spouzic
Female Authority Figure
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Registered: 04-2003
Location: Hell
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closing performance
I guess my closing night experience was a little bit different than even I expected and I havent written up my comments yet in fear of coming off in a way which I dont intend. The show has brought so many good things and great people into my life I didnt find myself sad. I found myself thrilled to be there with all the people the show has introduced me to. A friend of mine even commented that I was glowing. Im certainly sad that the spray wont be a simple walk around the corner anymore, but Ive seen the show in LA and in Atlantic City and Im sure opportunities to see the show again will arise- at worst I'll be waiting for what I consider to be an inevitable revival. That morning I had texted everyone in my phone that I had met through Hairspray that I was simply not going to cry today- I didnt want my makeup running!
I did lottery with BG2 and it was a madhouse but the crowd was awesome and the number of people there that I knew was impressive even to me. My closest friends were all there, people who knew me because of this message board and because of Broadwayworld were saying hi or introducing themselves. We lost but no big deal, we had seats anyway.
Arriving at the Neil Simon for the performance later I saw Mary Bond Davis, whom I adore and dont see often enough. Then I was greeted by Andrew Rannells who could warm any heart with that winning smile. John Jeffrey Martin was milling around outside, as were Shoshana Bean, Michelle Kittrell and Jenn Gambatese. The old faces just kept coming all night through. People sitting a few seats over from me even commented that they wanted to be in my crew since I was chatting with so many people.
Blake Hammond came and sat next to me in a seat that had been abandoned mid-show and Leslie Kritzer was right behind me in standing room, as were several staff members of the show who work backstage. Carly Jibson came over and said hello. The performance started and crowd was electric; I enjoyed every single moment. I did find myself double checking every now and then to ensure that I was watching who or what I wanted to remember from a given scene but that was to be expected. I didnt even consider crying until I Know Where Ive Been. Because really my thought was yeah, I know where Ive been... Ive been here.
Several midshow standing ovations clued me in that if I wanted to see the curtain speech I was going to have to relocate or not see a thing, so I snuck off to the side aisle. I wish I had had a better view because a full sized full view shot of all those people framed would be such an amazing keepsake.
Outside after the show, the hugs and old faces just kept coming. One of my favorite photos on the night is one of me, bg2, John Hill, Katherine Leonard and Adam Fleming. All such great people. Getting hugs and goodbyes from cast and crew alike, I just felt blessed to have been there through the years for all the fun and joy it brought me.
There were a few missing people who could have been the icing on the the really great cake but most of them are an email away. Chatting with Clarke Thorell we talked about the past, but about the show closing and moving forward and moving on. Im not happy the show closed, but I am happy that I was there throughout the years and new things will come to the people who made it great and the beat does go on for show, just in other venues and other cities. Its just simply amazing the number of people I know because of this show... the show even brought my best friend into my life. I cant ask for more than that.
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1/9/2009, 9:40 am
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Dmrockon09
On The Short Bus
Registered: 12-2007
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Re: closing performance
Well, that was a very nice way of looking at the closing! Awesome pictures.
--- Set by Emma. On WoO.
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1/9/2009, 4:27 pm
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broadwayguy2
Principal of PPHS
Registered: 07-2007
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Re: closing performance
I have to say, the one person I REALLY was hoping to see was Adam Fleming.. and I didn't see him til after the show because he was unable to take the matinee off from Wicked. AS emotionally draining as the day was for me' seeing Adam again at the show made the day complete. :-)
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1/11/2009, 1:07 pm
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With0utL0V3
On The Short Bus
Registered: 12-2007
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Re: closing performance
Amazing review!
It's nice to hear that you had a nice goodbye to Hairspray on Broadway.
--- - Connor
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1/11/2009, 1:33 pm
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