It truly was a beautiful, moving afternoon. This was my third visit to the production, and this time I sat in the very front row, just trying to take in every little moment and every little detail. The theatre was filled with so much love from everyone and I got teary as soon as Daniel stepped onto the stage. (Although people behind me who clearly hadn't seen the show before were making comments like "Well, I don't know anything about Seurat, but this had better be good." and I kept thinking, "Yes, yes, it will be magnificent."
)
By the time final "Sunday" came around, I could hear people sobbing all around the theatre and Jenna seemed to be trying so hard not to let out her tears - until her "in our perfect park" line where she finally lost it, at which point I also could no longer hold back my tears. The dynamic leading into and during George's last few lines was unusual, as everyone was standing at this point and did not stop cheering, and Daniel was shaking as he was almost losing it. But Daniel was a pro and let out each word with so much heart then finally took a little pause before his very last word, "... possibilities." Throughout the bows and even after the cast left the stage, my tears did not stop running, and I clearly wasn't the only one. It was just incredible to be able to share the moment with people from all over the place, who were truly moved by the experience.
As I walked away from the theatre through the main door, still with tears in my eyes, I passed by Mr. Sondheim standing several buildings away. I doubted my eyes for a second since he was keeping such a low profile, and I was afraid to bother him, but he could not have been more generous. After shaking his hand and saying thank you for the creation of such a beautiful piece, I asked if he would mind signing the cast recording and he kindly told me he did not sign. I apologized for even asking (in fact I felt really bad for asking...) but he smiled back so charmingly and said "Don't be silly," turning what could have been a very uncomfortable moment into a rather sweet moment for me. At that point I started tearing up again, and I told him thank you for the last time and left.
Once I started walking away I was so overwhelmed - both from witnessing such a beautiful, unforgettable performance and now from meeting the living legend that I truly admire - that it took me at least ten blocks of walking to stop crying. And as I write this, I'm tearing up yet again....
I feel so grateful to have witnessed this stunning production - especially today at its final performance - and just want to say thank you for everyone involved. I will always treasure this experience and carry it with me as I continue on with my life.
Wonder why he shaved his head?
