Kelli in the afternoon, Aaron at night

[hushpuppy]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 11:09pm

Did anyone else see Kelli O'Hara's last performance in SOUTH PACIFIC at 3 and then catch Aaron Tveit's last show in N2N at 7:30? It may sound like an odd juxtaposition, but it was quite an amazing day. IMHO, SOUTH PACIFIC is just about the most perfect show ever written, and I think N2N is brilliant. Both Kelli's and Aaron's performances were even better than I remember them, and the audience responses at both shows were genuine and heartfelt. Kelli was presented with a bouquet so large that it took all 3 children in the cast to carry it. Loretta Able Sayres gave a beautiful speech wishing Kelli all the best, making special mention of the new baby, and was most gracious in thanking her on behalf of the cast for sharing her talent with them.

The audience at N2N was, as expected more boisterous than SOUTH PACIFIC (and way younger). When the lights first went down, the theatre erupted in cheers, and Aaron's first entrance was met with thunderous applause. Each of his numbers (especially "I'm Alive") received wild ovations. At the end of the show, the cast graciously allowed him the final bow, and he was visibly moved by the audience reception he received. As Arron stood there, eyes brimming with tears, Producer David Stone gave him a heartfelt tribute, thanking him, and the rest of the cast, for their commitment to the show through all the different incarnations. At the end, the entire cast embraced, and Aaron received a long hug and a kiss from Alice Ripley. With their arms around each other, the cast exited as a group, as the audience cheered their approval.

Congratulations to two fine performers on their respective successes. It was great to see them one more time and I know we all with them all the best in their future endeavors.

And for those of you who wonder why we New Yorkers put up with exorbitant rents for tiny apartments, rotten weather, crowded streets, unreliable subways, jobs we hate, and all the other indignities of New York, the opportunity to spend a day like this somehow makes it all worthwhile.

[Elphaba3]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 11:22pm

That's exactly how I would have spent my day if I were in the city. I'm glad it was fulfilling for you.

[yankee_fan907]

Posted: 1/4/10 at 1:20am

I was also at Aaron's last performance tonight, and it was electric. I'm so glad I spent the seventy something dollars. Where were you sitting, hushpuppy?

[esparza 333]

Posted: 1/4/10 at 8:20am

I was also at Kelli's last performance. She was absolutely spectacular and the audience wouldn't stop at the end. Loretta Ables Sayre had to interrupt them and her speech was so gracious. I also saw Bartlet Sher in the audience.