Bryan Adams
He came to the Empire which is a sister theater to the Majestic and more intimate. He was alone with a piano player and his guitar. It was an amazing show and an amazing experience. It felt like we were sitting in his living room listening to him play acoustic versions of his hits. He played such songs as "Everything I Do," "Heaven," and "Summer of '69" in ways I never heard before. I had never seen him in concert before, but I know that he was great here doing this acoustic show. He was making a DVD of the show too and had camera people all over the place. We had to make sure people didn't stand in front of the cameras or run in the aisles while he sang. Dawna cracked me up as she kept people from going down the aisles. She looked like a security guard and crossed her arms in front of her. I wouldn't want to be the one to try to get past her...HA. That was fun. The entire show kept everyone entertained from beginning to end and it would be great to see him again.
9 to 5
I loved this movie when it came out. I couldn't help but see Dolly Parton in the role as Doralee. But, the actress who played her at the Majestic did a great job too. The music was really well-written and did include the original song 9 to 5 written by Dolly Parton. In fact, the entire score was written by her. The audience really got into this one and I loved watching them laugh.
Beauty and the Beast
Another Broadway play tour show that did not disappoint me was Beauty and the Beast. I loved all the music from it when it was released as a Disney movie in 1991 (I was pregnant with Deborah when I saw it in the movie theater). Songs like "Be Our Guest," "Belle," and "Gaston" were amazing live. And the actors did not disappoint. They did a great job in their roles. I especially enjoyed the actor that played Gaston. He did a great job. The little boy who played Chip was excellent too. I worked opening night for this show and it was great. There is something about an opening night of any show that has a certain electricity around it. Even though this Broadway touring group had been to other cities, it seems to me that they have a certain "new" feeling as they open in a new city. It was evident on opening night at the Majestic. I worked in the orchestra level and enjoyed helping people to their seats. Lots of little girls came to this show dressed in their Belle gowns and "high heels." It was so cute to see them and it made me think of Deborah's little girl days when she loved to watch many Disney movies. What can I say about Legally Blonde? It was a funny show with a great cast. I wasn't sure how this movie could translate to a musical but they did a good job. Deborah surprised her best friend by buying her tickets to see the show. So, Deborah worked it one night and got to see it another night. I worked in the orchestra level again for this so I got a good view of the show the two times I went to see it.
WICKED
Now, onto the other BIG Show!! Wicked is an amazing, wonderful, stupendous, entertaining and mesmerizing show. I can't say anything bad about it. The music, the costumes, the actors, the sets, the orchestra, the EVERYTHING!!!! I have seen it 5 times now and plan to see it 2 more times before it leaves the end of this week. Having heard a lot about it over the years, I was expecting to be disappointed because I thought the hype was too much. Well, the hype was NOT too much. It is everything everyone said it would be. Again, I worked opening night and again I could feel that electricity. The actors were amazing and the audience was entertained from start to finish. I worked in the orchestra area for all the shows (it's my favorite place to work) and all the shows have been sold out. There are seating holds at the beginning of the show and right after intermission so it's been a challenge to get everyone seated in time. Most make it, but I few have to wait. Some are great about it, but a few complain. Because the show has been sold out, it's important for us to make sure everyone is in the right seats. And everyone is so excited to see the show, they can't wait to get to their seats. I love being down in the front and seeing the orchestra in the pit warming up. They are great musicians who seem to really enjoy playing the score for Wicked. I know I will be sad to see this one leave at the end of the week. It has been a good run.Coming up are some other fun shows that I look forward to seeing too. I will keep you up-to-date with all the latest as I get around to it (and you know I am not that great at it sometimes, HA). West Side Story, Rock of Ages and Lynyrd Skynyrd are coming up in March, April and May. The new season will bring Mary Poppins, Fiddler on the Roof, Les Miserables and Billy Elliot. Can't wait for all of them.
You know, doing these shows as a volunteer are so much fun and a great way for me to be entertained. It's nice to be with my friend Dawna and also Deborah. She enjoys doing it with me now and we have some funny experiences together. I'm so glad for these experiences.
