AndreaUrJoking

I have been to 4 shows in the last 8 days and I have to say that there are so many scumbags clogging up Broadway theaters that the experience is becoming less and less enjoyable.  People arriving late, dressed in sneakers and flip flops, eating and talking during the show… the list of scum-tastic behavior goes on and on!

Maybe I enjoy the theater more than other people but I sincerely despise attendees who think that the actors on stage are not worthy of common manners, let alone respect.  These are the same buffoons who surely get kicked out of sporting events for pissing over the railing or fighting over spilled beer but still… keep that behavior at MSG or wherever else rudeness is part of the overall experience.  Do not come into a Broadway theater drunk and loud and late and start eating food during a performance, you monsters. This is not the movie theater or your friend’s house.  This is something special and if you can’t see that perhaps you should light yourself on fire OR just stay the hell home.

Also, SHOWER BEFORE YOU ATTEND A SHOW.  These theaters were built during a time when Americans weren’t fat messes so the seats are small and the leg room is minimal.  Showering, at all times, is welcome but especially when you are going to be in a cramped theater for two hours sitting beside strangers.

Just saw Memphis with my dad and it was great.  It was definitely a little serious because it  addressed the racial tensions in the USA in the 1950s but it was done very well with respect and humor.  The crowd was more diverse than other shows I have seen lately and I thought that was a wonderful thing to see.  As you probably know, I am a huge fan of live theater and think every show I see is a wonderful experience.  Although there are definitely some productions and styles that I prefer, I can honestly state that this show was fantastic and much better than I had expected.  (It did win the Tony!)

One thing that made the show amazing was the lead singer’s voice – Montego Glover…  Damn!  Talk about a voice to reckon with.  What an instrument.  The dancing was solid and looked sort of like West Side Story since there were two distinct groups.  (The whole story was very Romeo and Juliet and/or West Side Story sans the death.)

Look, if you have a couple of hours and a few dollars or a dad that loves the theater I suggest you catch Memphis.  It probably won’t be a long running musical so enjoy it while you can.  My prediction:  This show will turn into a revival once its run ends.

Thank you, Dad.  Love you and loved it.  Can’t wait for the next one.

“John holds the distinct honor of being the first and only actor to have performed as both The Phantom and Jean Valjean on Broadway.”

Ah yes.  If there is someone out there who can introduce me to Mr. Cudia I’d be forever in your debt.  I saw the show in June with my cousin and my father – we went for his birthday – and what a voice.  I was just thinking about how wonderful he was and how much I’d like to go back; hence, this blog post.

If you have not had the pleasure of seeing a show or hearing a voice that makes your eyes well up with tears of amazement… Find a show with Mr. Cudia and join the club.

I have been to several shows over the years – it’s something that I do with my family and I always cherish the experience, regardless of whether or not I love the show.  I’m a big believer in Broadway and the power of live theater (musical or otherwise) and I think it’s something everyone should experience.  That being said, there are some voices out there that are show-stoppers all by themselves and this man’s voice is one of them.

Colm Wilkinson.  Julie Andrews.  And now…

While I’m being sappy, I’d like to say thank you to Aunt R and Uncle H for taking me to my very first Broadway show – Teddy and Alice.  I believe it was on that trip where I almost lost a shoe at the top of the Empire State Building.  Good times, good times.