This Is Me…Now (2024)

Alida and Taroo, an ancient Puerto Rican legend about two star-crossed lovers from feuding tribes, profoundly shape Artist’s views on love and romance. She often reflects on their story, and one night, she dreams of enjoying a motorcycle ride with her biker lover. The dream takes a dark turn when they suffer a severe crash, leaving Artist’s heart metaphorically ruptured. Desperate to prevent her heart from breaking, she enlists the help of factory workers and tries to use the myth as a guide, but her efforts are in vain (“Hearts and Flowers”).

In the present, Artist shares this vivid dream with her therapist, who finds her dreams eccentric. She attributes this to the conflicting astrological signs between him and his wife. Their discussion shifts to her abusive relationship with a Libra, whom she believes to be a good fit due to astrology, despite her friends’ concerns for her well-being (“Rebound”). After a violent argument, she finally leaves him for good. The Zodiacal Council, composed of ten of the twelve astrological signs, questions the origin of her poor romantic decisions. Before they can piece together an answer, Artist enters three unsuccessful marriages with a Pisces, a Virgo, and a Cancer, respectively (“Can’t Get Enough”).

The Zodiacal Council grows alarmed by how quickly Artist is cycling through relationships and the ensuing gossip. They conclude that she must embark on a self-love journey without their assistance to break her romantic cycle. Meanwhile, Artist’s friends stage an intervention, fearing she might be a sex addict. She vehemently denies this, criticizing their romantic choices instead. In therapy, she defends herself as a hopeless romantic until her therapist, Joe, interrupts her due to time. Before she leaves, Joe recommends she contacts Love Addicts Anonymous. Hesitant at first, she eventually joins a group session and shares her story (“Broken Like Me”).

Determined to change, Artist returns home and burns old love letters and childhood memories. A hummingbird, reminiscent of the legend of Alida and Taroo, furiously knocks on her window, symbolizing a message. The next morning, as she heads to a therapy session, her friend Mike invites her to his wedding, despite his usual cynicism about love. Bewildered, she attends her session and recounts a recent dream where she walks through her childhood neighborhood in the Bronx. In the dream, she encounters a younger version of herself and tearfully apologizes for neglecting her own needs, which begins to heal her heart (“This Is Me… Now”).

With a renewed sense of self and a heart on the mend, Artist attends Mike’s wedding alone. During the ceremony, she encounters several hummingbirds, symbolic messengers from the legend of Alida and Taroo. These hummingbirds lead her towards what feels like her true love, guiding her through an unexpected journey (“Midnight Trip to Vegas”, “Hummingbird”).

Artist’s transformation from a person trapped in a cycle of unhealthy relationships to one seeking self-love and understanding marks a pivotal change. Her journey is interwoven with the lessons and symbols from the legend of Alida and Taroo, reflecting her growth and newfound clarity about love and life. The hummingbirds, representing her guiding myths, continue to influence her path, ultimately leading her towards a more fulfilled and self-aware existence.

In the end, Artist finds herself at the cusp of a new beginning. With the support of her friends, therapy, and the mythical guidance of Alida and Taroo, she embraces the possibility of a healthier and more authentic love. Her story is a testament to the power of legends, self-reflection, and the courage to break free from destructive patterns, paving the way for true healing and personal growth.

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