Obama to See Joe Turner This Weekend- Page 2

[BroadwayChica]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 1:32am

I was there. Got one of the released at the last minute house seats using a discount code. It was CRAZY. The show started an hour late, due to the heavy security (the streets were closed off, we had to be escorted to the theater by police, then go through metal detectors, and thorough bag checks, and we weren't allowed to leave the theater once we entered, not even during intermission). Meryl Streep and Olympia Dukakis (and probably some other famous people, but they were the only ones I saw) were also in attendance. We were all just standing there, scoping out the secret service agents (they were really obvious. Oh hey, big burly dude who's sitting there by himself in a suit trying to be inconspicuous), wondering where the Obamas would sit, and staring at Meryl Streep.

Finally, a secret service dude walked by and asked us all to sit down. The ushers reminded us that photo taking was not allowed. But as SOON as the President and First Lady came in, the entire audience stood up, flashes of lights, cheering, a total frenzy. They waved, and smiled, and everyone went nuts. It was like a rock concert. Insane. They sat in the row in front of us, which pretty much blew my mind.

So, yeah, it was very exciting. For the second act, they came in AFTER it was dark and the show started, but everyone STILL took out their cameras, and looked in their direction. How could you not?

The audience was really well behaved during the play, though. It was just those moments when they walked into the room, but, really, it was the PRESIDENT. Of COURSE everyone went nuts.
Updated On: 5/31/09 at 01:32 AM

[EugLoven]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 1:36am

WOW! HAHA Thanks for the play-by-play, BroadwayChica
That must have been QUITE a rush for you and the crowd.
Neato, for real.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 1:41am

Wow! So exciting!

Did they seem to have enjoyed the show?

[BroadwayChica]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 1:45am

I'm still in disbelief. I'm glad I was already familiar with the play, because at times it was hard to concentrate knowing the President was sitting one row in front. They were both very gracious, considering how energetic the audience was, and all the security issues.Michelle Obama looked stunning, by the way. Gorgeous black cocktail dress. And because all my friends have been asking, no, I didn't take any pics (cause....I didn't have a camera with me). But it doesn't matter, it was an experience I'll never forget, especially as a theatre lover myself.

ETA: Yes, from what I was able to see (they were in the row in front, but more to the left of where I was, and I was trying not to be *too* obnoxious with the staring), they really seemed to enjoy the performance. They joined in the standing ovation during curtain call (though I guess they'd HAVE to even if they'd hated it. ha!)

Updated On: 5/31/09 at 01:45 AM

[lull89]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 2:15am

Did the cast do well? Did it seem like they were nervous at all?

(Yes, I know they're professionals and they should do their job, but C'mon, when the President comes to see you do your job, you might get a little nervous!)

[nomdeplume]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 4:07am

Thanks for the details, BroadwayChica! What great memories for you!

And how was the show given the one-hour delay before starting? Was the cast able to keep their perfect timing and momentum? Was there any indication they were particulary "hot" due to the excitement of it all?

That poor cast must be really tired, but they must also be pretty "high" from it, and the jubilation probably beats the fatigue, and at least they get their time off after the matinee tomorrow.

Obama attending that show should be even better than having Oprah produce it and promote it on her show a la Color Purple for boosting attendance. I wonder how much that has lengthened the run of the show? And can it possibly not win Best Revival after that endorsement? It's going to become the "date night" show.

[BroadwayChica]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 4:34am

I thought the cast, and the show as a whole, was absolutely fantastic. If they were at all nervous (and who could blame them), it certainly didn't show. It was my first time seeing this particular production, so I can't compare, but they all gave top notch performances. I think they definitely fed off the high energy in the audience.

And as for starting an hour late, honestly, we were all so pumped, it really didn't feel like a long wait. Once the President and First Lady got to their seats (and, granted, there was a pretty long ovation and period of picture taking and clapping, cheering, etc), everything ran smoothly. During the actual play, the audience was attentive, and well behaved. After the curtain call, they made us wait inside the theater for a few minutes, but we were out by around 11:30 p.m or so.

Also, I don't care if it's an obvious thing to say, or too on the nose, but watching a play about the struggles of former slaves (and especially the celebration and reverence for their African roots), KNOWING that the first African American US President was in attendance made for very powerful, and, yes, moving experience.
Updated On: 5/31/09 at 04:34 AM

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 6:38am

I'm glad they got to see this play, but I'm very disappointed that neither the President nor Michele Obama saw Ragtime when it was in DC for one month. The invitation had been extended to them, too.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 8:08am

I was there as well--- overall, it was a fascinating evening, but with a 3-hr show, people started losing patience when we saw that they show was going to start at least 30-45 mins late.

Also, the security IN the theatre (I stress inside the theatre, because the police on the streets were great.) were very rude.

--- It was worse than being at an airport. They were confiscating food/water, that they said you could pick up before you left. Unfortunately, when the show ended, the food was nowhere to be found.

I saw a number of people leave early, because they had to catch a certain train/bus to go home.

The show (my 4th visit) was great.

I really hope Roger Robinson wins the Tony. He is giving one of the best performances of the year !!

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 9:26am

Quite frankly, I'm glad the Prez. and the Missus decided to see this particular show. It really is a wonderful production.

And I agree about Roger Robinson.

[janice4]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 9:29am

Pardon my raining on your parade, but doesn't anybody care that GM is going to file for bankruptcy tomorrow; and yet the President flies up here to have a date night with his wife? Do you have any idea how much that date just cost all of you?

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 9:37am

We're not republicans here.

[scaryclowns2232]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 9:45am

Honestly- Barack Obama can take a date night on a Saturday evening, as long as he uses it to decompress and then get back to work asap.

Presidents (and their wives) are people too, and if they work too much and don't take time for leisure, they are just going to burn out.

And honestly'- what can Barack Obama do for three hours on a Saturday night to prepare for GM's filing? Bite his nails?

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 10:15am

I was at the matinee yesterday and by the time the show was over, 44th Street was teeming with police and people were already congregating to see Obama. RE: comment about Obama's shirking his priorities for a night on the town, I remember when JFK attended How to Succeed during the middle of the Cuban missle crisis and no one complained then.

[Smaxie]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 10:23am

It's certainly better than when Condoleeza Rice went shoe shopping and to see Spamalot a few days after Katrina destroyed New Orleans.

[janice4]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 10:40am

I'm only saying that there is some perfectly lovely theatre in Washington, he didn't need to fly a jet up here to see a play. What on earth does being either Republican or Democrat have to do with wasting the taxpayer's money?

[Fosse76]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 11:13am

"Pardon my raining on your parade, but doesn't anybody care that GM is going to file for bankruptcy tomorrow; and yet the President flies up here to have a date night with his wife? Do you have any idea how much that date just cost all of you?"

Ummm...it's not the President's fault that GM doesn't know how to run a business. The government doesn't, nor shouldn't, rescue every company that files for bankruptcy. It's not like Obama has to appear in Court or defend GM. And where were you when Condoleeza Rice was shoe shopping and watching Spamalot while New Orleans was drowning? And Bush...he was on vacation...only periodically checking in...during the WEEKS of this tragedy. Obama is taking ONE night to see a play. Get a life.

"I'm only saying that there is some perfectly lovely theatre in Washington, he didn't need to fly a jet up here to see a play."

Maybe, but none of them are BROADWAY shows, to which he promised his wife he'd take her. And Joe Turner isn't playing in DC.
Updated On: 5/31/09 at 11:13 AM

[allofmylife]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 11:19am

I think going to see a Broadway show (aside from the choice, which was probably a different and totally legitimate statement) was great for Broadway, wonderful for New York and comforting for America because it shows this country is being run by a bright, loving, committed couple who clearly embrace the arts and want to experience as many of the "people's" experiences as possible.

After the last eight years, it's again refreshing.

And before anyone mentions the cost, that's not the Obama's fault. Sure it costs a fortune to put the President among the people, but that's the cost of having a democracy in this day and age of violence and terrorism.

[Roscoe]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 11:36am

"Do you have any idea how much that cost all of you?"

No, I have no idea. Have you?

Nice to see the President of the United States seeing something with some real dramatic artistic weight to it, even if it'll only bolster his own self-image as the Shining Man Who Leads The Way.

[teacake823]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 12:35pm

Where was Meryl sitting? I was there as well, and heard she was there, but couldn't find her! I saw Blythe Danner and Bart Sher, but not Meryl. Apparently Blythe unknowingly bought tickets to the performance last night, and was surprised to find out that the Prez would be in attendance which I found kind of amusing. This whole visit was supposed to be a secret and then someone leaked it to the press, so it kind of snowballed out of control in terms of the paparazzi-style media coverage.

I was on house right of the orchestra - not nearly as close as you to the Obamas - but it also was an experience I will never forget. Such a huge production all around! Michele looked so embarrassed by all the attention; I love the way she walked in and out of the house, with her head kind of down a bit with a gigantic grin on her face. I feel like she still is overwhelmed by it all. Barack, on the other hand, loved every second of it I'm sure! His pearly whites were flashing and he looked great.

This was my first time seeing Joe Turner, so it probably wasn't the BEST viewing of the show I could've had, but I still enjoyed nonetheless (once I was able to finally focus on what was happening on stage!).

It was truly a great evening for theatre, and a great night for New York.

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 12:42pm

Thank you Fosse, you said all I had planned to in response to that ridiculous post.


We were all just standing there, scoping out the secret service agents (they were really obvious. Oh hey, big burly dude who's sitting there by himself in a suit trying to be inconspicuous)

Heh, exactly. It's worse in July and August, when they're the only people in the crowd wearing suits in 98 degree weather with 75% humidity. It would make more sense if they dressed to blend in, but I guess the uniform gives them the air of authority.

[Evita@theBroadway]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 12:55pm

The Bush's, specifically Laura Bush was a very big supporter of Broadway. In fact at two of the last state dinners held at the Bush WH, broadway shows performed. Lion King played at the state dinner for the President of Ghana and Jersey Boys played at the dinner for the Prime Minister of Italy.

So could everyone please stop acting as if the sole mission of the Bush WH was to distroy broadway. It wasn't. I agree last night was a great night for broadway but please don't disregard the facts.

Also as for the cheap shot of Rice at Spamalot, she was Sec. of State, a department which had little if anything to do with Katrina. Your point would have been valid had she been Nat'l Sec. Advisor, Sec. of Homeland Security, head of FEMA etc.

[nomdeplume]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 1:01pm

I am an Independent, (no matter what I register as in NY, because in this odd state you cannot register as an Independent). And I vote the person, not the Party. For example, I voted for Republican Senator Warren Rudman when I lived in NH and he proved us all proud by defending the Constitution in Iran-Contra against the interests of the Republican administration which had created the scandal (talk about "shadow governments"--shout out here to Chris Durang and his Torture play at the Public).

I believe it was Obama's DUTY to see this show to stay in tune with modern American culture and art because it is such an excellent piece of writing and theatre and because thanks to Lincoln Center it has been given such a revelatory production. I don't care about "date night" and I don't care what it cost for transportation because I think it is more important for the President to stay in touch and stay informed.

And may I say the costumes in Joe Turner should also have been nominated for the Tony and it was a HUGE oversight that they were not. They are beyond excellent. Updated On: 5/31/09 at 01:01 PM

[Testing1232]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 1:14pm

The buzz in the theatre was that Meryl was sitting near the Obama's-- I believe they were in Row D.

[nomdeplume]

Posted: 5/31/09 at 1:31pm

And that's the thing about live theatre and why it is so special. You can't just sit at home to experience it like reading a book. Even were it on TV, which this production is not (not yet, anyway) it would not be the same or as good as seeing it live for reasons we've often discussed on here.

You have to transport yourself to the theatre to see it; that is part of the experience.