Some random thoughts and responses:
It doesn't bother me if autograph dealers are in line for the celebrity tables -- they make a donation to charity and then can do whatever they want with what they receive. If they're up front at the stage door, that doesn't bother me either, but some of them pretend to be a big fan when they're really just looking for something to sell, and that I don't like.
The doubling of the Angela Lansbury lunch and the Barbra Streisand meet-and-greet at the auction was a little awkward. There was some persuading that had to be done to get the bidders to agree.
I agree that the Wicked table's prices were ridiculous (but they brought in the most money, so someone must have gone for it). The unsigned framed windowcards for $100 was nuts. You can buy the windowcard for $20 and the frame for $25 -- why would you pay $100 for both?
The autograph and photo booth lines have been separated for a while now, so you have to choose which you want to do.
I thought the sippy cup guy was asking for too much for his cups if he wanted to unload them. $5 for a plastic sippy cup is a lot when there are mugs selling for the same amount or less at the next table.
I think the backstage Wicked experience went for $2000.
And the Once cupcakes were really delicious! I also liked their table in general -- interesting stuff and friendly people.
I think part of the reason why the merchandise didn't seem that exciting is because the only new show tables this year were Once, Newsies, Bring It On, and Evita, and the Evita stuff was too expensive. I wish there had been tables for Nice Work, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Mormon. Was there a Mormon table last year? I don't remember. And did Chicago have a table?
"What was the name of that cheese that I like?"
"you can't run away forever...but there's nothing wrong with getting a good head start"
"well I hope and I pray, that maybe someday, you'll walk in the room with my heart"
