The River stage door — Page 2

When I met Hugh back in Nov, he obviously signed things from The River. I watched him sign a purse for a lady that was going to be auctioned off at a fund raiser. Hope that insight helps some.

When I was there, of course he had a body guard, but that was about it as far as security went. There weren't as many people at the stage door as you might think. I think that is for several reasons. One the theatre is small, so not as many people at each performance. The theatre is not in Times Square. Fewer randoms stopping by, unlike The Elephant Man which is basically just off of Times Square....stage dooring is a mess. The show is ok, not one of Hugh's best. It's at the TKTS booth off and on for between 40%-50% off. Not as much interest as his other shows.

I am not sure if the setting up of a barricade and an obvious security man was a result of the stalking incident which became public knowledge because the woman was mentally deranged and had stalked him and his family on several occasions. There was a public assault which led to her being initially jailed and then eventually sent to an institution. In his other shows, I don't remember that barricades were set up before the show.

Also, a barricade is useful when the fans become overly zealous - there was an incident during The Boy from Oz when a young female fan hugged Hugh and wouldn't let go, until she was plied away

But Hugh is always gracious and friendly. He would sign stuff not even related to the show ( he signed an old "Les Miserables at the Imperial" art card for me when he was doing Back on Broadway and before he started shooting the film adaptation). For The River, he signed the second window card for me (the one showing him with the fish and the spigot) even if the BC/EFA-promoted poster was the original window card. I did tell him that I already have the BC/EFA one, too. He sneaked in an autograph and told me not to tell people about it ( which I am doing now - LOL!) because it was still campaign time.

It is easier to meet him before the show ( he doesn't seem to mind that it is before the performance) than after the show.

Updated On: 1/21/15 at 08:47 PM

Hugh was funny about the autograph (the sneaky one). I wasn't aware of the stalking incident. When I was at the stage door after the show, he gave some hugs when requested. I know what you mean, though. He's a really cool guy.

The barricades weren't set up before the show when I did the Wicked lottery. He just walked right to the door of the theater and went in...

Thank you for all your responses. I was able to meet him yesterday, and he signed my windowcard! The barricades were set up before the show. He is such a great guy, and seemed genuinely happy to see fans and interact with them. The show was great, I know the word of mouth is kind of mixed on this show, but I loved it. It was very intriguing. It kept me guessing so I was engaged the whole time. The cast was wonderful. Kind of regret not buying the script now, heh.

Mattyp4, yes, I got it signed before the show. I was there about 2 hours before the show because I wanted to make sure not to miss him. That might be a bit early, as I think he did not show up until about at least an hour and 15 minutes before the show...? Or maybe an hour before. (The show was at 3, I think he came out and started to sign for everyone waiting sometime between 1:50 and 2 pm) I was very excited so I might not have been paying too much attention to the time, haha! I can say for sure though, that when he finished signing for everyone and went in the theater it was like between 2:10 - 2:15 pm (he was very generous with his time).

I think the general thing I have heard about stage dooring before a show is to arrive at least an hour and a half before the show. This was the first time I've done it and that time frame sounds about right for this experience. But if you have the time, I'd go a bit earlier just to be safe.

Hope that information helped you. Good luck!