If I Won the Lottery...

I would see lots of shows! And indeed, Kelly and/or I won several lotteries this week, and saw three phenomenal shows.

On Monday we attended the lottery for Next to Normal. As always, I had my doubts - it's always better to go in expecting the worst. Well, the lottery drawing began, and I fortunately did not have to wait long before my frown was turned upside down. My name was called...first. Let's repeat, shall we? First. Once more: first. Yup, I am officially a lottery master! Kelly's name was also called about eight in, but it matters not, for we only needed my two tickets. I am actually seeing N2N again with my dad and bro over Thanksgiving, but it's totally worth a second viewing. The music and lyrics are (appropriately) eclectic, and the direction and performances are all spot on. Alice Ripley (who is cah-razy in real life) plays a bi polar mother/wife to perfection - although, let's be honest, it's not really that much of a stretch for her. My fave was actually Jennifer Damiano, who played the daughter - her storyline was the most moving and she has some great material. I'm really excited to see it again...from further away. Because we were in the front row and very close.

The post-show scene was an event in and of itself. We stopped by the stage door to see the cast and get some autographs. They were all very nice, and gladly obliged to photos. Alice Ripley was, of course, absolutely crazy...and she has the most bizarre autograph I have ever seen - it involves block lettering and takes a good 15 seconds to complete. Anyway, after this, we happened to pass by the Minskoff Theatre next door, where Bernadette Peters's benefit concert was just getting out. We decided to stick it out at the stage door and see some celebs...and indeed we did. We first spotted Martin Short, and then shortly thereafter Mary Tyler Moore - I was starstruck. And then came the greatest of all - Bernadette Peters herself emerged, in all her amazing glory. She is seriously 61, and looks like she is 38 or so. My life has been changed.

The next two days were not so kind for lotteries. On Tuesday, I attempted the Ragtime lottery (again) and promptly lost. On Wednesday, I gave Hair another stab (again) and promptly lost (again). On the bright side, it was nice to have some quiet nights at home. And Wednesday's loss gave me the opportunity to return to Ice Gleem Social Wednesdays! Let's be honest, they have been falling apart without my presence. I got a three one-dollar scoops and watched a lovely episode of "Glee". Not too shabby.

On Thursday, the victory continued! I couldn't make it out of work in time, but Kelly hustled over to the In the Heights lottery. I arrived too late to put my name in, but just in time to hear her name called! So once more we won the lottery and saw a show from the front row. The show is absolutely amazing as well - the set is exquisitely detailed, the songs are rhythmic/driving/beautiful/powerful/etc., the dancing is pulsating, and the performances are sound.

The best part of the occasion though was my triumphant return to the Richard Rodgers Theatre. This is where I saw my very first Broadway show, Movin' Out, just a mere five years ago. So returning was a homecoming of sorts - full circle, you may say. I found the area where our seats for Movin' Out were, and took some nostalgic pictures. I was just a bright-eyed young child when I saw my first Broadway show, and I have now seen 27. With many more to come...











Speaking of which, on Friday I attempted the Hair lottery once more. This is the eighth time I have attempted, and the first time my name was called! Last time we saw the show, we had the last row in the boxes (behind lots of heads) and could see - um - stage right only. This time I was hoping for some better seats, and we were given...the exact same ones. So we couldn't see much more of the show than before. But it was still absolutely phenomenal. And this time I had an aisle seat, so I got my hair tousled by cast members a few times. I tousled their hair right back. And of course, we danced onstage at the end, and had a ball. After the show, Will Swenson auctioned off the pants he wore that night to raise money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. They ended up going for $600. That's right - SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS. I wish I had that kind of money to throw around willy-nilly.

So yes, this week was a rousing success. We have pretty much conquered all of the lotteries - the only ones left to win are Ragtime and Rock of Ages. I have confidence that it will happen. We will succeed!