Giving My Regards

Catch it while you can - Broadway is going into hibernation soon. I just came back from seeing the last Spamalot for Clay Aiken on Jan. 4 (the show continues until Jan. 11). I also saw Patti LuPone in Gypsy and a sprightly cast (not the original) in Avenue Q.

I strategized the Spamalot trip a little, coming into the city one day ahead of my ticket. Clay had been coming to the stagedoor to do autographs and photos with fans, but somewhat erratically. I got there about 40 minutes before the end of the Saturday matinee, met up with some friends, and waited for the barricades to be put up right in front of us (we made a semi-circle in front of the door, knowing about where the barricades would be placed. Hee! That was the only way to guarantee ourselves front row).

It turned out Clay did indeed come out to sign autographs, but not have pictures taken - it was way too cold. He signed my copy of Learning To Sing - Yay!














As for the show the next day - what can I say. It's not the same as seeing it for the first time, but it was fun to participate in all the riotous cheering for Clay. I get the feeling not everyone in the cast was happy about it, but most went with the flow. After Clay's big number, "You Won't Succeed on Broadway," Sir Lancelot rode into his next scene, saying he'd better find out where that screaming was coming from. Hee!

We waited in Shubert Alley for Clay after his last show, and he did not disappoint. Goodbye, dear man! Don't be a stranger.















But you know what, "Claymates" (ugh--gotta love us, but I hate the term) have nothing on the Patti Lupone fans. Gosh! They raised the roof for her, and justly so. The mob at her stagedoor was crushing. My only pic of her was but a blur.





















By Sunday night and after a heavy but wonderful dinner at Sardi's













with other Clay fans, I was probably too tired to see another show. Poor Avenue Q, the only thing playing on Sunday night that I could get tickets to. I was cramped up in the mezz, my knees aching for not being able to move my legs, and fell asleep during the second half. I loved the show, really I did, but I was just too dang tired.

Monday morning clean-out on Broadway saw lines of trucks ready to pick up lines of trunks - audio and lighting equipment as sets begin to be struck for the last time. On 44th Street, "13" was vacating. It was a sad sight.














I'm glad I went - I need to go again. Broadway, come back!!!

love, hosaa
Theatrical cat

Ooo, I forgot to mention - I caught the bouquet at Clay's last Spamalot!! As thrown by Merle Dandridgeto little me in H-105. I apologized profusely to the lady in H-104, but I just had to have it.