The February Snowmageddon of...1997 was it?
Two feet of snow on the ground and I kidnapped a friend and we went to see Chita Rivera in Kiss of the Spider Woman.
No taxis...very little pedestrian traffic...beautiful multi colored Times Square Neon glowing in the white snow. You could walk straight up Broadway without an auto in sight.
A quick stop to TKTS for cheap seats. There were only 300-400 in the audience and yet the show energy was great. I love how warm and glowing Broadway theaters are on the inside when it's totally winter outside. And how appreciative a cast is all throughout a performance when they know you've taken all that extra time and trouble to come and see a show in emergency condition weather.
When the show was over, my Latin friend wanted to meet Chita and so did I. Her limo pulled up and after the majority of the cast and crowds had long gone, there were about 4 people waiting outside the Broadhurst stage door.
Finally Chita came out and she was the most elegant soft spoken woman I'd ever met. She stood in the 17 degree weather to talk to me at length while her broadly smiling chauffeur stood next to the door of her limo, patiently waiting to help her in. Astonished that she froze her tail off for me, I quickly fished a $20 out of my pocket and gave it to her for BC/EFA for being so sweet to me. She smiled and said it wouldn't be fair to take my money right there, but was touched by my offer. I got a quick photo with her and then she was off.
I remember how quiet and empty the street was when the limo left. A Broadway Winter Wonderland. :)
"Sticks and stones, sister. Here, have a Valium!"
