The Official Adam Pascal Love Thread, part nine — Page 170

Raul looks sooooo good in that picture. Too bad Adam wasn't there.

And I live 9 hours away from LA, so I won't be running into Adam anytime soon.

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I got to go, See You later people.

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That's what I heard happened.

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People were taking them, but the ushers were continually yelling at people. I have a few from the finale, just of the OBC, as they were up on the steps on the set. I'll see if they came out.

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Okay...well...so much to say about tonight, especially since I'm now keeping a document/journal/diary of like these broadway nights where I make extra effort to put details, and how I was feeling and stuff, and I'm kind of terrified of how long this description may end up being. So I'm doing this in parts for you guys. I think I'll have to fix it momentarily as I copy it from word but that shouldn't take too long.

Without further ado...

Post #1

OMG. WHAT A F*CKIN AMAZING NIGHT! SO WORTH THE $500!

Where to start. I got on the line to get in at like 6:15, which stretched across 7th Avenue. Earlier in the day I saw that the whole street was barricaded off if you didn’t have a ticket. Anyway, I went through the barricade, and was shown that I would be going into a tent, which I thought was kind of weird. Until I get in the tent and realize, it’s a red carpet! I was actually walking down a red carpet! I started “posing” for fun. How could you not on a red carpet?

So then I was standing around, not sure whether I should go in or wait...finally people were told to start going in so I was behind people, waiting to go through the doors...when out of nowhere Wilson walked out! Just…walked out, like nothing. So random. Anyway, as I was still processing the fact that Wilson just walked out, he saw me, grabbed my shoulder and was like “Hey! How are you?” I was so...shocked/confused. I was just like fi-fine. So of course everyone around me was like are you friends with him?? I was like no...I was trying to remember if/when I actually met him--oh yes I did. Once. At the 24 hour plays. And he remembered me! So sweet of him! And I mean, there ya go, that was closer than I was expecting to get to anyone in the cast that night. So that already lead my night into a great start. How nice/random.

So I got in, and walked through the orchestra looking for people. Found no one right away so while I waited, I watched people come into the theatre, which was so amusing because: there’s an Angel, there’s a Collins, oh that’s gotta be a Roger, etc.

Finally met up with Emcee and Skittles, and then met Katt soon after(nice meeting you!) We got a free bar(gee with $500, something nice) so I got a bottled water. Then we were all told to take our seats. so we all said goodbye, going our separate ways. Having just been at the balcony of the New Amsterdam for the Easter Bonnet competition, this didn’t feel high at all. It was a full view of the stage and I could see clearly. It was weird, right when I sat down the lights went out and speeches started. It was...a little hard to collect myself? The speeches were pretty boring; I was at least hoping for someone from the Larson family to talk but yeah, these were kind of boring. So finally they said well now here’s who you came to see (about time).

With that, the opening chords of Seasons of Love started. It took me a little by surprise...I mean I saw signs that there would be no intermission, so I probably shouldn’t have been shocked that SoL was starting the show, it was just...I felt almost like I wasn’t ready? Like the impact of that song couldn’t hit me as the first one. But it was happening whether I was ready or not. And the cast began to sing. A glimpse of the line revealed Anthony in his Mark scarf and shirt/jacket, Adam not in his plaid pants (boo), Idina in her movie Maureen outfit, Taye in a pink shirt, and a couple of the ensemble members in some appropriate costumes. Anyway, they sing through the first verse(again, I can’t believe I’m seeing this) and the soloist starts. Realizing I would hear her sing was one of my last-minute realizations, like how amazing everything will be. And it was. She had such a great voice and it just...was so right. And they all had their own “clap” and then the soloist kicked ass on that last note and the show was off to a fantastic start!

Oddly, then Anthony began “Halloween.” Okay, I thought, maybe this *isn’t* the show straight through. But after “Christmas Eve last year” voice mail #1 started and the show proceeded from there. I guess it was a tie-in leading SoL to begin the show and serve as its flashback. So there was no Tune Up #1. Anyway, the screams at the beginning were huge. Everyone on entrance got them obviously. First Adam and Anthony, then Jesse, Fredi, and Taye. At this point, the show seemed semi-choreographed. They would use some of it, but not all, some of the stage, but not all. So one line of singers stepped forward for “leave the past behind” and then the other group for “blood cells betrayed” and then everyone came together for the end of the song, and hearing Adam and Anthony on that last note...gah.

And yes, tonight’s version of Rent was a little different:

First chorus:
Last year’s Rent

*music plays*
*music plays without lyrics*
*Adam mumbles a word*
Adam: What’s the lyric?
Anthony: generate heat… and the song continues.

Then we heard the very first “Christmas Bells.” Wilson drummed on his tree as the blocking called for, which was exciting. Very heavy flirting going on in “You Okay Honey.”

Glory. After Adam’s Rent miscue, I came to a realization. He’s not gonna have the lyrics to Glory in front of him like he did at the concert. Because the lyrics are still sitting up on the wall where he could look to them! Sure enough, I saw him glance over to where they would have been twice. Heh. But even with the glancing and without the plaid pants, it was even more effecting hearing the song here, in this context, than at the concert—with him sitting on the table, and the movements and facial expressions he makes during the song, especially during the first “dies”, “glory”, “no need to endure anymore.”

Daphne had to knock twice for Light My Candle because the crowd was cheering for so long. Finally, the song started. So cute seeing Adam and Daphne together. Adam had some trouble lighting the candle. They were definitely having fun, especially Daphne, who was particularly enjoying describing her ass, and the way she likes it between her… Another I can’t believe I’m seeing this moment.

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Post 2

They skipped the voice mail with Joanne’s parents, going into the beginning of Today 4 U. Jesse and Anthony were having extra fun pushing Adam during “Oh Holy Night.” And then Wilson made his entrance in full Santa-dress costume. One of the 2 longest ovations of the night. He had to hold his pose for quite a while, eventually waved and blew some kisses, until it finally died down enough for him to say “Today 4 U, Tomorrow For me.” He of course was great. So into the song, having so much fun, kicking, dancing, jumping onto the table...you could tell how difficult it was in the heels but it was great. So glad he went into costume for it too. Just so much energy, gah!

You’ll See Boys...well Taye is adorable. I guess that’s all I have to say there.

Tango: Maureen…ooh this was amusing. Lots of laughter when Anthony did his little motion during “Tango: Maureen.” Then when he extended his hand to Fredi, she said “oh geez, here we go.” Haha. She took a minute to put her hair up. They danced excellently, and Fredi had nothing to be worried about.

Life Support just took place with them standing, they didn’t go up to the platform. There were little mess-ups in the beginning. “Pam” was notably absent and I don’t know if that just messed people up, or because after Sue there was no Hi I’m Angel and everyone looked confused as to what to do…I think Jesse started to say Tom, but then they just said Let’s Begin. Jesse lost it at that point. Anyway, the rest of the song went on without issues.

Right near the end of that, I could see Daphne peering through on the top and new she was doing Out Tonight just as she always did. She had the boots, just leopard pants instead of the leopard pants. And I don’t know…this night was for everyone but in my opinion if this night belonged to anyone…it was Daphne. She was just...fantastic, especially on this song. She did all of the choreography—the kicks walking on the steps, singing on the steps, and her voice just boomed out of the stage. I dunno, I really felt by the end when she was in Adam’s with each “Tonight,” I could just see it in her eyes…with each one, it seemed like she was saying/showing that this is her part, she’s the Mimi, and boy did she prove tonight that she is and always will be her. Just a great performance.

Another Day is my favorite song in the whole show, so I knew it would be emotional for me. Adam and Daphne were great...Adam said lookin for romance instead of you wanna prove me wrong but I’m being nitpicky about that...Daphne was soaring on those notes, they were just coming from her heart, and Adam put all the emotion into it, and when everyone joined in with Daphne…was when I teared up. Just the culmination of everything…seeing the original cast perform, the fact that it’s my favorite song, and thinking about what the song meant in Jonathan’s life and such…it was a great moment.

Then the music of Will I begins and Anthony stands up to announce that the guy who sings the solo from the OBC, his wife had a baby in Cali, so he couldn’t be here tonight. Wilson sang the solo, and beautifully filled in(if I didn’t mention, he was out of the Santa costume—only wore it for Today 4 U). Little by little, each cast member came from the sides where they were sitting on chairs to the center to join in and sing. My tears carried into this song. Again, just...the last Will I...it stays with you.

Now, they made small cuts here and there. On The Street was the first one I noticed it in, they went right from Christmas bells to who the **** do you think you are. And then another different line. “Hey artist…you got 1,000 dollars?” Funny.

Jesse was having fun dancing and turning during Santa Fe.

I’ll Cover You was adorable. When the turning started after the first verse/chorus, Jesse wasn’t ready for Wilson’s quickness, and was like “oh ****!” But again, you can see the closeness/friendship there, just making the song much more powerful. It was also really interesting to see Wilson not in drag here. He’s still shorter than Jesse and has the higher voice, but he’s not really that puny…some muscle on him. It was different, but nice. Again, sensing the closeness there made that a great number.

Fredi kicked ass on that last note of “Okay.”

Christmas Bells—I was very excited for. They did some more cutting here though—some okay, some not. They did a little of the beginning to just no room at the holiday inn. Again, some nice moments between Wilson and Jesse. As Anthony and Adam sang I realized how incredibly excited I was to hear Adam’s “You’ll Never Lack Customers!” as it wasn’t in the movie. But...they cut it They went from there that’s her and the end of their verse to everyone together. That aside, it was a very powerful song, hearing everyone doing their own part, and having it all come together for the last part.

Idina probably got the loudest ovation of the night. She definitely did the movie “Over the Moon” choreography, not the show, and went about the notes in the same way, which I mean was fine…she’s still great. There was a cute moment where said “his name was Benny” she motioned for the spotlight to come with her over to Taye where...did they hug, did he kiss her cheek? Something sweet happened, I can’t remember. Anyway, another new line:

“He once had principles but abandoned them to let...err...what did he do? To...let to live as a lapdog...heh.

She’s very good at spreading her legs to suck the milk, I gotta say. Her moo was very good, and of course the audience mooed probably the loudest ever.

La Vie Boheme *sigh* Again, little cuts. This started with “dearly beloved...” and Idina definitely brightened up during ass as she jumped on the table, and Taye was really excited, ran to get a close view, then slapped her ass. It was cute what the two of them did for the night.

I think the cast was having a little bit of trouble with the choreography at the beginning, but that was no biggie.

I mean otherwise…what is there to say? Again, just such a...the original cast...doing La Vie Boheme, everyone together, singing, dancing, all the table choreography...another just WOW.

I should tell you was great too, though when Daphne led Adam off it was a little amusing. I’m not sure why exactly. It could have been a couple of things...she could have been taking too big steps, or he was trying to copy her motions (she was bending her knees and taking large steps back). Well, whatever it was amusing.

VIVA LA VIE BOHEME.

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Post 4

The audience was on their feet before the last note was over and the lights went down. I was very very thankful to be on the aisle. Anyway, at that point the OBC went up the stairs, spreading out across the top and some on the stairs while the current cast of RENT came up to sing SoL. Frenchie did the solo, and I think they did everything up until the last part. Then that cast went up to where the life support group meets and then all other RENT cast members came up on stage. They went through SoL, SoL B, a hip-hop mix of it, different people took solos(I could see everything and I couldn’t follow who was singing at times) and everyone looked like they were having a great time. Finally the song ended, and I was a little surprised that there were no speeches, but that’s how it ended. The OBC ran off and the other casts stayed up their hugging each other for a while which was pretty cute.

So after the show, most of the current casts came out first, it took a little while for the OBC to come out. Not surprisingly, Anthony was first. There weren’t barricades there, as we were all barricaded in on the outside. So the security guys tried to do what they could, but it was hard. The said no pictures with them, oh well. While I was waiting for Anthony to come over, all of a sudden I see Fredi. Just standing there, while Anthony was mobbed on the other side. I think people didn’t realize she was there, as she did some more signing after, but she was around for a while. Anyway, in a very fast, without thinking way I just shout “Fredi!” and run over and I was like I’m on Broadwayworld, blah blah and she was really excited, asked who I was, etc. Then...see when we were going to the movies, I had bought her a present...Team America, because she never saw it. We never went, so I still had the DVD, so I gave it to her tonight. She was so excited! She hugged me and we took a picture and I can’t wait to hear what she thinks about it. She said she’s not sure when she can post again, but she will as soon as she can and will mention how she liked it Then Skittles and Emcee came over and Fredi was really excited, especially for Emcee :-P At one point a friend came over and she was like yeah I talk to these guys on the Internet! It was so cute. I’m glad I got to give that to her and meet her, chat with her a bit.

So Anthony made it through the crowd, and I didn’t want to take up too much of his time, but you know, I wanted to tell him how great it was, and he was so great, and Anthony if you’re reading this, I just want you to know...when you said that you’re really happy that I was able to see this...it really meant a lot to me that you said that. So...I just wanted you to know that. Thanks

Then we hear people mentioning Idina and think oh boy to ourselves. She came out with Taye, and Taye signed while Idina escaped the madness. Taye was the one person I got an autograph from, but I’m glad—I did see him in A Soldier’s Play but I never got to talk to him after, so I’m really glad I got his autograph and to tell him how great he was, and yeah he’s adorable up close

And...I guess that’s it. I mean, it’s funny to think that 10 years ago, I could have seen this for $100, but...just how much more it meant because I didn’t fall in love with the show till like ’98 and how...implausible being able to see the original cast do it would seem. And it means so much to see them. There’s their talent, and their closeness, and...knowing that they knew Jonathan and how his death affected them and how the show took on a new meaning and such. You know, I almost didn’t see Rent in ’98. My mom didn’t know if I’d like it, but she decided to take me along. Look what happened.

“How did I get here—how the hell?”

Thank you so much to everyone involved for making this such an amazing night for me—one I will never forget.

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You are one of the best.

Thank you.

And yes, Raul. *sigh*

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Updated On: 4/25/06 at 06:22 AM

Four hours later... Stupid doctor's appointment.

Words can't describe how much my feet hurt.

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"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli

Here's a review from LJ:

http://tolavieboheme.livejournal.com/53279.html

The part about Adam's crotch-grabbing made me laugh.

wrq- Thanks SO MUCH for the detailed review! It sounds like it was an amzing experience.

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wickedrentq, thank you for those wonderful posts. I'm so glad you enjoyed yourself and got to experience it first-hand.

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