Ok, thoughts on last night (I'm running on little sleep, and have been driving all morning...apologies if I ramble/don't make sense...haha):
Attendance was probably about 350 (I know for sure 325...)...far beyond the B&N's expectations of near 100-150.
He read out of "We Begin" with singing at the opera showcase, his birthday, and the Peasants feast (and meeting Adam). And talked about how long it took to write the book, how proud he is of it, the responses he's been hearing so far, etc etc. Sang a verse of La Vie Boheme...
Q&A-In the words of my mom, "Watch the documentary before you ask a question!" Lots of silly questions, which I guess was to be expected to some extent. Some girl asked something along the lines of, when did it hit you that you were actually doing the movie...and his response? "Haven't you read the book yet?" Muahahaha...Someone asked about his education to which he responded he did film school but dropped out...pause..."I'm not proud that I dropped out...stay in school!" Nice little PSA for the kids
Best question was how do you feel about big name celebrities on Broadway (It's a double edged sword-it introduces people to theatre that might not otherwise come, which is good; but usually there are far more talented people that could be in them...his example was Julia Robert's play thats about to open).
It was a little hectic with the signing, of course. Someone tried to start a singalong...and thankfully were stopped (really, offkey singing of Tango Maureen is just not cool). Some people brought every piece of Rent memorabilia they had...including some girl who brought a promo cardboard cutout thing (woah). In front of me was a little boy and his mom (she was the fan), but regardless took a picture of the little boy with Anthony. He was so nice and trying to talk to him and the boy just stood there the whole time, serious look on his face. It was sweet (and slightly amusing). When it was finally my turn, did the picture thing, had him sign my book and Look Around book, said something that probably made no sense about how much I loved his work, and how much I appreciated how honest the book was...I was about halfway through the line, and left about 9:30. So he was going to be there a loooong time.
Anyways, good night, good times. I heart Anthony. I'm sure I'll think of more later...
