I'm finally recovering from jet lag to write my theatre experiences during my recent trip. Sat. June 6th: 1st show: "An American In Paris": It was elegant and sublime. The show included elements of ballet and musical theatre. Both Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope were amazing. I was especially impressed by Max Von Essen's performance as Henri Baurel. His desire to follow his own dreams and not his parents' expectations were touching. Veanne Cox's pointed barbs (as Madame Baurel) were entertaining. The entire ensemble was magnificent. (Side note: I made it inside the theatre by 1:58 p.m. after literally running from my hotel at 8th and 46th. I was the last person dropped off by Super Shuttle at around 1:30 p.m. Plus, I hadn't had a chance to eat lunch. In the meantime, i was starving thru the first part of the show. I scarfed down a packet of peanuts until I could eat dinner after the show.
Saturday, June 6, 2015: 2nd show: 8 p.m. "The Visit": I had a front row seat. The opening sequence was rather suggestive and risque, which surprised me. After I got over that initial "shock", the show itself was "different" from anything I had seen before. It was definitely dark and macabre. The populace wore drab and dreary clothing in contrast to the sparking costumes worn by Claire Zachanassian. Although it was entertaining, I thought that this type of show would have limited appeal. The dark mood of the show wouldn't really appeal to a more numerous crowd. After the show, I waited by the stage door and spoke with some members of the cast. Chita Rivera emerged after a while. She signed Playbills for both rows of people that had assembled. I managed to take a picture with her.
Sunday, June 7, 2015: "On The Town": First of all, I was amazed at the interior of the Lyric Theatre. Everything about it was beautiful. The show itself was o.k. Kevin Worley was on as Gabey. He and his fellow cast members sang and danced their hearts out. As the show progressed, I was becoming a bit restless. I guess the show hadn't appealed to me as I thought it would. Jackie Hoffman's "bits" were funny...but after the first few...it was becoming boring. All in all, it was "o.k."
Monday, June 8, 2015: "Chicago". It was around 6 p.m. and I had finished dinner. Since I had time to burn, I went to the theatre. I didn't want to walk around too much so I just stayed. After I arrived, Brandy Norwood arrived with Leslie Stifleman (the conductor). She was taking a bunch of selfies. I did ask Brandy to sign my programme and she was ever so nice about it. They tried to access the stage door to go inside, but the door was having "techincal problems", so they went in thru the theatre. I noticed as various cast members entered. I did managed to chat a bit with Terra C (Velma). We talked every so briefly. She mentioned that she had some friends visiting the show and that all that they could get was standing room. Then, I caught the eye of a handsome blonde guy as he approached the stage door. It was Jason Patrick Sands. He recognized me and started a conversation with me. I tried to keep my wits about me as I tried to not get tongue-tied. He is that good looking and charming.... two qualities in a person which sometimes render me speechless. After a while, he went in to get ready for the show. Before I went into the show, I saw Richard Ridge of BWW. I introduced myself and we chatted a bit. He was waiting at the stage door with some friends. He was very nice. We talked about "The Visit" and how it was a shame that it was closing. This evening's performance was practically sold out. I had tried to get a front orchestra seat, but my seat on Row J was o.k. The crowd was really into the show, especially Brandy. I was very, very impressed by her performance. She did most of the regular choreography, as it's normally one, with the exception of "Me and My Baby" and "Hot Honey Rag" (no cartwheel). What can I say about Miss Terra. She is a "totally fierce" Velma, dancing and singing her heart out. She knows the role, inside and out. Marco Zunino is an amazing Billy Flynn....especially with a very long "....the......." in "Both Reached For The Gun." Sharon Moore was on as June, for an absent Donna Marie Asbury. NaTasha Yvette Williams was a very good Mama Morton. The ensemble played a very good peformance. They did their roles with such energy and precision. After the show, I wait by the "secondary" stage door, as had been suggested to me. Brandy Norwood had a meet and greet at the main stage door, which brought a large crowd. I did manage to speak with Terra C and Marco Zunino. Then Jason Patrick Sands came around. We spoke a little bit. I even dared to ask him if he ever visited our merry little board (and Chicago-specific thread). He said he did from time to time. All in all, it was a fantastic "Chicago" experience.
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
Updated On: 6/10/15 at 08:59 AM
