I'm back from Johnny's last. I didn't bother sticking around the stage door, because I was in the last row of the mezz (got my ticket last weekend) and was one of the last people out of the theatre. By that time everyone and their brother was already mobbing the stage door, so I headed back home
The show was great! The audience was TOTALLY into the show. You could tell that the vast majority of the audience were repeat viewers/big fans of the show. Anyone who was there that didn't know it was John's last must have been wondering what was up!
I'm sure others will post more in detail, but here's the highlights. Carmen Ruby Floyd was on as Gary. She was very good, but I think I prefer Natalie in the role...It was great to see Ann back. She was absolutely fabulous! Towards the end when she talks to Rod on the steps, you could tell they were getting a little choked up..."For Now" was really sweet. It really felt like the cast was singing it to John. His very last "Everything in life is only for now" was really sad. He was very choked up by that point, but it was nice that he had that last moment alone on stage.
After the curtain call, he made a sweet little speech. He noted that these have been the best five years of his life. He thanked the cast and crew, noting that they were the best on Broadway, and finally thanked the audience for being there for him tonight. He was on the verge of tears throughout the whole speech. The cast all stayed on stage for a bit and hugged. Jordan kind of picked him up mid-hug and started carrying him off stage. I had a camera, but didn't bother taking any pix, because I was so far back and figured they wouldn't come out (well, they may have because I have a huge lense, but I didn't bother).
I guess that's about it. Oh...I had a little thank you/congrats/good luck note that I planned on dropping in the hat during the Money Song, but Barret never made it up to the back...ah well!
Thanks Johnny!!!
But when did New Hampshire become--Such a backward wasteland of seatbelt hating crazies?...I mean, only 40 people actually live there. The others are just visitors who come for the tax-free liquor and three inches of novelty coastline. John Hodgeman on The Daily Show (1-30-07)
