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Today the realization sets in and like times in the past when a closing performance has happened--a sense of absence gnaws at me. Much like the days before approaching the final performance of Heather Headley in AIDA or the final curtains of FOOTLOOSE, KAT AND THE KINGS, THE CIVIL WAR (Alley Theatre production), or my all-time favorite, MISS SAIGON, I got a little sad at the thought of its absence from the theatre. It's that feeling of loss that propelled me to listen to recordings (legal and bootleg), watch taped TV appearances, and go catch the show just a few more times. Those moments were filled with memories and an ache in my heart grew. Memories of my first viewing and subsequent viewings, meeting cast members, or just connecting with the show's message, music, or lyrics--all those factors reflected my love for the LIVE theatrical experience and it became special to me.
Yesterday it was HAIRSPRAY, and I had to say goodbye after six and a half years. I was there for the first public preview sitting on the front row, and during that time I knew I was experiencing something special, a bonafide HIT. It was a show of layered messages with infectious moves and music. I would return for another 42 times and take others to experience the show, of course, any reason to see it again. I've had the honor of meeting and working with many cast members, stage managers, house personnel, and creative team over the last six years, and a number of times I've told them of the show's great ability to put a smile on my face but sometimes I felt that never seemed enough, it was much more to me. The show had a world of colorful characters converging in the depths of a racially-charged Baltimore in the 1960s, but it was the character of Tracy Turnblad that resonated in me greatly. The finale in that show, "You Can't Stop The Beat," was infectious, and no matter what kind of mood you were in, you were going to leave that theatre with an exhilirating feeling. I sometimes went to the show just to get a pick-me-up, and it put me in a better mood and a better place.
Anyway, I'm happy to have had the experience. So yesterday, I did my ritual prayer before the show and got ready for a wild ride that I knew would be fun but the excitement of the audience was so intense it took it to a higher level, and that was just during the opening notes. Next, cheers greeted each character entrance, racuous applause after each song, funny ad-libs thrown in for good measure, and dances that took you to another time. For me, there were tears at moments and several standing ovations after a few songs, but it ended the way it always has for me--with a smile!
Pics of the day and two short video clips are posted on my Flickr page:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Better photo shots of the curtain call by one of the theare news website is here:
http://www.broadwayworld.com/
Sincerely,
Keith
