I worked FOH at this production, and getting to watch this show a few times a week was (almost) always a delight! I was in my early 20s, so on those two show days I always dreamt of being elsewhere, especially in the warmer months. However, getting to watch the OBC and eventually Estelle Parsons make a meal of that play is a memory I cherish. I left before Rashad took over, though.
I remember seeing Jessica Lange (with Sam Shepard) attending an early performance of the original run in New York. In fact, everyone came. One of my favorite sightings was Jeff Perry (OBC member) bringing in his mother through the main entrance at the Imperial before a performance. He was accompanied by none other than his ex-wife and everyone's dream casting for this piece, Laurie Metcalf, who was starring in November with Nathan Lane at the time.
And the less said about the movie, the better. I would love to see a revival with a stellar cast!