I went, and had a great time. It's funny...those here who know me well would think that'd be the last place I'd be since I don't drink, but my sister really wanted to go for some of the primetime and soap people, and paid my fee, so I enjoyed lots of free water and pretzels
I was a little weary of something like this...I don't know why...it seemed like it could be very...crowded with fans or I really didn't know what to expect, but it was really awesome. It really wasn't that crowded...I got there around 7:30, and at like 8, John Lloyd Young, Chris Sieber, and Michael Arden all bartended together. We were all the way on the side, but that's pretty much where John stood, so we, along with a couple of other Jersey Boys fans, talked for quite a while. He said he didnt' have much experience bartending, but he did a great job with my sister's coke and my water
He was so sweet, when his shift was over, he even came over as a "civilian" as he called it to chat with us a bit more. Aww. I've really never had a chance to talk with him before, so I'm so glad I had the opportunity.
And poor Chris, while posing for a picture with the squirter thingie, he accidentally pressed the button and squirted water at the girl taking the picture! She actually snapped the picture with his mouth wide open, shocked and guilty that he squirted water. I told her she has to put that picture on the internet somewhere, it's classic, I really hope it turns up somewhere.
And yeah, in other hours, I chatted quite a bit with Rodney and Kate Shindle, both surprise bartenders (not on the press release), but a nice surprise, of course, considering Donna Murphy was a no-show
There was like...one main bartender there I think, I think otherwise it was the "celebrities" Again, can't tell you how much they actually made the mixed drinks...some definitely knew what they were doing more than others. When they came in for their shift, the bartender would show them everything, but I didn't feel like it was only the bartenders making drinks.
Everyone from all of the mediums were really nice and friendly into it, and I talked to several really cool people just hanging out around the bar.
As to it being 21 or over...I doubt it, it was a restaurant, too. And you could order non-alcoholic drinks as well, so...I didn't see anyone carded or anything...granted I'm 21 and I'm sure absolutely no one thought I looked 20 enough to card me
(in other words, since I'm right ont he edge and they didn't card me, I think it's all right)
It was a really great event, and we're looking forward to going next year! and it was all for a good cause.
"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli
