( a Brokeback Mountain reference) After seeing on Telecharge that the wonderful Leigh Zimmerman was returning as Velma, after a six year absence, I thought to myself that I really want to see her in Chicago. I hadn't planned on traveling to NYC (for certain reasons), but I wanted to see both Leigh as Velma and the phenomenal Charlotte D'Amboise as Roxie. I'll be making a "return" to NYC from Sat. Nov. 18 till Mon. Nov. 20. I got a great deal through CheapoAir (don't laugh, they're legitimate) and booked a JetBlue flight from Austin to JFK. My arrival is around 10:30 a.m. on that Saturday, so I can see two shows on Saturday and two on Sunday. Best of all, the flights are nonstop. I'll be staying two nights at the Washington Jefferson (where I've stayed at on two previous occasions.) It will also be an early birthday present to myself...having been born on Veteran's Day 1961. I'm really excited to continue my unbroken streak of seeing "Chicago" at least once a year (since 2011). I'd like to see Kinky Boots, but that first experience at that theatre kind of scared me.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/17/07
Very cool! Any chance you’ll see Chicago twice ?
He might see it all 4 shows.
But what experience are you talking about at the Hirschfeld?
Phantom, you know me too well. I've already purchased a seat for the Sat. Nov. 18th 8 pm perf...front right orchestra, aisle seat. Very reasonable price. I tried ordering another ticket for the Sun. Nov. 19th performance, but the Telecharge website seems to be spooked at the moment. Drama, when I saw Kinky Boots last December 2016, I was scared to bits when I left my mezzanine seat to exit. There was a massive convergence of people exiting mezzanine down the stars, with the merchandise kiosk along the way and meeting the hordes of people exiting the orchestra section. It was slow moving and scary. I thought I would get crushed.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/26/16
dramamama611 said: "He might see it all 4 shows.
But what experience are you talking about at the Hirschfeld?"
And what are the "certain reasons" you hadn't planned on returning to New York? Does it involve law enforcement, restraining orders, convening of grand juries, what? We MUST know.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/16/06
I remember you writing about that. Exits from the mezzanine are overwhelming with everyone converging at once. You should also try to see Brigadoon that weekend.
Uncle Charlie, suffice it to say: 1. nothing of the sort that you listed. 2. a very personal reason.
I just booked my second show: "Chicago" 7:00 p.m. performance on Sunday, Nov. 19th. I'm looking forward to visiting Marie's Crisis after the show. I have 2 more shows to select.
The fabulous Leigh Zimmerman teams up once more with Charlotte D'Amboise.
Patti LuPone FANatic said: "Phantom, you know me too well. I've already purchased a seat for the Sat. Nov. 18th 8 pm perf...front right orchestra, aisle seat. Very reasonable price. I tried ordering another ticket for the Sun. Nov. 19th performance, but the Telecharge website seems to be spooked at the moment. Drama, when I saw Kinky Boots last December 2016, I was scared to bits when I left my mezzanine seat to exit. There was a massive convergence of people exiting mezzanine down the stars, with the merchandise kiosk along the way and meeting the hordes of people exiting the orchestra section. It was slow moving and scary. I thought I would get crushed."
I know what you mean. Frankly I don't know how there haven't been more incidents at these theaters. Take the Shubert theater for instance. Those steps leading to the bathroom are tiny. About half the size of my foot. I have seen people loose their balance and hold on all the time. I am amazed no one has taken a serous fall and sued. And good for you for going to Chicago again. Those two together is a great Velma/Roxie combo.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/16/06
Patti LuPone FANatic said: "The fabulous Leigh Zimmerman teams up once more with Charlotte D'Amboise."
I will return to Chicago when you are inevitably cast as Billy Flynn.
I just had a funny occurrence today. I get a voicemail from Telecharge. I was thinking...I hope it wasn't a problem with my credit card. So, I call. Even Telecharge thought it was odd that I ordered a ticket for the evening of Nov. 18 and 19. They thought it had been a mistaken duplicate purchase. I told the operator that I might order a 3rd ticket for Chicago. I thought it was amusing.
I've finalized my four show selection for my upcoming trip to NYC.
Saturday, November 18, 2017: 2:00 p.m. Torch Song
Saturday, November 18, 2017: 8:00 p.m. Chicago
Sunday, November 19, 2017: 2:30 p.m. Chicago
Sunday, November 19, 2017: 7:00 p.m. Chicago
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/17/07
It does get scary sometimes. I was exiting the Nederlander once and the crowd started to squeeze and the man in front of me thought I was pushing so he grabbed my face and threw me to the ground and dared me to push him again. It was scary but I was more worried about the woman who was with him. Thought she might have to deal with that anger in private.
Sorry to threadback. Very cool you’re seeing Chicago twice. I’m seeing it again Dec 29
Actually, I'm seeing "Chicago" three times. Telecharge called left me another voicemail inquiring about my last ticket purchase for "Chicago". I called them back to let them know that everything was correct. I guess they thought it was most unusual that someone would want to see one show three times. I got a good deal through Broadway Box. Torch Song turned out to be just a wee bit more expensive than the shows for "Chicago." I can't wait. After each show, I'll be going out to Marie's Crisis. Maybe I'll see one of youse guys.
Broadway Star Joined: 9/19/09
I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time! I only wished that Patti's unfortunate hip problem had not caused War Paint to close early. I know as a big Patti fan that you would have LOVED it. She was wonderful.
I have had Telecharge call me for the same type of thing. I'm sure people complain about things where they screw up ordering and Telecharge just wants to be sure.
Nice that you will get to see Leigh and Charlotte. 16 days . . . . .
Thanks Mar6411. I have seen her in "Sweeney" and "Gypsy" on Broadway though. Patti is a super trouper for completing the shows she's done, while dealing with significant pain. Very old school awesomeness.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/17/07
OMG Chicago three times in a row! That is sooo cool and I'm so jealous. I bet you are going to notice so many nuances and extra things about the show. It will be so cool to compare and contrast each of the performances. Hope I can do that some day.
I did it for two reasons: Leigh Zimmerman and Charlotte D'Amboise. Every time I see the revival Chicago number at the Tony Awards, L.Z. kind of stands out in a blonde Julie Newmar way. Also, I've seen video of Charlotte D'Amboise doing numbers from the show. I wanted to see it for myself. It's been six years since I first saw the show on St. Patrick's Day 2011. Both of them are masters of their specific roles.
One week more.
As much as I love Chicago, three times in one weekend is a bit much considering the numerous other shows you could see. You're a super fan for sure. Enjoy!! If only I was free that weekend, I'd try and sneak into NYC and see it as well.
I suppose it is a bit much for some, but it is something that will make me happy. That's what matters. Also, I did it as a birthday present to myself. I'm a Veteran's Day baby (1961).
I am at my 2nd Chicago. Donna Marie Asbury is on as Mama for this perf. Will be going backstage after this perf. Will have Donna Marie sign an Evita poster from a 1998 tour. More to report later.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/17/07
I would love to see Donna play Mama!
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