BCEFA FLEA 2019 COLLECTORS UNITE — Page 3

Marianne2 said: "I hope the table that was trying to sell Avenue Q 15th anniversary key rings for an obscene amount of money lower the price on their merchandise. I didn't buy stuff because they wanted $40 for concession stand cups that others had for like $5-$10. It was from closed shows, but nothing really that struck me as being worth that much. The key rings were like $10-$25, if I remember right."

I think that was the same table that had Three Tall Women glasses for $50 — I bought mine last year (which I’ve since broken, unfortunately) for $1.

Danielle49 said: "Marianne2 said: "I hope the table that was trying to sell Avenue Q 15th anniversary key rings for an obscene amount of money lower the price on their merchandise. I didn't buy stuff because they wanted $40 for concession stand cups that others had for like $5-$10. It was from closed shows, but nothing really that struck me as being worth that much. The key rings were like $10-$25, if I remember right."

I think that was the same table that had Three Tall Women glasses for $50 — I bought mine last year (which I’ve since broken, unfortunately) for $1."

Some of the prices were insane. I liked those glasses but $50 was crazy.

Danielle49 said: "Out of curiosity, did anyone hit the Oklahoma! table right when they opened? I got there around 11 and they had signed Playbills, posters, shirts and coozies. I overheard them saying that there were fly swatters earlier in the day. Did they have any other props/collectibles right at opening?"

They had some sort of make-up type bags signed by Mary Testa, fly swatters, travel picnic blankets signed by the entire cast.

BroadwayPhan said: "The Moulin Rouge table was quite disappointing...very sparse and extremely limited merchandise. I saw some regular unsigned Playbills, some Pride Week t-shirts, and a few signed papers and photos. That was it. Surprised they didn't try to do more.

Speaking of failed efforts, anybody find it bizarre that Harry Potter has never had a table at the Flea Market? It's disappointing they haven't found a way to participate."

Sad to hear there were no signed posters, but that artwork is less than desirable anyway.

Good for them; they obviously love BMC and it's not like Crystal Pepsi is in production anymore where they could just buy a bottle at the store.

Let people enjoy things.

As for my experience today, I was there from 11-1 and was really only able to get up to a handful of tables. People are very pushy and I'm not in the mood to fight for a spot to thumb through Playbills when I'm not searching for anything in particular. I found the old Playbills I wanted at least year's event so I didn't have any goals this year. Mostly I like seeing how many of my friends, close or casual, I bump into. Only 4 this year; usually it's more than 6.

I picked up a nice haul today! Happy with my finds! For some reason the crowd didn't bother me as much this year as it has in past years, but yeah, it's pretty crowded.

I never wait in the autograph line, but I occasionally do the photo line if it's someone who usually doesn't do photos, or someone who I've never had the opportunity to meet at the stage door. Today I tried for Raúl Esparza and Bebe Neuwirth but I got priced out both times. I would have considered paying $50 - MAYBE $60, but they wanted $80 for Esparza, and $100 for Neuwirth, and I just couldn't swing that, so I just walked away. It was disappointing to strike out twice in the same day, but my wallet thanked me: and I ended up allowing myself to spend a bit more at the booths and still come out under my initial budget.

ND_2000 said: "Other than that, I didn't see a lot I was interested in. I had hoped for maybe something from The Prom, but they said that was all gone within the first 30 minutes. Oh well! Hope everyone had a great time!"

Honestly, there wasn’t even that much from the Prom to start out. I managed to snag what I think was a Tony voter book, but the only other thing I saw were beanies. And I got there at around 9:30.

I certainly didn't do as well as I did last year but I wouldn't call it a complete wash. Regardless of what I budget, I generally spend around $50 to $100. This year it was a lot closer to $50. My favorite find was the Mama Will Provide apron that I got as a three for $10 deal with two shirts. In hindsight I should have gotten more as gifts but they seemed a little flimsy at the time when I compared them to another table selling thicker aprons. Maybe I went too late in the day this time but I was surprised that M. Butterfly was the closed show that seemed to have the best selection. Most of the tables had paper stuff (Playbills, windowcards, books, etc.) and CDs and DVDs.

I was surprised to see the Hercules merch and very tempted but it seemed like it would just remind me of losing the lottery and the bracelets weren't really that cute. I'd rather just donate the money to BCEFA.

So earlier I went through the shows I'd be on the lookout for.

• I looked for The Cher Show stuff but all I really found was a table with a bunch of those plastic fans that feel like the stuff they give away as free promo and $5 cast albums. In hindsight, I should have gotten the cast album but at that point, I didn't know how much I'd be spending and I didn't find the table again.
• All I found from My Fair Lady was the booklets with photos from the show and the basically free reading material that they have for Lincoln Center shows. And the prices for the latter were ridiculous.
• I was going to pick up more Frozen shirts just cause of the name recognition but even though the prices were still good, the sizes were all small this year.
• OOTI was represented with the Mama Will Provide aprons and this weird selection of 5 buttons/pins for $8 that did not seem like official show merch.
• I was disappointed that there wasn't anything more exciting from Waitress but maybe it was already gone by the time I stopped by the table.

veronicamae said: "dshnookie said: "https://www.instagram.com/p/B2udw8Bhftp/?igshid=1pzvudzbq5ysy

Someone bought a dirty, crushed Crystal Pepsi bottle from BMC...

HELLLLLLLLLLL NO!"

Good for them; they obviously love BMC and it's not like Crystal Pepsi is in production anymore where they could just buy a bottle at the store.

Let people enjoy things.

As for my experience today, I was there from 11-1 and was really only able to get up to a handful of tables. People are very pushy and I'm not in the mood to fight for a spot to thumb through Playbills when I'm not searching for anything in particular. I found the old Playbills I wanted at least year's event so I didn't have any goals this year. Mostly I like seeing how many of my friends, close or casual, I bump into. Only 4 this year; usually it's more than 6."

You’re right. I apologize.