Alright, the Details
I am still shaking, and there is absolutely no guarantee that this post will be coherent, or free of spelling/grammar errors. That said, let me repeat my previous post:
OH. MY. GOD.
I just..... I can't......how the hell am I going to describe this to you guys? I mean, seriously! Where do I start? Getting ready while fielding a hyper toddler (toddler on seeing Mum's pretty purse: "Oooo!")? The glee I felt getting that cloak out of storage? The hyperventilating on the road while I freaked out over my surprisingly easy drive? Because you know I did. Hyperventilate I mean. Good thing I was alone in the car because the gibberish I was spouting as I circled the car park made absolutely no sense whatsoever. I'm sure of it. But finally, there I was! Our shiny new performance center! (opened last January, I asked) All very modern, chrome and glitter and glass. And there I am, sweeping down the sidewalk, cloak blowing in the very brisk wind--I'm sure I made the spectacle of myself. An impressive one, lets hope. SWISH. And there was my seat! Because of the curved stage, it was.... well yes, very close. Off to the side, and very, very close. And it got better in the second act, because the seat ahead of me was empty. So guess who got CLOSER. Yes. Right there.
Then the lights went down, my heart rate spiked up, and it started.
I actually--am a geek, and wrote down all the songs in more of less the order in which they were performed. Also so I could use the list to jog my memory. Anyway.
Lovely lovely Ron Bohmer was our MC for the evenings. And oh boy, does he look good. Man. I swear the man hasn't aged a day since I saw him in Scarlet Pimpernel. My leading men are HOT, let me tell you. He dived straight into the introductions, and led us into the first song of the evening, which was "All That Jazz" from Chicago. Carter Calvert is a tiny little blonde with a smokin' hot voice and she sold this number, damn. Especially, ooo, at the last verse, when (OMG SQUEE) Brad and Ron joined her onstage.
(incidentally, yes, Brad is still gorgeous. Just... wow. Breath-taking, that man.)
After taking their bows (and introducing Brad to the appreciative crowd), Mr. Bohmer gave us a heart-stirring rendition of "This is the Moment" (Jekyll and Hyde), which ironically enough, I've only heard Brad sing. Considering this is one of those songs that I used to get me through that last year of college, it's safe to say I teared up a little (a recurring theme). Then we brought out the third gentleman of the evening, Steve Blanchard. Now I admit, the name did not ring any bells when I saw it on the program. Then they mentioned this little show called "Camelot". And he gave a little speech about playing opposite Robert Goulet, God rest him, and dedicating the song to him. "This one's for you, Rob." If Ever I Would Leave You, and the little bell in my head went "DING". I SAW HIM. Not even kidding. He was my Lancelot, in the first musical I ever saw (yes, even before Phantom), when Camelot came to Detroit with Robert Goulet himself as Arthur after his battle with cancer. I recognized his voice and nearly fell off my chair in shock. So yes. Like this concert wasn't important before. LANCELOT.
After this classic we took a slower turn, with Andrea Rivette gave us a beautiful rendition of "Someone like You" from Jekyll and Hyde. And yes, I had to look that up, because that was the first song that I didn't know by heart. LOL. And then... ta da, GREASE. What collection of Broadway songs isn't complete without Grease? Did they ever have fun with it. And I mean They, because it was Brad and Andrea, Ron and Carter, and they threw everything they had at it. The best moment (besides watching Brad swing dance. LOL) was when Ron and Carter "bumped" into each other--cut the music, and cue the Look. Ron swaggers into her personal space, gives her this crooked Elvis-type grin, and drawls in his deepest voice possible "heeeeeeey...babeh. Wanna go for a ride in my... car?" It. Was. Hilarious. And also really hot. But anyway. Yes. I see the appeal in Grease now. John Travolta notwithstanding.
Moving on! After Ron had his fun singing about Greased Lightening, our lovely Brad came out and threw us headlong into "Oh What a Circus" from Evita. Now I have never had the pleasure of seeing him as Che Guevera, but after watching him, I know I missed out. I truly did. The passion and anger he brings to the song just--amazing. Then...
The lights go dim. Brad takes center stage. Those first familiar chords play, his fingers unfurl delicately, and he croons "Night time sharpens, heightens each sensation...."
Then Ron walks onstage. He stands there, just looking at Brad. The song falters as my Phantom glances around.
B: what?
R: we discussed this.
B: no, I mean yeah I know we discussed this and we decided that... I...
R: *shaking his head* No, we said that I would get to sing...
B: but... but I've done over 2000 performances.
R: I did it on Broadway.
*they stare thoughtfully at each other*
R: fine. Lets not do the song.
B: not do it at all.
R: right.
B: right. Duet?
R: why not.
By this time the audience is giggling uncontrollably. So to make up for not doing Music of the Night, Ron and Brad gave us a GORGEOUS rendition of "Lily's Eyes" from The Secret Garden. Another musical I have not heard, but need to immediately.
Then we got a treat! Steve came back out and told us about a new musical that will be opening quite soon (and apparently will be coming down here, squeeeee!!!!) based on, of all things, Little House on the Prairie. The song "Prairie Moves" is from this new show, and if it's any indication, I might have to look into it. Especially if Steve is playing Pa because he's just... he's a sweetie. More on him later. I have reason to call him that, trust me. Anyway.
BRAD. He gave us "Stars" from Les Miserables. Ohhhhhh how I wish I could have seen him in this. His voice still has the power to rip my heart out, no matter what he's singing, high, low, sweet, powerful, doesn't matter. By the time he reached that final note I was, once again, teary eyed. (like I said, this happened a lot). Next came "Trouble" from Music Man, headlined by Steve and backed up by Brad, Ron and Andrea.
(oh, did I mention HOW CLOSE I WAS THE FREAKING STAGE?? Which means, YES, the boys kept catching my eye. Hard to miss the one in the corner who stayed on the edge of her seat 99% of the show, smiling like a school girl with a crush. But you know what? They saw me, and I don't care!)
The last song in Act 1 was "The Wizard and I" from Wicked. Cool thing about this song is that Mr. Lighting Technician in the back turned on the green spotlight and turned Andrea--well, GREEN. It was a nice touch. And for the record, that woman has a set of pipes. WOW. I mean seriously. WOW.
INTERMISSION. In which I discovered that the seat ahead of me was actually free, that the people sitting in front of me loved the fact that was making a song list, and we spent the time identifying which was from where. (And Angel pinched herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming.)
Right. Now a word about Carter Calvert. I mentioned her before--the tiny blonde with a big voice. She sang a version of "Fever" from....a musical I can't remember nor can I find. But ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you... it was hot. HAWT. I mean I felt the temperature in that theater rise ten degrees. People were whistling. I wanted to take her home for... a personal performance. And I'm not really that into blondes. But man. Whew. Sizzle.
So Steve comes back onstage. He taps the pianist on the shoulder, makes a small gesture toward his face, and tip toes out with a microphone. The pianist obliges him with... yes, those familiar chords. Steve clears his throat, glances nervously over his shoulder, and sings "Night time sharpens, heightens...." Then he realizes that BOTH Phantoms are standing behind him. Oops?
B: what are you doing?
S: well, I figured since you and he...
R: you can't sing that song.
S: Can. I was a Phantom too, you know!
B: Pfft. In the Ken Hill version. *turns to audience* Who here knows the Ken Hill version?
*ANGEL CLAPS MADLY*
B: ONE! *points at Angel* ONE PHAN.
S: *rushes across the stage toward me* YES! THANK YOU, I LOVE YOU!
*Angel dissolves into hysterical laughter*
B: Who knows the ALW Version?
*everyone applauds, obviously*
S: I could do it, you know.
R: no you couldn't.
B: no you couldn't. You couldn't sing it.
Steve: I was singing when you two were still watching Oscar and Big Bird.
Ron: ....I don't think I was even born yet.
*snicker*
Which segued nicely into "Anything You Can Do" from Annie Get Your Gun, with hilarious results from all three boys. Including Ron trying to give a pie recipe to the audience ("I like to do a little lattice work around the edge, brush the crust with egg whites so they're nice and shiny...") while Brad and Steve sing "I CAN SING ANYTHING LOUDER THAN YOU"... in his ears. My favorite bit, though, had to be during the "I can sing anything higher than you". After the expected duel (Brad got pretty high, but he was goofing off), our drummer, Roger Cohen, swaggered up, took a microphone (brushed off imaginary spit), and "sang" "yes I can" with one of the ladies backstage providing the voice. Naturally the theater died laughing, especially when he concluded with a curtsy and slapping Ron's butt. Heard as they all walked off stage "Hope he still has all his boy parts". Priceless.
Ah, "Cabaret!" I have never seen the movie or heard much beyond this title song and "Willkommen", but Andrea sold it yet again. What an amazing voice she has. And looking particularly delicious in red, I might add. Short and red and sparkly. Hm. What? oh yeah. Music. Yes! Rodgers and Hammerstein, as Ron reminded us, are the first names that come to mind when asked what the most famous composer/lyricist duo is. So naturally our boys had to give us "Dames" from South Pacific. Followed by "Wonderful Guy" by Andrea. Then Steve sang the Little Girl verse from "Soliloquy" (Carousel) and made me sniff and think of Roy and Kaitlyn.
Ah, and then Ron comes back onstage. Quietly, of course. Gives a nod to the pianist...
R: Now! Lets take a step back in time to...classic Broadway...I'm thinking... 1950-*mumblemumblE* Night time, sharpens...
...and tries--yes, again--to sing Music of the Night. This time he barely gets two words into it when he turns around and UNEXPECTED BRAD FTW!!
B: You promised. (he says all low and growly-like)
R: Yes. I know. I promised. I'll sing something else.
B: You will (still all threatening...total Erik mode, you guys)
R: yes.
And he did, god bless him. He sang "Into the Fire" from Scarlet Pimpernel and melted my heart yet again, because by god, HE SMILED AT ME. I'm sitting there grinning my head off, because it's PERCY. I can't help it, and then he grins back. Melt.
Scene Change! Lets bring out Carter again, because she is pretty and has a good voice, and can make people cry by singing "Send in the Clowns". I did. Just a bit.
A note about Steve Blanchard: not only has he played Lancelot, but he has been the Beast in Beauty and the Beast more times than--well, anyone. So naturally he had to come out and sing "If I Can't Love Her" and make the hearts of everybody in the theater stop. Or maybe just mine. Incredible, that song.
There's something you should know about Andrea Rivette, too. She's always wanted to play Fantine in Les Mis. Well, this year she's finally getting the chance, and lucky us got to hear her sing "I Dreamed a Dream". She dedicated it to her sister, who was in the crowd (in my row, actually) and has never given up on her. It was adorable, because she was all choked up, and choked me up, because that song.... well it hit home because of some memories. Plus I sang it in college during my voice lessons. Memories. Yes. Anyway! After we all dried our tears, Andrea tells us "Well.... the Phantoms have been duke-ing it out backstage. It hasn't been pretty, let me tell you. And I think they've finally come to an agreement. So--take it away, gentlemen!"
The lights dim, the music crashes, mist streams across the stage (I kid you not), and here they come, my boys, in tuxes, doing "Phantom of the Opera" as a duet. The best part? Brad was on my side of the stage. Ho yes. *Shivers* Did I shake thorough-out the entire performance? I did. Did I stay on the edge of my seat, staring up at him like he was an angel come down to earth? yes I did. Did I cry? Oh yes I did. Did they FINALLY sing Music of the Night? YES THEY DID. And it was gorgeous. It was beyond gorgeous.
That was, of course, the second to the last song. We laughed, we cried, we applauded, they bowed....
R: oh, you're wonderful, you're wonderful, please stop....
*applause trickles out*
R: Please don't stop.
*laughter*
And then because they loved us so much (they want to COME BACK NEXT YEAR OMG), they wrapped up the night with a soul-stirring chorus of "Seasons of Love" from Rent. Because what else would they do? Seriously. And I got Ron grinning at me again. Whee. Namely because at the right moment I blew him a kiss (yes I know, I'm a flirt, shut up), and he pointed and GRINNED. Loved it. But anyway. YES! Concert.
Would you believe me if I said the best was yet to come? Would you?
So luckily for me, they were doing autographs right there in the lobby, all lined up neatly for us so there would be no fumbling with programs or standing in the wind or wondering if I missed someone. They were all there, hurray. And wouldn't you know, Brad was first in line. My god. I saw that and nearly ran, not because I didn't want to say hello, but because OMG BRAD. Nerves going twang. I kept letting people get in front of me in line to give me more time to get myself together. Finally, though, it was my turn, and there he was, looking up at me with that mile-wide smile that he gives all his fans, pen ready to sign whatever I put in front of him. "Hi, did you enjoy yourself?" He asks. Oh, of course, I say. Then I give him my program, lean over, look him in the (beautiful) eye, and say "I don't know if you remember this, but... back in 2000, in Pittsburgh..."
And I swear on my life, this is the truth. I swear. THAT WAS ALL I HAD TO SAY. The smile changed from generic "hi how are you" to "oh...my...god", his eyes lit up, and he reached out and grabbed my hand.
A: ....a phan went up on tip toe
B: Oh it's YOU
A: ..and told you she loved Erik...
B: ...yes... yes I remember...a little bird whispered in my ear!!! It's YOU! WHAT ARE YOU DOING DOWN HERE??
A: LOL I LIVE HERE NOW.
B: YOU'RE KIDDING!
A: I never thought I'd see you again.
B: And now you're here, and I... wow!! I can't believe.... COME HERE!
So he jumps out of his seat and grabs me into a huge hug.
A: I still miss him, I still love him.
B: I do too! In fact I'm going back overseas...I only dropped in for this...
A: Glad you did!
B: Me too!!! This is amazing!
Then I asked him about Barbara (his wife) and if she would be with him ("Maybe, for a little while, I hope!") and if he still works with cheetahs ("yes!"). I told him that I was a mom now ("You know the last time I saw you, I was just married... yeah, now I have a little girl" "Ohhh! Congratulations!") and that his version of Music of the Night would soothe her when she was fussy (true story, I'd rock her in the living room to his cd), and he took the hand he still held and kissed it (!!!!!) and said how wonderful it was to see me, and that he hopes to see me again.
Then I got the rest of my autographs and got complimented on my cloak by Carter, made Ron's night by calling him "My Percy!" ("Oh, you saw Scarlet Pimpernel! Awesome!")and telling him about meeting his wife Sandra (a former Christine) at the stage door in Cleveland ("you're kidding!"), amazed Steve that I actually saw him in Camelot, and wandered away in a daze. Because Brad remembered me.
LUCKILY FOR ME, however, I looked back and saw Brad getting up to take pictures with somebody, so naturally I rushed back and begged that somebody to take a picture with us. Of course, wouldn't you know it, he was acting like he was leaving. So she's all like "Brad? Picture?" and he turned around, saw who was standing there, and opened his arms. So if we look extra snuggly in this photo, that would be why. Mainly because he's got me all tucked up against him and five seconds before the camera went "click" I had my head resting on his chest and he was resting his head on mine. So cuddly. I LOVE MY CUDDLY PHANTOM.
Oh, and yes, he had to see it afterwards, so I took the opportunity to show him a pic of Kaitlyn. His words were "OH SO CUTE". Which she totally is. Then we said goodbye.
A: you travel safe, ok?
B: oh, you too!
A: oh I'm lucky, I only live ten minutes away!
B: *laughs* I hope I see you again.
So that............. that was my night.
OH. MY. GOD.
I just..... I can't......how the hell am I going to describe this to you guys? I mean, seriously! Where do I start? Getting ready while fielding a hyper toddler (toddler on seeing Mum's pretty purse: "Oooo!")? The glee I felt getting that cloak out of storage? The hyperventilating on the road while I freaked out over my surprisingly easy drive? Because you know I did. Hyperventilate I mean. Good thing I was alone in the car because the gibberish I was spouting as I circled the car park made absolutely no sense whatsoever. I'm sure of it. But finally, there I was! Our shiny new performance center! (opened last January, I asked) All very modern, chrome and glitter and glass. And there I am, sweeping down the sidewalk, cloak blowing in the very brisk wind--I'm sure I made the spectacle of myself. An impressive one, lets hope. SWISH. And there was my seat! Because of the curved stage, it was.... well yes, very close. Off to the side, and very, very close. And it got better in the second act, because the seat ahead of me was empty. So guess who got CLOSER. Yes. Right there.
Then the lights went down, my heart rate spiked up, and it started.
I actually--am a geek, and wrote down all the songs in more of less the order in which they were performed. Also so I could use the list to jog my memory. Anyway.
Lovely lovely Ron Bohmer was our MC for the evenings. And oh boy, does he look good. Man. I swear the man hasn't aged a day since I saw him in Scarlet Pimpernel. My leading men are HOT, let me tell you. He dived straight into the introductions, and led us into the first song of the evening, which was "All That Jazz" from Chicago. Carter Calvert is a tiny little blonde with a smokin' hot voice and she sold this number, damn. Especially, ooo, at the last verse, when (OMG SQUEE) Brad and Ron joined her onstage.
(incidentally, yes, Brad is still gorgeous. Just... wow. Breath-taking, that man.)
After taking their bows (and introducing Brad to the appreciative crowd), Mr. Bohmer gave us a heart-stirring rendition of "This is the Moment" (Jekyll and Hyde), which ironically enough, I've only heard Brad sing. Considering this is one of those songs that I used to get me through that last year of college, it's safe to say I teared up a little (a recurring theme). Then we brought out the third gentleman of the evening, Steve Blanchard. Now I admit, the name did not ring any bells when I saw it on the program. Then they mentioned this little show called "Camelot". And he gave a little speech about playing opposite Robert Goulet, God rest him, and dedicating the song to him. "This one's for you, Rob." If Ever I Would Leave You, and the little bell in my head went "DING". I SAW HIM. Not even kidding. He was my Lancelot, in the first musical I ever saw (yes, even before Phantom), when Camelot came to Detroit with Robert Goulet himself as Arthur after his battle with cancer. I recognized his voice and nearly fell off my chair in shock. So yes. Like this concert wasn't important before. LANCELOT.
After this classic we took a slower turn, with Andrea Rivette gave us a beautiful rendition of "Someone like You" from Jekyll and Hyde. And yes, I had to look that up, because that was the first song that I didn't know by heart. LOL. And then... ta da, GREASE. What collection of Broadway songs isn't complete without Grease? Did they ever have fun with it. And I mean They, because it was Brad and Andrea, Ron and Carter, and they threw everything they had at it. The best moment (besides watching Brad swing dance. LOL) was when Ron and Carter "bumped" into each other--cut the music, and cue the Look. Ron swaggers into her personal space, gives her this crooked Elvis-type grin, and drawls in his deepest voice possible "heeeeeeey...babeh. Wanna go for a ride in my... car?" It. Was. Hilarious. And also really hot. But anyway. Yes. I see the appeal in Grease now. John Travolta notwithstanding.
Moving on! After Ron had his fun singing about Greased Lightening, our lovely Brad came out and threw us headlong into "Oh What a Circus" from Evita. Now I have never had the pleasure of seeing him as Che Guevera, but after watching him, I know I missed out. I truly did. The passion and anger he brings to the song just--amazing. Then...
The lights go dim. Brad takes center stage. Those first familiar chords play, his fingers unfurl delicately, and he croons "Night time sharpens, heightens each sensation...."
Then Ron walks onstage. He stands there, just looking at Brad. The song falters as my Phantom glances around.
B: what?
R: we discussed this.
B: no, I mean yeah I know we discussed this and we decided that... I...
R: *shaking his head* No, we said that I would get to sing...
B: but... but I've done over 2000 performances.
R: I did it on Broadway.
*they stare thoughtfully at each other*
R: fine. Lets not do the song.
B: not do it at all.
R: right.
B: right. Duet?
R: why not.
By this time the audience is giggling uncontrollably. So to make up for not doing Music of the Night, Ron and Brad gave us a GORGEOUS rendition of "Lily's Eyes" from The Secret Garden. Another musical I have not heard, but need to immediately.
Then we got a treat! Steve came back out and told us about a new musical that will be opening quite soon (and apparently will be coming down here, squeeeee!!!!) based on, of all things, Little House on the Prairie. The song "Prairie Moves" is from this new show, and if it's any indication, I might have to look into it. Especially if Steve is playing Pa because he's just... he's a sweetie. More on him later. I have reason to call him that, trust me. Anyway.
BRAD. He gave us "Stars" from Les Miserables. Ohhhhhh how I wish I could have seen him in this. His voice still has the power to rip my heart out, no matter what he's singing, high, low, sweet, powerful, doesn't matter. By the time he reached that final note I was, once again, teary eyed. (like I said, this happened a lot). Next came "Trouble" from Music Man, headlined by Steve and backed up by Brad, Ron and Andrea.
(oh, did I mention HOW CLOSE I WAS THE FREAKING STAGE?? Which means, YES, the boys kept catching my eye. Hard to miss the one in the corner who stayed on the edge of her seat 99% of the show, smiling like a school girl with a crush. But you know what? They saw me, and I don't care!)
The last song in Act 1 was "The Wizard and I" from Wicked. Cool thing about this song is that Mr. Lighting Technician in the back turned on the green spotlight and turned Andrea--well, GREEN. It was a nice touch. And for the record, that woman has a set of pipes. WOW. I mean seriously. WOW.
INTERMISSION. In which I discovered that the seat ahead of me was actually free, that the people sitting in front of me loved the fact that was making a song list, and we spent the time identifying which was from where. (And Angel pinched herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming.)
Right. Now a word about Carter Calvert. I mentioned her before--the tiny blonde with a big voice. She sang a version of "Fever" from....a musical I can't remember nor can I find. But ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you... it was hot. HAWT. I mean I felt the temperature in that theater rise ten degrees. People were whistling. I wanted to take her home for... a personal performance. And I'm not really that into blondes. But man. Whew. Sizzle.
So Steve comes back onstage. He taps the pianist on the shoulder, makes a small gesture toward his face, and tip toes out with a microphone. The pianist obliges him with... yes, those familiar chords. Steve clears his throat, glances nervously over his shoulder, and sings "Night time sharpens, heightens...." Then he realizes that BOTH Phantoms are standing behind him. Oops?
B: what are you doing?
S: well, I figured since you and he...
R: you can't sing that song.
S: Can. I was a Phantom too, you know!
B: Pfft. In the Ken Hill version. *turns to audience* Who here knows the Ken Hill version?
*ANGEL CLAPS MADLY*
B: ONE! *points at Angel* ONE PHAN.
S: *rushes across the stage toward me* YES! THANK YOU, I LOVE YOU!
*Angel dissolves into hysterical laughter*
B: Who knows the ALW Version?
*everyone applauds, obviously*
S: I could do it, you know.
R: no you couldn't.
B: no you couldn't. You couldn't sing it.
Steve: I was singing when you two were still watching Oscar and Big Bird.
Ron: ....I don't think I was even born yet.
*snicker*
Which segued nicely into "Anything You Can Do" from Annie Get Your Gun, with hilarious results from all three boys. Including Ron trying to give a pie recipe to the audience ("I like to do a little lattice work around the edge, brush the crust with egg whites so they're nice and shiny...") while Brad and Steve sing "I CAN SING ANYTHING LOUDER THAN YOU"... in his ears. My favorite bit, though, had to be during the "I can sing anything higher than you". After the expected duel (Brad got pretty high, but he was goofing off), our drummer, Roger Cohen, swaggered up, took a microphone (brushed off imaginary spit), and "sang" "yes I can" with one of the ladies backstage providing the voice. Naturally the theater died laughing, especially when he concluded with a curtsy and slapping Ron's butt. Heard as they all walked off stage "Hope he still has all his boy parts". Priceless.
Ah, "Cabaret!" I have never seen the movie or heard much beyond this title song and "Willkommen", but Andrea sold it yet again. What an amazing voice she has. And looking particularly delicious in red, I might add. Short and red and sparkly. Hm. What? oh yeah. Music. Yes! Rodgers and Hammerstein, as Ron reminded us, are the first names that come to mind when asked what the most famous composer/lyricist duo is. So naturally our boys had to give us "Dames" from South Pacific. Followed by "Wonderful Guy" by Andrea. Then Steve sang the Little Girl verse from "Soliloquy" (Carousel) and made me sniff and think of Roy and Kaitlyn.
Ah, and then Ron comes back onstage. Quietly, of course. Gives a nod to the pianist...
R: Now! Lets take a step back in time to...classic Broadway...I'm thinking... 1950-*mumblemumblE* Night time, sharpens...
...and tries--yes, again--to sing Music of the Night. This time he barely gets two words into it when he turns around and UNEXPECTED BRAD FTW!!
B: You promised. (he says all low and growly-like)
R: Yes. I know. I promised. I'll sing something else.
B: You will (still all threatening...total Erik mode, you guys)
R: yes.
And he did, god bless him. He sang "Into the Fire" from Scarlet Pimpernel and melted my heart yet again, because by god, HE SMILED AT ME. I'm sitting there grinning my head off, because it's PERCY. I can't help it, and then he grins back. Melt.
Scene Change! Lets bring out Carter again, because she is pretty and has a good voice, and can make people cry by singing "Send in the Clowns". I did. Just a bit.
A note about Steve Blanchard: not only has he played Lancelot, but he has been the Beast in Beauty and the Beast more times than--well, anyone. So naturally he had to come out and sing "If I Can't Love Her" and make the hearts of everybody in the theater stop. Or maybe just mine. Incredible, that song.
There's something you should know about Andrea Rivette, too. She's always wanted to play Fantine in Les Mis. Well, this year she's finally getting the chance, and lucky us got to hear her sing "I Dreamed a Dream". She dedicated it to her sister, who was in the crowd (in my row, actually) and has never given up on her. It was adorable, because she was all choked up, and choked me up, because that song.... well it hit home because of some memories. Plus I sang it in college during my voice lessons. Memories. Yes. Anyway! After we all dried our tears, Andrea tells us "Well.... the Phantoms have been duke-ing it out backstage. It hasn't been pretty, let me tell you. And I think they've finally come to an agreement. So--take it away, gentlemen!"
The lights dim, the music crashes, mist streams across the stage (I kid you not), and here they come, my boys, in tuxes, doing "Phantom of the Opera" as a duet. The best part? Brad was on my side of the stage. Ho yes. *Shivers* Did I shake thorough-out the entire performance? I did. Did I stay on the edge of my seat, staring up at him like he was an angel come down to earth? yes I did. Did I cry? Oh yes I did. Did they FINALLY sing Music of the Night? YES THEY DID. And it was gorgeous. It was beyond gorgeous.
That was, of course, the second to the last song. We laughed, we cried, we applauded, they bowed....
R: oh, you're wonderful, you're wonderful, please stop....
*applause trickles out*
R: Please don't stop.
*laughter*
And then because they loved us so much (they want to COME BACK NEXT YEAR OMG), they wrapped up the night with a soul-stirring chorus of "Seasons of Love" from Rent. Because what else would they do? Seriously. And I got Ron grinning at me again. Whee. Namely because at the right moment I blew him a kiss (yes I know, I'm a flirt, shut up), and he pointed and GRINNED. Loved it. But anyway. YES! Concert.
Would you believe me if I said the best was yet to come? Would you?
So luckily for me, they were doing autographs right there in the lobby, all lined up neatly for us so there would be no fumbling with programs or standing in the wind or wondering if I missed someone. They were all there, hurray. And wouldn't you know, Brad was first in line. My god. I saw that and nearly ran, not because I didn't want to say hello, but because OMG BRAD. Nerves going twang. I kept letting people get in front of me in line to give me more time to get myself together. Finally, though, it was my turn, and there he was, looking up at me with that mile-wide smile that he gives all his fans, pen ready to sign whatever I put in front of him. "Hi, did you enjoy yourself?" He asks. Oh, of course, I say. Then I give him my program, lean over, look him in the (beautiful) eye, and say "I don't know if you remember this, but... back in 2000, in Pittsburgh..."
And I swear on my life, this is the truth. I swear. THAT WAS ALL I HAD TO SAY. The smile changed from generic "hi how are you" to "oh...my...god", his eyes lit up, and he reached out and grabbed my hand.
A: ....a phan went up on tip toe
B: Oh it's YOU
A: ..and told you she loved Erik...
B: ...yes... yes I remember...a little bird whispered in my ear!!! It's YOU! WHAT ARE YOU DOING DOWN HERE??
A: LOL I LIVE HERE NOW.
B: YOU'RE KIDDING!
A: I never thought I'd see you again.
B: And now you're here, and I... wow!! I can't believe.... COME HERE!
So he jumps out of his seat and grabs me into a huge hug.
A: I still miss him, I still love him.
B: I do too! In fact I'm going back overseas...I only dropped in for this...
A: Glad you did!
B: Me too!!! This is amazing!
Then I asked him about Barbara (his wife) and if she would be with him ("Maybe, for a little while, I hope!") and if he still works with cheetahs ("yes!"). I told him that I was a mom now ("You know the last time I saw you, I was just married... yeah, now I have a little girl" "Ohhh! Congratulations!") and that his version of Music of the Night would soothe her when she was fussy (true story, I'd rock her in the living room to his cd), and he took the hand he still held and kissed it (!!!!!) and said how wonderful it was to see me, and that he hopes to see me again.
Then I got the rest of my autographs and got complimented on my cloak by Carter, made Ron's night by calling him "My Percy!" ("Oh, you saw Scarlet Pimpernel! Awesome!")and telling him about meeting his wife Sandra (a former Christine) at the stage door in Cleveland ("you're kidding!"), amazed Steve that I actually saw him in Camelot, and wandered away in a daze. Because Brad remembered me.
LUCKILY FOR ME, however, I looked back and saw Brad getting up to take pictures with somebody, so naturally I rushed back and begged that somebody to take a picture with us. Of course, wouldn't you know it, he was acting like he was leaving. So she's all like "Brad? Picture?" and he turned around, saw who was standing there, and opened his arms. So if we look extra snuggly in this photo, that would be why. Mainly because he's got me all tucked up against him and five seconds before the camera went "click" I had my head resting on his chest and he was resting his head on mine. So cuddly. I LOVE MY CUDDLY PHANTOM.
Oh, and yes, he had to see it afterwards, so I took the opportunity to show him a pic of Kaitlyn. His words were "OH SO CUTE". Which she totally is. Then we said goodbye.
A: you travel safe, ok?
B: oh, you too!
A: oh I'm lucky, I only live ten minutes away!
B: *laughs* I hope I see you again.
So that............. that was my night.