I couldn't find a ticket to the final performance, so I settled for a banquette seat for the Wednesday matinee instead. After Wednesday's performance, I stopped by the box office to see if any tickets to the final performance opened up. They had a stage left box seat left - and I grabbed it.
I'm so glad I made that impulsive decision, because my God, what a performance. The crowd was electric from the start. The others in my box were related to two of the ensemble members, and it was wonderful to see how proud they were to be there.
The moment Dave Malloy entered with the accordion was honestly magical. The standing ovation went on for so long, and I could see all the cast members getting emotional. The applauses kept coming throughout - every character intro during "Prologue" got applauses, "Charming" had three different applause breaks, and Lucas Steele and Grace McLean had mid-song applauses as well. The pause after Pierre's "WHOOAAAA" during "The Abduction" was wild. I really thought the theater would cave in from the cheers.
Even though our view was frequently obstructed with performers running up and down the stairs to the mezz, I really loved my box seat. It was the perfect midway point between being immersed in the show and getting a good overall look. I finally got to see all the awesome mezz action (especially that haunting choir during "Dust and Ashes"
and our box got some extra love from the cast (I got a pierogi and a love letter, Katrina Yaukey leaned into the box to make out with her guest during "The Duel," and Ashley Perez Flanagan held hands with her mom during the final number).
Other special moments from the show:
- Blaine Alden Krauss was a wonderful Andrey/Bolkonsky. So glad I got to catch him in the role.
- Grace McLean came up to our box during the "Duel" in her leather catsuit and shook her butt in my face. It was incredible.
- Dave missing the cowbell during "The Abduction" was the best laugh of the night. He looked so confused by his own mistake, lol.
- Denee and Dave both sounded like they were choking back sobs during their final numbers. Dave crying as his face was illuminated by the comet was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.
- I had a great view of Rachel Chavkin watching the show. The Natasha/Princess Mary moment happened at her table and she seemed to be having a great time. The moment Dave started his part in "Pierre & Natasha," she started crying.
- Lucas held that "Abduction" note for a million years. The crowd went crazy, and when they stopped, he motioned for them to continue, ha. Him leading the audience to sing along to the "Goodbye, gypsy lovers" part was a wonderful moment.
I could honestly go on and on. It was just pure magic from start to finish. I'm still heartbroken over the closing, but I'm glad they got to go out on a blaze.
Updated On: 9/4/17 at 09:07 AM