The Clintons at HAIR tonight

I waited in line for tickets to see HAIR one last time in the Delacorte and to see Hanke as Claude ( I had seen Groff 2 1/2 times in the role).
As it neared curtain time Bill, Hillary and Chelsea took their seats to a standing ovation! The crowd went wild. All of us were surprised and happy to see them there. During Berger's introduction, "My name is George Berger, but I don't like George!" the audience cheered. Swenson looked a bit taken a back at the response but then it dawned on him why he had gotten that response, "I just got that!" he said and everyone burst into laughter and cheering again. The performers, all were extremely electric tonight. Swenson also chose to point out Hillary as his Mom in the audience, to the cheering of the crowd again.
I was so happy to see Hanke in the role of Claude. His acting is far superior to Groff's! I was actually on the edge of my seat during the draft card burning. Hanke seems to be more in his body in the role of Claude. He managed to get the close loving relationship with Berger that was so lacking with between Groff and Berger.
Hanke's singing isnt as strong as Groff's I will admit, but he knows how to act his songs and my opinion seemed to breathe much more life into Claude's caracter.
I realized at the final bars of Aquarius when the audience was dancing on stage, I am actually going to miss this show in the park. It sort of has been the shinning part of my summer 2008!

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Updated On: 9/8/08 at 11:45 PM

There were Secret Service Guys but people were allowed to approach them and talk during intermission.

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Snafu - you forgot to post that you almost got decked by Chelsea at the concession stand. You just about had your brownie in hand and Chelsea was behind you!

Hahaha

I was there tonight as well. LOVED IT. Enough said.

And the Clintons being there was interesting

Gee, I wonder how long they had to wait in line for their tickets.

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I'd have been thrilled to see the Clintons at the theatre!
I got to see Bush Senior at Hairspray, his security caught Jackie Hoffman on her way to the stage thinking she was a protestor, but she actually entered the stage from the audience on the 2nd act. It was kinda funny, no on knew what was going on, the show suddenly started and you hear the microphone going "Im not protesting, Im in the show!" LOL
Most of the audience booed Bush when he arrived at the theatre.

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I was there last night as well in glorious row F (a friend of the Public gave me the tickets ..... hallelujah) with a perfect view of the Clintons. We first noticed Secret Service coming out from the ramps below the audience (but had no idea what was happening) ... and in walks Hillary all sparkly and fresh, followed by Chelsea and then Bill. The audience was SHOCKED. A few seconds of silence then followed by a MASSIVE standing ovation. We were in awe.

The energy in the theatre was ELECTRIC.

Another wonderful moment happened right behind me at the start of the second act. One of the women from "the tribe" came out into the audience and gave this very stiff female Secret Service member a big hug and Hillary went crazy with laughter. You did not want to f- around with the Secret Service!

Absolutely incredible to see that show with the Clintons there. It was an absolutely amazing night. One of the best nights of theatre EVER.

Oh yeah, and the show was great, too. I will never forget this most amazing night of my life!

Oh, to have another prez and first family who understand and appreciate art and theatre like the Clintons. The Clintons are not afraid of art, even "brave" art.

How nice of the Clinton's to come. Glad you enjoyed the show!

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they went to rent too a long time ago.

I heard they went avenue q a while ago too. they have good taste

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That she does Jerby! I have met her a couple times and there is an energy which surrounds her! My favorite time seeing her was by City Hall when she was running against Gulianni. It was just after the Gay Pride Parade and she was walking with her secret service guys, who were wearing Shorts, Hawaiian shirts, sunglasses and black socks and dress shoes. It was a very funny tableaux!

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