New York...Part 1

I recently went to New York for a Broadway trip. Here's part one...

I got to the hotel around 430...first show, "Sondheim on Sondheim" was to start at 8pm. I sat on the bed for a minute, realized where I was and for a moment had an "oh shit..." moment...lol. I had directions to the theater but the hard part came with putting one foot in front of the other and venturing out alone. My overprotective aunt called at this moment (the same one who was going to get her gun and drive to the city where I had my car stopped...for what I still don't know) and of course I let her know that everything was fine and that I was getting some rest. By the time I hung up with her I figured it was time to make a move...but I still didn't have a ticket. I had directions to TKTS (the discount ticket booth) but didn't think I had time to walk there (it was about 6). So I used a promo code I had and called the theater's box office and scored a front from mezzanine seat...great!. Now I just had to get there. I left the hotel, and went and stood outside to try and hail a cab. I had one within three minutes...didn't find it hard at all...gave the driver my directions...and off I went.

.....

I arrived at the theater around 6:45 and picked up my ticket at the box office. However the theater didn't open until 7:30. So, what was a guy to do? I stood outside the theater/Studio 54 for a minute, looked to my left, and saw him...


.....

I looked to the left and saw Norm Lewis emerging from a sea of people...fitting as he'd played King Triton in "The Little Mermaid" on Broadway. He was walking toward me but ducked into the side entrance and never made it to the entrance. "That's fine," I thought, "I'll see you soon enough...I have a ticket." (Quite frankly, he's my dream guy...older, built, handsome, talented, accomplished, sexy...I had another dream guy that was number 1 on the list but have completely forgotten who he is since I saw Norm, lol...how horrible.) So I walked around the block to waste some time...only the block because I didn't want to get lost (I have horrible sense of direction...but then most men do). I passed by the Ed Sullivan Theater where David Letterman's show is taped. Continued on around to 53rd Street (spotted the stage door), and eventually ended up back at the entrance. I noticed a Subway nearby, so I dropped in for a drink and cookie. When I finished the theater was opening. I got in line and went inside. The theater had a Tony award on display so that was nice to see up close. Found my seat and waited for the show to begin.
....

The show began promptly at 8. The supporting players entered stage first, singing songs written by Tony winning composer and legend Stephen Sondheim. Then Norm entered stage...don't know what he was singing...I just was fixated on him. Tom Wopat entered next...didn't pay much attention to him. Then grand diva, Vanessa Williams, slinked onto stage singing lyrics from the musical "Into the Woods." Gorgeous and vocally capable in person...the crowd applauded when she entered. But they went crazy when beloved stage actress Barbara Cook entered...I wasn't familiar with her beyond the slight research I'd done in preparation for the show, therefore her presence didn't affect me much.
......

The show was rather interesting and a great way to start the experience. Sondheim appeared on plasma screens and talked about he conceived songs he'd written. Then the players would perform them. This, however, was not the conventional musical...meaning the players didn't portray fully realized characters...but more insinuated the meaning of the songs with slight characterizations.

Here's one of V. Williams' performance...her striptease :eyebrow:



Barbra Cook, at 82 years old (and performing 8 shows a week), was splendid. She performed her signature tune "In Buddy's Eyes," and Sondheim's biggest hit "Send In the Clowns," also being performed by Catherine Zeta-Jones in a nearby theater...her version has nothing on Cook's, which has nothing on Judi Dench's...but I digress.

Norm Lewis and Ms. Williams had my attention and made the show a great experience.

....

Once the show ended I headed to the stage door for the Broadway ritual of meeting the cast and getting autographs...and pictures if they allowed. But the thing is...you never know who will exit the stage door (bigger stars usually don't). The young players exited, followed by Tom Wopat. They all signed my Playbill. This white chick next to me wanted me to take a picture with Tom Wopat, but I'm not a fan of his like that...and I didn't watch "Dukes of Hazzard." So anyway...

Next, my husband came out...Norm Lewis. I got an autograph.


Chile...he put his arm around me in that pic so I slipped mine around him too :tied:I have a thing for arms...my fetish. Then after the picture he said, "You could be my son!" My heart sank...to me that meant he was straight...but then he said, "If I had one! Am I your dad?" He laughed and everyone around laughed too. I don't see a resemblance but oh well..I kept my dirty thoughts to myself.

Google "Norm Lewis" and "King Triton" and you'll see what I mean. He also has a nipple piercing...don't ask me how I know :flirt:
....

Barbara Cook came out next. Got her autograph. Very nice lady. I told her this was my first Broadway trip and she was quite surprised. Inquired about where I was from, told me to have a good time, etc. I thought she spent too much time talking to me. Other people wanted her picture and autograph. But she was very patient and personable and signed all autographs and took pictures. I didn't want one with her...but kinda regret that I didn't get a picture with a legend...even if I knew of her or not.
.....

Then...Ms. Williams came out. She was stunning in person, nice enough, but rather aloof...but still nice and polite. She signed all the autographs and took pictures.


I told her the "Back in Her Place" episode of 'Ugly Betty' is the sample she should use for her Emmy submission. (She had a poll on her website, but the episode with her brother in drag came in first. But this episode showcases her best acting and range.) Then she left, and I headed back to the hotel. Fully satisfied with the trip if it had ended at that moment.