Welcome, Anthony Rapp! (part two)- Page 167

[Fizz]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 8:10pm

If this thread is going into never-before-seen depths of the gutter...count me out.

I blame the public school system. Teehee.


Hey, PickleTubOrchestra, I saw you! :) Emily and I were commenting on the prettiness of your shirts XD I was the crazy girl in the blue shirt standing near your row who ended up singing. A lot.

May I nab a few of your pictures of Anth with credit for who took them?

[Wanderingchild5]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 8:13pm

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=9218824&uid=4366362&members=1



when you say singing what do you mean when were they singing?

Updated On: 2/10/06 at 08:13 PM

[Mariel]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 8:49pm

Well, Wednesday ended up to be quite a day. Right after my last class, I picked up my boyfriend, Seth, at Wal-Mart and went on our road trip. Seth and I come from southeastern Illinois (about a 5-6 hour drive from Chicago). I’m currently attending a college in central Illinois, so the Chicago book signing ended up only being a three hour and 30 minute trip from there. During the trip over the flat landscape of Illinois, we listened to Adam’s Civilian CD and Little Shop of Horrors and chatted about different subjects. We were worried about getting lost and ending up in Wisconsin or Canada. We made it, through traffic, toll booths, quick lane changes, and snow. (Thank you, Mapquest. )

Highlights on the over three-hour drive there:

*
Seth: Are you nervous about meeting him? I mean . . .he’s your idol. This to you is like me meeting my favorite band.

Me: (thinking idol is a strong word) I don’t know. I feel strangely comfortable around him, with all the posting on Broadway World and the book. But that could change when we get there. (smiles) You might freak out more than I do.

Seth: (laughs) I’ll probably freak out and be unable to make eye contact with his intense gaze.

*
Me: I’m glad I’d convinced you not to bring a copy of Twister for him to sign.

Seth: (Huge grin) I’m really curious how he would have reacted. He’ll probably give me a death stare with his intense eyes or be amused that I had the balls to bring it.

Me: (chuckles) I would’ve told him that if we were close to home, he could skeet shoot with the disks at my father’s club. (mimes holding a rifle) Pull. (pretends to follow disk and makes a gun noise)

*

(When we passed by to the bookstore and peeked inside to see if we could see Anthony)

Seth: (in higher-pitched and excited voice) OH MY GOD! I SEE HIM! I SAW ANTHONY RAPP!

I looked around through the window and all I saw was the back of a blond-haired man in a coat for a brief second. I turned to look at Seth and laughed.

Me: You’re freaking out more than I am.

It ended up just being another blond man.

We looked for a parking spot, put money in the meter, and walked around the block to the bookstore. We were greeted by a mass of people. We both wondered if the bookstore people realized just how many people were coming to the signing. I looked around for Fizz. No luck. I tapped my camera case and realized that my extra disks were missing. Seth asked if I wanted him to get them. I told him that the event will start soon and decided to switch to the slower recording speed. I instructed Seth on how to operate the video camera since he’s taller than me (I’m 5’ 4”.), and he instructed me how to work his digital camera.

Then, I noticed a group of people talking about Rent online stuff. I looked at one girl’s shirt and saw “Inapropo Mod” on it. I pointed her out to Seth and telling him that’s Fizz. He said, “Oh my. . .” (He’s seen the Live Journal community. It has scarred him for life. Don’t worry, Fizz. He thinks you’re nice.) I walked up to her.

Me: (points to shirt with smile) Inapropo.
(Fizz turns to me.)
Me: (smiles) Mariel. Real name [blank].
(Fizz smiled and gave me a hug.)

It’s great to finally put faces to names with those people who post on the Live Journal communities, Broadway World, and Compulsive Bowlers.

Finally, silence fell and we wondered if he was coming. A lady came up front and announced the rules about no flash photography and no noise-making electronic devices (mainly cellphones). I double checked to see if the ringer was off. There was no need to have the sound of Anthony singing “What You Own” interrupting him during reading from the book. That would’ve been an awkward moment. Fizz was having trouble turning the flash off on her camera. She asked for helped, and Seth stepped in. After a few minutes of fiddling with her camera, he figured it out and later showed her how to turn it off. She thanked him.

We waited a few minutes as just incase people were running late. We then noticed that the room got a little quiet. Seth and I wondered if Anthony was coming. Two girls screamed. Yep. He’s coming. Seth saw his Mark flip above the bookshelves and started recording. The group clapped, screamed, and whooed when Anthony entered. (Of course, to make the moment anti-climatic, the bookstore lady asked if a particular person was here because his/her book was here.) Watching Anthony come in, I was struck by how much he resembled my younger brother (of course, there are major differences. My brother has red, curly hair; a lot of freckles; and a slightly different jaw line). I situated myself between the taller bodies in front of me and snapped a few pictures (after about five shots, the camera went dead). The bookstore lady made an announcement that there were only three books left. I looked at Seth. Rats! I received my book on Monday, but Seth was planning to buy Anthony’s book at the signing. We knew there was no way for us to get one of those last books. I told him I’m sorry and he said that it’s ok.

Anthony started to speak. He asked if this was a book signing or a rock concert. He thanked everyone for being here, explained this is his first book signing, and said he couldn’t wait to share his experiences with a group of people because staring at a computer screen is lonely. Then, the PA made a weird noise. Anthony said that if cellphones were on, they would affect the sound system.

Anthony: If anyone is near the stereo, turn off your cellphones.

I snuck my phone out and turned it off. (smiles sheepishly)

Seth continued filming and eventually used my head as a tripod. (I guess my short stature came in handy for something.) Anthony (as reported earlier) read from the chapter “Glory.” When I read the book earlier in the week, I found many things in Anthony’s life ringing true within my own life (especially dealing with a family member with cancer, which I’ll discuss more in my book review). I never cried while reading it. I found myself extremely moved by what’s in the book but at the same time, distancing myself from it. While Anthony was reading it out loud, however, I found his narrative having much more effect on me, especially when Anthony talked about his mother before, during, and after the opening performance. I squeezed Seth’s hand when Anthony described the lyrics doubling back on him. When he told himself to remember this night over and over again. When he experienced his wave of emotion backstage after the show. When he described how his mother loved the show (especially when Anthony said his mother’s pet name for him, Tonio, out loud).

Anthony then opened the floor for a Q & A session. Highlights include the height question, the eleven year old asking how many shows he had done, the audience “awing” at the image of a six year-old Anthony as the cowardly lion, the struggling writer asking for advice, his new book project, and the two cellphone interruptions (example: phone rings. Anthony: ~looks around~ Hello?). Anthony then sang “Seasons of Love” a cappella. He explained that he first did this an UN assembly event (I need to check the video) and talked with representatives who felt powerfully about the message of Rent. He then said that those who feel that the HIV epidemic is irrelevant and dated should talk to those people. That brought on a round of applause. Then he sang. His first couple of notes were rough but then found his voice. Everyone quietly listened to him. He was on. When he got to “It’s time now/ To sing out,” some people wanted to clap but didn’t want to interrupt him. I quietly tapped my camera case to the beat. After he finished, the fans there gave him a rousing applause and cheers. Seth then turned off the camera and was so happy he caught everything. (The only bit he missed was the later half of the new book question. We had to change the battery.)

Then, the bookstore lady went on to organize everyone in a line. We tried to stay with Fizz and the gang, but we were split up. After a few more line shuffles, we ended up towards the end of the line. We stayed in the line for about three hours. During that time, Seth put more quarters in the parking meter (we had 11 seconds left), we checked out the video, and we looked at books (Seth: Hey, Anthony, could you sign my copy of Capote?). Seth also had to run six blocks away to find a bathroom since the one in the bookstore was closed. (And we would like to thank the girls behind us for allowing him back in line every time he left.) I also gave my mother a call to tell her we made it to Chicago safely.

Me: We’re in line to sign the book right now.

Mother: How long will that take?

Me: (looks at long, immobile line) I have no idea.

I agreed to call her when I’m outside Chicago and when I make it home.

I also filmed, off and on, the long line and the fans in it (including Fizz and the gang). At one point we heard a loud thud.

Anthony: Is everyone alright?!

Seth and I wondered if someone had fainted, either from nerves, the heat, or something else. What was that? Did someone drop a book? Then there was an “awww” at one point. Did someone get a hug from Anthony or something? There was another thud later on which I have no clue on its origins.

We slowly made our way around the line and began talking with some Rent fans. We talked about the new tour production, previous fan experiences, other fun stories, etc.

Then, it was close to my turn. I noticed people asking for the “tango pose” that began with the Chicago screening of the movie. I debated whether I want a regular picture or the “tango pose.” Finally, I said to myself, I’m a dancer. I might as well get the “tango pose.” I took a quick mental check on the position with the girl in front of me as Anthony positioned her. Right before my turn, I spent a good amount of time untangling myself from my heavy coat, camera case, Mark scarf, and my long, red hair. (If Anthony saw it, he probably got a good chuckle out of it.) I gave my book and my friend’s, Katy, insert from Anthony’s Look Around CD to his assistants. I walked up to Anthony, noticing he was beginning to look tired. He asked my name, and I told him. And I told him the insert was for my friend Katy, K-A-T-Y. He signed the book and the insert. Then, I meekly asked him for the “tango pose.” He got up and was getting ready to position me. I grabbed his hand and shoulder and snapped into the pose. Anthony hesitated a second, a little surprised (Seth said his eyes widen for a moment.) He muttered, “Oh….good,” and settled into his portion of the pose. (Seth had gotten his camera working again at this point.) Afterwards I talked to Anthony, wanting to keep it short for his sake and the other fans’ sake.

Me: (slightly rambling) I had read your book. I want to thank you for your honest . . . for your honesty. (He nods) I post as Mariel on Broadway World. (He smiled and said Mariel with recognition . . . which still baffles me. I rarely post.) Thank you for the tango pose and the autographs. (I was kind of incoherent with that last part.) Thank you.

Then, I walked down to Seth (who decided not to talk to him since he didn’t have anything for Anthony to sign and didn’t want to take up his time). I later kicked myself for forgetting to tell Anthony something. Anthony, if you’re reading this, I wanted to tell you what a great job you and Tracie did with the Argentine tango. For being non-dancers, I could tell that you guys worked hard. Your lines, positions, and your carriage were dead on. (Can’t you tell I’m a dancer?) Bravo!

Afterwards, I talked with some of my new friends and hugged them goodbye. Then, Seth and I went to a power outlet to plug in my camera. The camera told me that there was an error with the image file, and it needed repaired. I initiated the process, hoping I didn’t lose the video. Luckily, I didn’t. Then, I filmed an update about the signing.
We also checked out the picture, which turned out pretty good. We finally concluded a strange contest we had. In the past, we debated on whom was the most pale: Anthony, Seth, or myself. It turns out I win by a large margin.

Me: I’m paler than Anthony Rapp! . . . Wait a minute . . .

I later told my younger brother about this and he gave me this advice:

Brother: Go get in the sun.

So Anthony, if you want to make pale jokes my way, feel free to.

During this time in the now almost empty bookstore, Seth and I heard Anthony say with a jubilant and tired voice:

Anthony: I can’t believe I made it!

Seth and I smiled. We had a feeling that Anthony, after six plus hours in a hot bookstore, would crash in his hotel room after leaving the store. We headed for the car (briefly trying the tango pose in the parking lot) and started on the three and a half hour trip back home (hoping we would get out of Chicago alive). We chatted about the event, other stuff, and read three chapters of Anthony’s book out loud (“Grandpa,” “Wild Bill,” and “Getting It All”).

The highlight comment on the long drive home:

Seth: I didn’t realize he was so small. He’s so cute. I wanted to hug him. (This is from my straight boyfriend. )
Chuckling, I pointed that out to him. Seth went on saying that if he were gay, he would find Anthony very attractive.

We got back to my apartment at around 3:00 AM and after a short break, Seth drove the remaining two plus hours back to his home town. I called him the next day, and he got home in one piece.

It was a fun (though exhausting) adventure for the two of us. We’re planning on putting up the video of the event in the future. I’ll post the link when it’s online. If anyone wants to see the tango picture, PM me. My book review will hopefully be typed out by this weekend.

Anthony, thank you for everything and for enduring the 6 plus hours in a hot bookstore. My friend, Katy, would like to thank you for the autograph. It made her day.

If anyone has read this entire account, I applaud you. Now go rest those eyes.

Mariel

[Wanderingchild5]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 8:54pm

wow I would have done a tango pose but anthony looked tired when I got to him so I didnt want to make him get up lol. And I listend to the exact same things in my car that you listend to! lol

[Wanderingchild5]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 8:58pm

here ya go

http://youtube.com/w/Anthony-Rapp-%28Barbara%27s-Bookstore%2C-Oak-Park%2C-IL%29?v=WXUUnYem3DQ&search=anthony%20rapp

[Fantabulous428]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 9:05pm

Thanks Mariel for such a detailed account! Sounds like you had a great time.

Posted: 2/10/06 at 9:12pm

Wow Mariel, that was long, but it sounded like alot of fun.

And it made me laugh, which is what I really needed, thanks!

[Clayford27]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 9:19pm

Aww I'm glad you had a great time Mariel! Thanks for sharing that with us! WanderingChild5 - awesome video! Thanks for uploading that, Anthony sounds amazing! :o)

[Wanderingchild5]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 9:20pm

no thats not my video lol I just found it haha I was sitting way closer to him lol

Posted: 2/10/06 at 9:36pm

Wow, that was a really cool video. Who was that lady who got up out of the chair though?

[MissMonika]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 9:41pm

nice story, Mariel. some parts made me laugh a lot. hehehe. this is making me more excited for next week. :)

[opiv]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 9:42pm

Great review!

Who's going to the San Fransico one?

[Wanderingchild5]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 9:46pm

wait the lady with the red hair? She works there

[xM3L24x]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 9:54pm

I signed your guestbook because it was lacking signitures =)

[Fizz]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 9:56pm

(He’s seen the Live Journal community. It has scarred him for life. Don’t worry, Fizz. He thinks you’re nice.)

Make sure to tell him we're just kidding. We're all actually quite sane. For the most part.


...and eventually used my head as a tripod.

I saw that! I thought it was cute!


noticed people asking for the “tango pose” that began with the Chicago screening of the movie.

AHhh, after they saw Liam do it they all wanted it, eh? Glad you got one, too!

If anyone has read this entire account, I applaud you.
I READ IT ALL!


when you say singing what do you mean when were they singing?

Group of fans singing. :)

[defying_gravity2]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 10:15pm

I'm soo excited, I have an amazing week coming up. Wednesday-Spelling Bee. Thurdsday- Anthony's book signing. Sat- Anthony is playing a club in SF. Holy crap...I think I'm gonna lose it :)

[xM3L24x]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 10:16pm

awwe thats great! I hear spelling bee is verry funny. I need to see that.

[opiv]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 10:27pm

Yay San Fran signing!



Look for me!

[Wanderingchild5]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 10:29pm

haha nice pic

[xM3L24x]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 10:32pm

awee..your so pretty =)

[opiv]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 10:35pm

Oh, my names not Juana. Hehe

I will most likely be wearing that, so say hi.

[defying_gravity2]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 10:39pm

Opiv, I'll look for you. I can't get ther until 7. So, I'm hoping someone will save me a spot in line.

[opiv]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 10:45pm

Im getting there really early. And you all can call me Katie if you see me.

[xM3L24x]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 10:45pm

if the chicago book signing is going to be huge, I can't imaginee what NY will be like. oyy vey.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 2/10/06 at 10:52pm

aw, opiv, you're adorable!