LimelightMike's BATB Experience

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 4/25/07 at 12:30pm

Hey Guys -

As I'm sure you all know, last night I went to see Beauty and the Beast at the Lunt-Fontanne. I sat front row, seat 106. There were HUNDREDS of kids there, which made me feel funny (being 19 yrs. old), but nevertheless... In short, I was truly taken aback, it's not one of those 'change-your-life' kinda shows, but it REALLY put me in a GREAT mood on my way out. First and foremost, Anneliese van der Pol was INCREDIBLE! I was totally digging her performance ALL THE WAY THROUGH, and lemme tell you firsthand, I was the first to rise to my feet during the curtain call. For being a little bit older than I am, the girl's someone I'd LOVE to work with somewhere down the road. Plus, she's so charming, grounded and beautiful. Hee! Talent-wise, Steve Blanchard (as 'The Beast') started off kinda 'eh' for me, but as Act I picked up, I was truly taken by his voice. Stellar performance of the Act I closer ("If I Can't Love Her") was a real treat! It really showed-off a strong baritone from the guy. The supporting cast was wonderful, as well. I don't want to get too much into it, 'cause I'll be writing my full-review later on this evening, but yeah... EVERYONE deserves a solid nod of recognition for putting on a splendid performance.

AFTER THE SHOW...

I tried stage-dooring this puppy, but I *had* to catch the 10:10 train home ... So, my buddy and I are walking down West 46th and all of the sudden we were like, "Ugh, we should've waited. I really wanted to see if I could catch Jo---OMG!" I lift my head to spot John Tartaglia (with iPod brushing by us)! My friend turned to me, "Mike, Mike! Do you wanna stop him?" and I was like, "Eh, I duno. He's probably just set on getting a drink and enjoying the rest of his night." When push came to shove, my buddy and I go on this "chase" from Johnny-T. We find him in front of this store and we're like, "Excuse me, excuse me!" He turns to us with a smile. "Ooh, hey -- Front row, riiiight?!" We laughed and nodded. We complimented him on his performance and I told him how big a fan of his I was. He was truly taken by it, I think, shaking my hand. My friend took a picture of himself with John, and I then I asked if I could snap a quick one with him (while my friend still had his camera-phone out). We take it (I'm ecstatic!) and we bid our farewells (with HUGE smile on my face throughout) as my friend goes, "OOooh NO!" and I'm like, "What, What?" He forgot to save the picture of me with John. SoOoOo, yeah, I'm without a picture to remember the evening, but I figure I'll write John to tell him how much I appreciated him just ... taking the time. I mean, in theatre -- In such a down and dirty business, the people involved (a lot of them, anyway) are SO beautiful and kind and caring and friendly and warm and actually give a damn about their fans. I thank you, John Tartaglia for being one of those people. Here's to you!

Best,
- Mike

[mikeyb16]

Posted: 4/25/07 at 12:44pm

Glad you had fun! :) I love that show

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 4/25/07 at 6:12pm

Hee! Thanks a bunch!

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 4/25/07 at 6:21pm

Aww, that doesn't surprise me one bit: re John. He is just absolutely awesome. I'm so glad you had the chance to meet him and such. Sorry about your picture, but if you have a chance to make it into the city, I'm sure there will be other chances!