I've shared this before, but it's a damn fine story. since i'm bored, here's the long version:
It was summer 2002, and I was in DC seeing the Kennedy Center's Sweeney Todd starring Brian Stokes Mitchell, Baranski, Hugh Panaro, Celia, etc. I had made the trip to DC specifically to catch this production. So the show was wonderful and it ended. I rush around back to get a good spot for stage door idol-worship.
MISHAP #1: I spot Hugh Panaro come out, with the distinctive sideburns Anthony was given in this production. I run over and shake his hand, not saying his name, and as he's signing an autograph, I mention how great he was in Side Show. Huge looks at me kinda funny, then goes "Oh you must be looking for Hugh! He's still inside." He was actually the only member of the ensemble with the same sideburns, and I was so embarrassed I still have no idea what his name is (can't tell from the sig)
MISHAP #2: after recovering from the Hugh mishap, I spot Stokes nearby, not having seen him exit the building. As he's entertaining various fans, I notice the very classy, poised woman standing off to the side. A few people approached her for autographs, and she exuded a sort of stage presence, which said to me that it must be Baranski, who I wasn't so familiar with close up. I say "Excuse me, you were fantastic in the show! Would you sign..." and she interrupts "I wasn't in the show, my husband and I are friends of Brian's" Still being an idiot and not stopping to let it sink in, I continue "That's great you got to come out and see him. Where do you know him from?" She says "We've performed in a few productions together" I ask which, basically trying to save face while still looking out the corner of my eye for Stokes to finish. I'm pushed out of the way by a big group of fans wanting her autograph, as she explains quickly "Ragtime and more recently Kiss Me Kate!" 3-5 seconds pass, as I run thru the cast lists quickly then "OH SH*T YOU'RE MARIN MAZZIE!"
MISHAP #2.5: Of course I pronounced her name ma-RIN, and she looks at me increasingly annoyed "Yes, it's MA-rin". Then finally I look at her husband's face "AND THAT MAKES YOU JASON DANIELEY!" Luckily I pronounced his name right. I proceeded to apologize repeatedly, insisting that "no really I'm a huge fan", and at some point making an inappropriate awkward joke about the suicide song in FULL MONTY, and somehow in my craziness I basically insisted that Marin sign my Sweeney Todd window card, I guess trying to prove I really was her biggest fan.
It was a horrible experience at the time, but I did get to talk to Stokes, Hugh, and Celia Keenan Bolger, 3 of the nicest I've ever met. And I have a very unique souvenir: maybe the world's only Sweeney Todd poster signed by Marin Mazzie!
"The last train out of any station will not be full of nice guys."
- Dr. Hunter S. Thompson
"I wash my face, then drink beer, then I weep.
Say a prayer and induce insincere self-abuse,
till I'm fast asleep"- In Trousers
