I have a remarkably sharp memory of shows that really made an impact on me but even those I tend to forget details after so many years.
My memory of the first show I ever saw--Les Miserables in 1989--are murky in parts. I'm glad I still vividly remember many "snapshot" scenes from my point of view. Pretty good considering I was 11 and had a hard time seeing over the people in front of me, even if we were seated 8th row orchestra. I'm 5'4" now. You can only imagine how tall I was then, hehe.
I remember 2 short scenes from a production of
By Jeeves I saw in 1999. I don't remember very much of a Les Mis 3rd national tour performance I saw in 2001. I only remember one scene from that--"I Dreamed a Dream." I blame it on a horrible hangover I was still recovering from thanks to partying the night before. Unfortunately, I was too restless in my 20's and that was the second time I had seen the show while tipsy. The first was in December, 1999. I had gone to a bar with friends and then had a few more at the theatre before the show. I was unable to stand after the show and...let's just forget that ever happened. Ugh.
I remember a lot of the first half of
The Secret Garden in 1994. The second half is a blur but I do remember bits here and there. There isn't a single show I can't remember scenes from my point of view watching it at the time, but I agree memories do fade gradually, no matter how much you want to recall them.
I will say one thing that I've noticed personally--My most vivid and complete memories are of shows I saw up close. I find I easily forget shows I see at which I sit just far enough to feel like someone on the outside looking in. Both the impact and the impression just last longer when you feel you're a part of it.
Recreation of original John Cameron orchestration to "On My Own" by yours truly. Click player below to hear.
Updated On: 2/4/12 at 08:39 PM