I saw Kyle Selig as Elder Price in the Book of Morman at the Pantages- he blew the roof off the place. His voice was incredibly good. I had also seen him in other local performances when he was younger and he was never less than fantastic. It is a shame he didn’t get to perform Pippin. I thought that could be a star making performance for him.
If I couldn’t see Kyle at the Pantages I was thrilled to see Matthew James Thomas again. I saw the Broadway production in July of 2013 from the balcony. This time I saw the show from the 2nd row. Matthew has definitely grown in the role. I also noticed a lot of subtle elements to his character sitting so close. Being in the 2nd row was cool. Andrea was right in front of me for the opening. I gave her a thumbs up when they were greeting the audience. She gave me a wink and later pointed to me. That was great. Matthew came through the audience at one point and tried to startle the woman at the end of the row, a few seats from me. She didn’t react at all. He said, “nothing? Really nothing”.
By a chance occurrence I found Matthew and Porridge right in front of me when I arrived early at the theatre. I talked to him a minute. Such a nice guy. I took some pictures of Porridge. He signed a message for the student cast of a show that I have in rehearsal. They loved that. I have a front row center mezzanine seat for Sunday night. I talked to him after the show and was thrilled to find out that it was his final performance. Yes, and as mentioned earlier he is going into a workshop for a new musical. I told him that I would be looking forward to seeing him in future shows.
I never have done stage door. When I was in New York my hotel room window faced the front of the Music Box and saw Patina and Matthew sign for everyone who was waiting. I thought it would be unique to get both original Pippins- Matthew and John Rubinstein to sign a poster so I want back after the show. John was the first one out but met his friend and went back into the theatre. I never saw him come out again. Sasha, Sabrina, the actors who played Theo and Lewis, some of the ensemble and of course Matthew did sign and take photos. They were all very nice to the people waiting. No as nice is the guard who at an appointed time says he has to close the gate and everyone past the gate line must move to the sidewalk. Get to the front if you don’t want to be shut out. Andrea never does stage door one of the staff said.
I am seeing the show again in Orange County later in November so I will be seeing Kyle Dean Massey. I am happy that I will get to see Lucie Arnaz as Berthe. I saw her years ago in They’re Playing Our Song and Wonderful Town. I always wanted to see her in more stage shows.
Wish I had been there to see this
Updated On: 10/31/14 at 02:18 PM