other people think it’s weird. She’s wise beyond her years and frequently seems like a grown-up trapped in a kid’s body (her words). When other 4-year-olds were singing along to whatever music 4-year-olds listen to, Molly discovered Ben Platt. We listened to the Dear Evan Hansen soundtrack constantly. She’s loved him ever since. So much so that when we moved back from Fishhawk, she opted to decorate her room with pictures of Ben. She was 5 at the time.

When Ben released his first solo album, Molly and I fell in love. We listened to it all the time. It was our favorite soundtrack for singing and dancing while cooking. Then his Madison Square Garden concert special came out. Molly wished and wished for Ben to go on tour so she could see him.

As luck would have it, he announced a tour after the release of his second album. The Reverie tour was going around the country, and it was scheduled to be in Tampa the week before Molly’s 8th birthday. It seemed like fate! So, we looked up VIP packages and offered that to Molly as her 8th birthday adventure. She didn’t even hesitate!

Unfortunately, Covid threw us for a loop, as Ben had to postpone his tour. Every show was being rescheduled, minus 2 or 3. And of course, one of them not getting rescheduled was ours. Cue a bit of panic from mama and a bit of despair from Molly – she was crushed thinking her dream wasn’t going to come true. We actually booked a getaway at a Disney resort as a placement, just in case. But luckily, the Orlando concert got rescheduled and I was able to score the same VIP package for the new concert. She’d have to wait a few months, but we knew it would be worth it.

I’ll be honest, I have never in my life spent as much money on concert tickets as I did for this concert. But, Patrick and I figured we had spent at least the same amount on her sisters’ adventures, so if this was what Molly wanted, that’s what she’d get. And what 8-year-old doesn’t want to be a VIP for a night?!

The concert was on a school night (bonus!), and we found a great deal on a hotel a block away from the arena, so Molly and I packed up and headed over to check in and get ready for her experience. The description told us that we would get exclusive tour merchandise, an autographed Reverie album, VIP lanyard, VIP lounge with food and drink, exclusive shopping time at the merch booth, and best of all, a meet and greet with Ben.

Molly took her time getting ready and planned what she thought was the perfect outfit.

We made our way to the arena to get checked in. Part of the agreement in being a VIP was getting Covid tested prior to the VIP activities, so we joined the line of eager fans and willingly took Covid tests. I had a bit of a panic wondering what I’d do if my test somehow came back positive and Molly’s was fine. I went through my list of friends in Orlando I’d call to come take my place! Luckily, all was well and after getting the results, we sat to wait for everyone else to get tested. Once everyone was checked in, we got our lanyards and got to go shopping at the merch table before anyone else was in the arena. Molly managed to be very first in line and bought herself a shirt (her Tuesday theatre class uniform now), some cute I love Ben buttons, and a hoodie for Maddy.

The “exclusive tour merch” turned out to be a bucket had and a Reverie pin. We then headed to the reception for some food and drink prior to the concert. This was definitely geared toward grownups and not the kind of food Molly would typically eat. We had a couple of bites, grabbed some waters, and then decided to make our way to find our seats and something else to eat. On our way, we ran into one of Molly’s favorite theatre people!

Our seats were in the second row but felt like we were practically on stage. It was pretty amazing! The opening act was Aly and AJ and they were a great way to kick off the night.

The security guard working our area was fantastic and let Molly go right up to the barrier at the stage so she got the best view. When Ben came out, I wasn’t sure her little heart would be able to take it!

Her very favorite person was right there, right in front of her. She didn’t stop smiling the entire night! And you guys, holy cow – what a show! I mean, we knew Ben could sing, but he is just an amazing performer. And his backup singers – holy cow! I’d see them anytime, too.

This was definitely a magical night! The highlight was when Ben sang his song Share Your Address (which happens to be our mutual favorite), and he stopped and pointed at Molly when he sang “I just wanna stare at your face” and then he pointed to me for the next line “And spend quality time with your mother.” I didn’t think Molly would recover!

He also sang one of our favorite musical theatre songs, She Used to Be Mine, from Waitress. Everything about the night was so incredible. His performance was one neither of us will forget. He had so much energy, and Molly had the time of her life singing and dancing her little heart out. I think I spent as much time watching her as I did watching him!

When the concert was over, we waited for a bit for our VIP handler to gather all of the VIPS so we could head to the best part of the night – the meet and greet. But not before one of the stage crew spotted Molly and made sure she got a setlist! I think some of the other VIPS were a little annoyed that she got it, but hey – it pays to be as cute as Molly!

Before you go into the room to meet Ben, you have to leave all of your personal belongings on a table outside. Molly was SO nervous as we waited. When it was finally our turn, she was toot stunned to even speak. She was so overwhelmed with meeting her favorite person! I told him she’s loved him since she was 4 and he thanked her for listening to his music and being a fan, then complimented her on her cute space buns and awesome Dr. Martens boots.

After of course, she thought of all the things she wanted to say to him. But she was on cloud 9 and couldn’t stop grinning from ear to ear. We collected our autographed albums and headed back to our hotel. We couldn’t stop talking about what an amazing night it was!