HAIR...to the Chief! (The Clintons)

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 9/7/08 at 11:48pm

The audience was mostly in their seats waiting for the performance to begin when Hail to the Chief began to play and in came President Clinton, Hillary and Chelsea! They were seated in the very center section right on the aisle and secret service were everywhere. It was a total surprise when it happened because there was no added security at the entrances. It was not noticeable that there was any addition to security. People in the audience close by stood and were able to approach them and the aisle in front of them quickly was jammed with bodies. When the announcement was made prior to the show they were recognized as being there and the audience broke out in applause and gave them a standing ovation.

The show began and Burger began to recite his lines "...I hate George..." The audience broke out in hysterical laughter and Burger paused, touched his forehead and then said "Oh, now I get it" and he laughed. As he ran out into the audience to greet his mother he ran towards and pointed out that Hillary was his mom and they exchanged kisses!

At intermission with secret service all around them the audience was again welcome to approach them. No photographs were allowed, autographs were not given and Hillary said it was at the request of the theater. However, they would be happy to shake hands with everyone.

I was able to shake hands with Chelsea, then Hillary and even President Bill Clinton. I asked them, "Are you enjoying the show? Is this what it was really like?" President Clinton put his arm around Hillary and responded, "When the show started and I saw everyone come out I turned to Hillary and said remember when we were in college and I bought clothes for you like that?"

While 350 was playing out in the distance over the 'wall' behind the stage there was one police car visible with flashing red lights on as it was approaching the theater. At the conclusion of the show with the stage packed with people the Clintons began their exit and that is when President Clinton turned towards the stage to shake hands with some of the cast members on stage and he waved. I believe I saw him blow a kiss to everyone on stage.

Whether or not you love the Clintons - it was still a fun experience to see them there.

p.s. Richard Kind from Mad About You was also in attendance. Funny thing...I didn't see any of them on line with me this morning at 6am!

[Trekkie2]

Posted: 9/7/08 at 11:50pm

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=978341&dt=1&boardid=1

Really, you can't read the top thread?

[verynewyorkcurious]

Posted: 9/8/08 at 12:19am

Okay, calm down.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 9/8/08 at 12:25am

Yeah Brian and I were at the show together and just posted moments apart. All is good.

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 9/8/08 at 9:02am

We really had a great time in the morning waiting on line. We got there approximately 6:15. We brought a blanket. Got the lecture from the 'line police' on the rules and camped out. With the bathroom nearby and delivery service from the deli - it just took a little patience and good friendship/company. Even though we were very early in the line we still received row "r". When we received out tickets we did hear a woman seriously complaining that she was one of the first people in line and she got row "p". They explained that they randomly distribute the tickets so that people are not encouraged to get there early. That must be why Hillary and Bill got closer seats - they must have been waiting further back in the line all morning and I didn't see them!

[stupidbeans]

Posted: 9/8/08 at 9:14am

they went to go see rent too!

they have good taste

[singingbackup]

Posted: 9/8/08 at 11:38am

Your thread title is better than the other one!

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 9/8/08 at 11:57am

Obviously it shows that the younger members probably do not realize it was a play on words for the title of the song that is played whenever a president enters the 'room'.

"Hail to the Chief" is the official anthem of the President of the United States. The song accompanies the President at almost every public appearance.

Thanks for noticing singingbackup

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 9/8/08 at 1:12pm

I think two threads for the Clintons at Hair is worthy!

I am SOOOO jealous! :)