megs17
Swing Joined: 11/17/16
#1DEH Gift?
Posted: 8/11/17 at 7:50pm
Hey there! This is my first time actually posting on here! I'm usually kind of shy about these things, but I really wanted input from people with more experience than me. I live a train ride away from the city, but haven't gotten the chance to see a lot of shows, and I have only been to the stage door once. My 18th birthday is coming up this Sunday, and I was lucky enough to get tickets for the Dear Evan Hansen matinee that day!! I know it probably sounds a little childish, but I couldn't be more excited, because this show means the world to me. I've dealt with anxiety and depression since I was young, and in the past year, I've been making real strides in conquering them both. I've been getting out there, doing shows, making friends, going to college a year early, and it's been incredible! But, last month, I suddenly started going downhill again, starting to slide back down that slippery slope. I was involved with a show that was an incredibly unpleasant experience, and it almost made me forget why I even liked theatre in the first place. Without that outlet, I felt lost. Then, I finally gave in and looked up DEH, and not only did it resonate with me on a personal level, but it also reminded me why I fell in love with theatre. It's been a huge part in helping to keep my spirits high and prevent me from going back to that dark place.
Anyway, getting to my question: since this show has had such an impact on me, I want to do something nice for the cast. Because of time and money, I can't really do anything big or personalized, and I feel like flowers would be tacky. The one thing I thought of is a gift card for Schmackary's. Is that a good idea, or is it overdone and/or weird? Thanks in advance!
10086Sundays
Broadway Star Joined: 5/5/17
smidge
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/16/06
#3DEH Gift?
Posted: 8/11/17 at 8:27pm
I agree with Sundays. Sending Schmackarys to the theater is the easiest solution with a thoughtful message included. And if you send something to the cast, you could mention at the stage door that you hoped they received your gift. You can't have too many Schmakarys! Have a fantastic time and report back! And congratulations on finding your passion.
#4DEH Gift?
Posted: 8/11/17 at 8:27pm
This is one of the most life-affirming things I've read in awhile. Of course, I don't pretend to know your exact situation (although you described it very well), but I'm 53 and your description reminds me a lot of me at your age except you seem to have much more potential. My life is much better than I'd ever imagined it and I know yours will be, too. I think your idea sounds great. Be sure you include a condensed version of the above message with your gift. That will mean even more to the cast than the tasty treats. I love the DEH cast recording as Evan reminds me of my high school struggles and can't wait to see it on November 8th. Have a great birthday.
#5DEH Gift?
Posted: 8/11/17 at 9:53pm
It's nice to send over cookies and you should do that if you want to, but I think even more than that the cast will appreciate a heartfelt, personalized letter from you. Enjoy the show, it's absolutely beautiful and it affected me when I saw it in January for similar reasons to you; I've had anxiety all my life and struggled a lot as a teen. I wish the show had been around when I was a teenager because I think it would have helped me feel less alone.
#6DEH Gift?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 5:11pm
megs17 said: "Hey there! This is my first time actually posting on here! I'm usually kind of shy about these things, but I really wanted input from people with more experience than me. I live a train ride away from the city, but haven't gotten the chance to see a lot of shows, and I have only been to the stage door once. My 18th birthday is coming up this Sunday, and I was lucky enough to get tickets for the Dear Evan Hansen matinee that day!! I know it probably sounds a little childish, but I couldn't be more excited, because this show means the world to me. I've dealt with anxiety and depression since I was young, and in the past year, I've been making real strides in conquering them both. I've been getting out there, doing shows, making friends, going to college a year early, and it's been incredible! But, last month, I suddenly started going downhill again, starting to slide back down that slippery slope. I was involved with a show that was an incredibly unpleasant experience, and it almost made me forget why I even liked theatre in the first place. Without that outlet, I felt lost. Then, I finally gave in and looked up DEH, and not only did it resonate with me on a personal level, but it also reminded me why I fell in love with theatre. It's been a huge part in helping to keep my spirits high and prevent me from going back to that dark place.
Anyway, getting to my question: since this show has had such an impact on me, I want to do something nice for the cast. Because of time and money, I can't really do anything big or personalized, and I feel like flowers would be tacky. The one thing I thought of is a gift card for Schmackary's. Is that a good idea, or is it overdone and/or weird? Thanks in advance! "
i'm curious how it all went. Hope you had a great time.
megs17
Swing Joined: 11/17/16
#8DEH Gift?
Posted: 8/18/17 at 11:02pm
megs17 said: "Miles2Go2 said: "i'm curious how it all went. Hope you had a great time."
It went amazingly! The show was beautiful, and the cast was incredibly sweet! I had the best time (even though I cried throughout almost the entire show. They were definitely good tears.)"
That's phenomenal to hear. I'll be seeing DEH on November 8th (so glad I got my ticket before they announced Ben's departure). Even now, every time I think about that night or listen to the cast recording, I start tearing up. So yeah, I'll be a hot (crying) mess during the show. But that's nothing new for me (it's easier for me to name the shows I HAVEN'T cried at). I've cried at American Idiot (my first Broadway show - it was my first trip to NYC), On The Town, If/Then, Spring Awakening, The King and I, Hamilton, Once, and An American in Paris just to name a few. Lol.
Once again, so glad you had an amazing time at the show and that the cast was so great afterwards.
Best wishes!
