But a couple of months ago, we took a weekend trip to see a show of a lifetime. Something that would never happen again. And they filmed all four performances of it! Meaning we get to see it again in our city! So we marked the date and bought the tickets. As there were only four shows of it at the New York Philharmonic, there are only four showings of it in theaters as well.
This was an interesting experience though. I didn't know quite what to expect. And largely in part to Company's performance on the Tonys the weekend before, the shows had sold out in Chicago. So we decided, best not take any chances and get there early. And when we arrived about an hour before showtime, a line had already formed! Dedicated fans.
Inside it was an older crowd, though by eavesdropping on conversations, all huge fans of musical theater. I'm assume these are the same people that come for the Metropolitan Opera showings that they do in the theaters now. A way for people that can't jump on a plane in a gut decision and see a show in NYC. I think myself and my wife, and a coworker and her roommate were the youngest ones in the theater.
Annoyance and hilarity ensued when a disgruntled gentleman tried to get the gentleman that were first in line to move so he could sit with his date. He left the theater, only to come back to announce that "the assholes won today!" with an embarrassed date off to the side. Only to be followed up with the queenie-ist of voices going, "what we'd miss? was there a fight?!" and laughter was had to break that short tension. I hope that woman left that guy, cause, yeesh, anger issues!
So not knowing what to expect, the lights went down and clapping began! The only time I've ever been in a movie theater and people clapped was when I've been at a premiere or something nerdy on opening weekend like X-Men, Batman or Harry Potter.
And the funny thing was, the clapping continued! Throughout the movie, just as you would in the Philharmonic itself these audience members clapped after every number! It was adorable. And I wish that the magnificent actors that were in this show could have seen/heard this.
All-in-all, seeing this on screen was amazing. It sank in halfway through while staring at Neil Patrick Harris, someone I have adored since childhood, that we *saw* this. In person. How privileged do I feel? How lucky am I? And how amazing was it that I got to share it with friends that didn't get to jump on a plane to New York? I really love that they released this into theaters, and I hope the response was great around the US.
And please, please, please come out on DVD because I will watch it again and again and again.
And there's two more showings this weekend of Company. If you can make it (and if it's not sold out) go see it! It's one of the most hilarious shows with incredible people. You won't be sorry.
