CURTAINS Closing Weekend Details Here- Page 2

[jordangirl]

Posted: 6/29/08 at 8:59pm

Thanks for the details! I had such a hard choice at first between Curtains and Sunday in the Park with George. Ultimately, for me emotionally right now I made the right choice. But it didn't mean I didn't love Curtains too.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 6/29/08 at 9:08pm

Just to add to what's already been said...

Lovely afternoon today. Great performance of a fun, old-fashioned show.

Everyone got entrance applause (including Patty Goble in the opening number, who looked shocked). The only full mid-show standing ovation in the orchestra was after It's a Business. Tough Act to Follow got a scattered standing ovation (I've never ever liked that number to be honest- the one part of the show I always get bored during).

The cast was fantastic, as usual. Everyone was wonderful, but Edward Hibbert and Karen Ziemba have always been the two standout performers in this cast for me.

The lady with the blackberry....was that for real? I couldn't tell. The producer guy giving the speech seemed very taken aback by that. Not sure who the woman was that claimed to have Scott Ellis on the phone. It was nice to see John Kander up onstage, enjoying the response he got when he was introduced.

Debra Monk used the same adlib that was mentioned earlier in this thread today, after Bambi's dance number.

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 6/29/08 at 10:04pm

Today was amazing. I can't express what a privilege working in that house. I will miss the cast, crew, and FOH staff so much - we were all a big family. The performance was amazingly received. I only wish we'd had audiences like that the whole run. They deserved it. Updated On: 6/29/08 at 10:04 PM

[ashley0139]

Posted: 6/29/08 at 10:15pm

I forgot to mention one of my favorite parts- I've always been disappointed that Megan couldn't get applause for her Kickapoo dance because of the gunshot. Today, though, when she said, "I thought I was pretty good," the entire audience started cheering. It's the only recognition she got for the dance that whole run. I was so excited, because her number is brilliant.

The producer that spoke at the end was Roger Berlind.

[FallintoLight]

Posted: 6/29/08 at 10:33pm

Although closing shows are always sad (and I was especially sad for this one), this was probably one of the best closing shows I've ever been to. The audience response was amazing! And the cast seemed to be truly appreciative that they were so loved! I always marvel at the fact that this cast, unlike many others, always seems to be giving 110% every night! They seem to, whole-heartedly, love being in this show!

There were two moments from the show this afternoon that were just amazing to me. One was Show People. I've always loved this song and this moment in the show but, like many people have already said, seeing it today was something special.

I also loved the fact that Megan Sikora FINALLY got applause for her Princess Kickapoo dance. It unfortunately never gets applause due to the fact that the way the plot unfolds at that point in the show there is no time for applause. But today when Carmen begins to put Bambi down, telling her she does not have what it takes to make it on stage, Bambi says "I thought I did pretty good in that last number!" The audience went crazy. She received a much needed and MUCH deserved applause!

It was a great show and a great performance today! I'll definitely miss the show and seeing the amazing performances given by the cast!

[Raspberry]

Posted: 6/29/08 at 10:43pm

I agree it felt good to finally be able to cheer for that number. In addition to the literally show-stopping cheering and applause for Megan's dance number, which the last two posters mentioned, she also received applause three separate times during the actual Kansasland number: once when she entered as the Princess character, again after she finished cartwheeling over all six chorus boys' laps, and a third time after she and Bobby finished the main part of their pas de deux ("for two!") before Bobby starts his leaping around the barrels.

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 6/29/08 at 10:50pm

Every now and then during the run Megan would get applause for her dance after "I thought I did pretty good in that last number," and Deb Monk would do the "Big deal" line twice, which always got a laugh. At least once the audience applauded after Cioffi's line "Despite what your mother says, you were GREAT in that Kansasland number."

Noah threw her really high into the air during the pas de deux, which was awesome. Loved that. Updated On: 6/29/08 at 10:50 PM

[philly03]

Posted: 6/29/08 at 10:53pm

"Although closing shows are always sad (and I was especially sad for this one), this was probably one of the best closing shows I've ever been to. The audience response was amazing! And the cast seemed to be truly appreciative that they were so loved! I always marvel at the fact that this cast, unlike many others, always seems to be giving 110% every night! They seem to, whole-heartedly, love being in this show!"

I agree with everything you said! I sadly missed the final show , but would have loved to be there. I'd rather have a final show be like this & the Scarlet Pimpernel where it seems like it's a TON of fans there cheering everyone on, rather than a lously show that people are there just to fill seats.

Interesting that David Hyde Pierce didn't say anything? He .. literally is the face of the show. And did any of the missing (which is really minimal to my understanding) original cast return to see the show like in the crowd...like Jill Paice?!

[zepka102]

Posted: 6/29/08 at 10:55pm

I am so glad to hear Megan got a response for her dancing! Both times I saw it I wanted to cheer for her because she did it so well. I love the whole show a lot, but that was one of the moments that stood out the most.

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 6/29/08 at 10:58pm

I saw a couple original cast members in the crowd, but I believe Jill Paice is still in Europe.

[FallintoLight]

Posted: 6/29/08 at 11:20pm

Nili Bassman who was in the ensemble and is no longer in the show came out on stage during the speech. It was nice to see her there:)

[ashley0139]

Posted: 6/29/08 at 11:20pm

And did any of the missing (which is really minimal to my understanding) original cast return to see the show like in the crowd...like Jill Paice?!

I saw Paula Leggett Chase in the audience and Nili Bassman joined the cast onstage during the speeches. I also really liked that they had the swings on for curtain call. Very nice touch.

[philly03]

Posted: 6/29/08 at 11:24pm

"I saw a couple original cast members in the crowd, but I believe Jill Paice is still in Europe. "

I would have guessed Jill would be running back here after Gone With the Wind closed (2 weeks ago if you didn't know!). It's always nice to see some originals in the crowd none-the-less :).

[Raspberry]

Posted: 6/29/08 at 11:25pm

Well, David Hyde Piece did say one thing.

His entrance applause of course went on for an insanely long time. I gather from interviews and his general demeanor that he's a pretty humble guy, and he seemed a little embarrassed to be standing there getting so much applause while the whole rest of the cast stood frozen in place. Usually he just holds out his badge to people and walks slowly forward until the applause stops, but this afternoon he eventually broke character. He kind of bowed/nodded his head toward the audience and mouthed "thank you," perhaps in an effort to shut us up, but of course it only brought more cheering.

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 6/29/08 at 11:28pm

Philly, she's probably taking a vacation or something. I would, after that.

Yes, Paula Leggett Chase and Nili Bassman were both there, as was Matt Farnsworth.

[jaimiecheno]

Posted: 6/29/08 at 11:31pm

Its so nice that the cast is so close...this BWW article was sweet about it:

https://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=29352

[mikem]

Posted: 6/29/08 at 11:42pm

The show was fantastic -- the energy from the members of the audience and the members of the cast just built off each other throughout the whole show. I wanted it to go on forever.

I know this doesn't have anything to do with the quality of the show itself, but one thing that has impressed me about this production is that the cast is, without exception, just so NICE to everyone at the stage door. They don't just go through the motions -- they seem genuinely interested in their audience. They all just seem like really nice people. I was reminded of this today because all of the creative team who were there were also extremely nice to everyone at the stage door as well: posing, signing, shaking hands, answering questions, etc. with everybody who wanted a little of their time. I don't know what's in the water over there at the Hirschfeld, but I wish they'd bottle it and send it all over the world -- maybe the world would be a better place.

Updated On: 6/29/08 at 11:42 PM

[LadyRosecoe]

Posted: 6/29/08 at 11:46pm

Gerry pretty much owned that little questionnaire.

[meredithchandler73]

Posted: 6/30/08 at 12:04am

--Just about everyone got entrance applause and it was a lot longer than usual for some. I don't think I've ever noticed applause right at the top of the show when the ensemble is revealed. David Hyde Pierce's entrance applause literally stopped the show. He finally had to acknowledge it with a mouthed "thank you" before going on. :)
--David teared up by the end of "Show People" and I think I noticed Karen tearing up during the number as well.
--"Thataway" is always a highlight of the show for me and today was no exception. Usually, Karen catches the hat fairly easily and on the last beat of the song has her arms outstretched, hat in one hand. (I've seen the show many times.) The hat toss went pretty far stage right today and I could see she was reaching to try to catch it. I think she touched the hat with the tips of her fingers and was just able to get hold of the hat with her hand on the last beat. It was incredible!
--Wonderful to see "It's a Business" get a standing ovation.
--David got choked up saying starting to say his last lines. That's about when I started crying.
--Audience was on their feet as soon as the curtain call began with the ensemble. I was so glad because the company deserved a standing ovation.
Updated On: 6/30/08 at 12:04 AM

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/30/08 at 9:56am

I wish I'd been able to be there! Did the weather hold up okay?

Ooh - does anyone object if we borrow some of your stories for our website?
Updated On: 6/30/08 at 09:56 AM

[StageFan2]

Posted: 6/30/08 at 10:54am

Not much to add - other than some personal observations.

My loving the final show was a given as was my admiration of this amazingly energetic and talented company. I was sitting in the Orch. G109 dead center (best seats ever!) and could clearly see the emotion on their (the actors) faces at varies times during the performance. During the extended applause for DHP, Deb Monk; while never breaking character, was giving him winks and slight nods of the head. Jim Newman looked into the audience and nodded yes. There was a lot of winking and more than usual emotion on the stage, especially from KZ and DHP. I think he winked and grinned at just about everyone on the stage at one time or another and KZ teared up several times during the performance.

The audience response was incredible, and lucky for me, the people sitting on either side of me were all wonderful. Truly the type of people who add to the experience of attending the theatre.

For Act 1, John Kander settled in 2 seats away from me in G112. It gave me the chance to shake the hand of a gentleman genius. I was thrilled. I still am. What a gracious, gracious gentleman. Rupert Holmes was directly in front of Mr. Kander in F row. He stayed through the first act and part of the second. I talked to him too, also very gracious; and boy does he love this show and this company! As he watched the smile never left his face. Also through Act 2; DHP's SO was seated directly in back of me (laughing and clapping wildly - he seems to be a great audience) with some of what I gather was the productive team - the only name I remember Roger Berlind mentioning was Lenore somebody. I believe he said they were with the Center Theatre Group in LA, but I won't swear to it. I really wasn't paying attention because I was watching the actors faces. Patty Goble was crying openly and DHP took his handkerchief from his breast pocket and gave it to her to wipe her eyes. Jim Newman also seemed teary, as was KZ. Also, Roger Berlind presented flowers to DM and DHP. DHP passed his down to KZ. Very nice.

Three things which stood out. The humble, gracious nod and mouthed "thank you" from DHP to the audience at his entrance, the absolute circus catch KZ made of the hat at the end of "Thataway" (I'm telling you it rivaled Dave Tyree's helmet catch in the Super Bowl last year, only she used one hand)and Noah tossing Megan into the rafters during Kansasland.

As for the stage door - mikem I agree, you said it all!

[iluvcioffiiluvtea23]

Posted: 6/30/08 at 10:56am

"Patty Goble was crying openly and DHP took his handkerchief from his breast pocket and gave it to her to wipe her eyes."

Awwwwwwww. that was really sweet, StageFan! I loved your thoughts!!

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 6/30/08 at 11:11am

Those bouquets were from the ushers :)

[StageFan2]

Posted: 6/30/08 at 11:20am

Thanks Shbrt. Gotta give some love to the ushers.

**Stands,claps hands wildly in appreciation**

Thanks iluv. Sorry you didn't make it to the show. Maybe you'll get to see DHP in "Accent on Youth" this spring. Updated On: 6/30/08 at 11:20 AM

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 6/30/08 at 11:40am

I was there yesterday afternoon as well, and it was truly an incredible experience. The last time I had seen the show was Febraury 28, 2007 in previews, and I didn't care much for the show. After seeing it yesterday, I have so much more of an appreciation for the score, the acting, the book...the whole thing was just wonderful...and the insanely enthusuiastic audience certainly didn't hurt!

All of the actors were spot on yesterday, especially DHP, DM and KZ. Brilliant performances all around...can't wait to see all three of them back on the stage (too bad it won't be with each other). The extended entrace applause for DHP was thrilling, as was the standing ovation for DM's "It's a Business" and KZ's incredible catch at the end of "Thataway."

I had a feeling John Kander was going to be in the audience yesterday. He was signing for everyone at the stage door and was more than gracious. He signed my souvenir program and my CDs of Steel Pier and The Happy Time, which I brought. I also told him that I had seen The Visit at Signature and that it needs to come to Broadway. I mentioned that he, Chita, George and possibly Terrance would all win another Tony Award if it were to come to Broadway...he was so flattered by all the compliments and all the love that the audience/stage door people were giving him. What a brilliant man...a legend...here's hoping that Curtains won't be his last new show on Broadway.