Posted: 3/17/18 at 1:36pm
This past Thursday, I had the supreme pleasure of seeing Beth Leavel at our Austin Cabaret (produced by Stuart Moulton). There was a pre show dinner and then the show began at around 8:30 p.m. I arrive at the facility somewhat early, as Austin traffic is unbelievable. I got there around 6:15 p.m. Initially, I waited outside. After a while, I heard a beautifully brassy voice over the speaker system. (It was Beth Leavel doing sound check.) I went inside to ask about my table, turned and there she was on the stage. Then, I saw the producer Stuart Moulton and greeted him. He told me to follow him so he could introduce me to Beth. I was extremely nervous, because at the same time I had been watching Beth Leavel's Tony Awards speech. I showed it to Stuart who showed it to Beth. She said something about being told to hurry up to get the award or something. We spoke a little bit. She offered to autograph my Drowsy Chaperone programme and Playbill ( I had seen it in 2007 at the Marquis.) I also had a copy of a 2003 Advocate, which had Christopher Sieber (her future cast mate in "Prom"
. She looked through it and signed her name in front of his photo. I mentioned to her that I planned on going to NYC in December and promised to see "Prom". As for the show, it was an evening of songs, tales about problematic auditions and a Q & A. My favorite song was "As We Stumble Along". Before she sang it as an encore, she quipped that it had become her signature song apparently, but was all about a drunk. (Initially, Sam Harris was scheduled to make an appearance at Austin Cabaret, but he scored a pilot and couldn't make it. Stuart asked Beth Leavel, who agreed. ) During the Q & A, I asked her why many gay men happen to love musical theatre. Her response was: "You have good taste." Interestingly enough, it was the same response Patti LuPone gave to me back in the day when she would email fans (like me). After the show ended, I spoke briefly with her and then left on a fantastic high.
