2018 BWW Thankfulness Thread

[Miles2Go2]

It’s that time of year where I am more emotional than usual (just teared up watching the Today Show anchors feeding some of the California firefighter families who lost their homes). Anyway, it has me reflecting on what I’m grateful for. I’m hoping people will be inclined to share their snark-free lists of theater-related things they’re grateful for this year, including perhaps certain BWW posters they’re thankful for. That last piece is perhaps inspired by the recent post about longtime posters (some deceased) who no longer post anymore. I want to thank people while they’re still around and posting.

Anyway, I’ll go first:

My theater gratitude list:

1. Getting to see 8 (9 if you count parts 1 & 2 of Angels in America separately) Broadway productions in June.
2. Most of them were plays, which I’m also grateful for seeing more of and gaining more passion for.
3. Finally seeing Bernadette (in Hello, Dolly!) in February.
4. I’m most grateful for seeing Angels in America.
5. Seeing more touring and regional productions than ever before this year.
6. Meeting Idina Menzel
7. A meaningful moment with Andrew Garfield at stagedoor

My BWW poster gratitude list. So many, but here are a few that pop to mind:

1. WhizzerMarvin - our tastes don’t always align, but I look forward feverishly to your reviews of every show.
2. HogansHero - I have learned much from you about how to decipher those Monday Broadway grosses spreadsheets. I still have lots to learn. I also love your passion for Rent and Angels.
3. dmwnc1959 - your snark-free passion for discovering new (to you) theatrical experiences is so contagious. Your energy is so needed here.
4. Dollypop - your passion for Hello, Dolly! is just infectious.
5. And lastly, any one who took time to respond to my annoying posts as I planned my June trip. Thanks to you, it was a great trip.

Can’t wait to hopefully see others’ gratitude lists.

[Sauja]

A few moments I'm thankful for in the theater this year:

Having the chance to see Billie Piper's astonishing performance in Yerma. She left it all on that stage. It was brutal; it was shocking; it was beautiful.

Mare Winningham starting to sing "Like a Rolling Stone" facing upstage in Girl from North Country before turning to stare us down for the remaining verses--a beautiful performance and an actor and director willfully not giving you the moment you expected...to great effect.

The opportunity to sit front row at Carmen Jones at CSC and take in those glorious voices singing that stunning score just inches away from me.

Being made a child again by the magic of the Harry Potter production. And infectious delight.

Seeing Heidi Schreck blend the personal and the political with so much passion and genuine hope in What the Constitution Means to Me.

The extraordinary intimacy, deep humanity, and sense of community at Rattlestick's Lewiston/Clarkston double bill.

And a series of superb revivals from the traditional (The Waverly Gallery) to the broadly experimental (Oklahoma!) and everything in between (Angels in America, At Home at the Zoo).

 

It's been a lovely year of great theater, and I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to see so much talent.

 

 

[Mike Barrett]

I have seen more theater this year than I have in my entire life. 15 shows I believe, and I'm hoping 2019 has the same if not more. Ive had a really bad struggle with severe depression and a anxiety for the past few years, and the theatre offers such an escape. Brings me to a whole new world and can make me forget about the tough things in life for awhile. I love getting myself hyped for months to look forward to shows, as it gives me something in general to look forward to. 

I am very thankful for the theater community as well. Coming from a conservative family (not Trump people, but they're just old school) and coming out as gay did not go super well. I am not kicked out or anything but my home life is quite awkward. Going to the theatre where I feel loved and accepted means just so much to me. Frankly Im not sure where I'd be without theater, but I am extra thankful this Holiday. 

Okay sorry to get emotional there kids, thankful for you all! 

[Miles2Go2]

^ I’m not crying; you’re crying. I do understand a bit about how theater provides an escape while it can also elucidate parts of our lives. Currently, my mom is steadily progressing further into her dementia (while I wait to see if she approved for Medicaid) so theater has been a wellspring of escape/clarity for me.

[imklepcyk]

This thread is way to much

[Bwayfan292]

I am thankful for each and every one of you, even the kids who join claiming be more chill is the best thing in the world. I grew up a theatre nerd and I kept it a secret passion of mine because I was so afraid I would be called gay and teased for it in school. I found these boards and I’ve felt like I have people to talk about theatre who dosen’t care that I’m gay and doesn’t care that I love show tunes. I’m thankful we have this community where I can discuss casting announcements or show reviews without the fear of being bullied.

So thank you.

[Bwayfan292]

Mike Barrett said: "I have seen more theater this year than I have in my entire life. 15 shows I believe, and I'm hoping 2019 has the same if not more. Ive had a really bad struggle with severe depression and a anxiety for the past few years, and the theatre offers such an escape. Brings me to a whole new world and can make me forget about the tough things in life for awhile. I love getting myself hyped for months to look forward to shows, as it gives me something in general to look forward to.

I am very thankful for the theater community as well. Coming from a conservative family (not Trump people, but they're just old school) and coming out as gay did not go super well. I am not kicked out or anything but my home life is quite awkward. Going to the theatre where I feel loved and accepted means just so much to me. Frankly Im not sure where I'd be without theater, but I am extra thankful this Holiday.

Okay sorry to get emotional there kids, thankful for you all!"

I 100% understand how you feel. It’s great seeing a community based off of love and support, and I know that when I eventually come out, (and it goes south) I have a community to go to that will have open arms and welcome me.

[Miles2Go2]

^ we more than “don’t care that you’re gay and dont’t care that you love show tunes.” We celebrate that you’re gay and that you love show tunes. You’ve found your tribe. Welcome.

[Mike Barrett]

All of this is really why I love this community! God do I need to work in theatre. 

[Kitsune]

I'm grateful for a number of things:

1) For Feinstein's at the Nikko bringing some really awesome acts to the Bay Area. Seeing Andy Karl and Orfeh perform was a real highlight in a crappy month, and I also had a blast at the Broadway Princess Party.

2) Angels in America at Berkeley Rep. It was my first exposure to the work, and wow there's a reason why this show is so well known.

3) For being able to get to New York twice this year, and likely a third time in December.

4) For Head Over Heels, and the fact that it's stayed open this long. I get that financially it doesn't make sense and that a lot of people don't like it, but for me it's sparkly, radically accepting ridiculousness that has won my heart.

5) For Andy Karl (who is currently my favorite performer) being back on Broadway, something I thought may not happen again for years.

6) That I got to see a number of out of town tryouts, including Jagged Little Pill, Head Over Heels, and Soft Power.

7) For getting to see Ghost Quartet and Rags Parkland Sings the Songs of the Future, two really amazing and unique off-Broadway experiences.

For having a partner who also enjoys musical theater, and who will let me drag him to most things.

9) For all the performers who were kind enough to stop and chat/take pictures at the stage doors. (And for those that didn't, that they gave their audiences wonderful performances, which is always enough).

10) For this board, and being able to talk with people who "get" my nerdiness around theater.

[HunterK]

I’m thankful for not getting my butt ripped when I post about selling a ticket....yet!! ??????

[Sondheimite]

I'm thankful for the RUBEN & CLAY’S FIRST ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CAROL FAMILY FUN PAGEANT SPECTACULAR REUNION SHOW thread. 

[ND_2000]

I'm thankful that after months of reading these boards, I finally joined. That was because of all of you. You are all so smart and insightful and have provided so much information to people like me who just want to immerse themselves in this world. So thank you all for doing what you do best. It truly is a blessing to be able to share our passion.

I'm thankful that Laura Benanti is playing her dream role.

I'm thankful for every single person who was involved with "Hello, Dolly!" I saw it twice this year and they remain the best days of the year still!

Lastly, I'm thankful for theatre. It is holding a mirror up to the world more than ever and we are seeing the most wonderful stories. Not just on Broadway. 

Looking forward to waking up tomorrow morning and starting my Thanksgiving with a dose of Broadway performances on NBC and CBS!

Have a blessed holiday everyone! Love and well wishes to all!

[WindyCityActor]

1.) I’m very grateful for my husband of over 26 years. Good times and bum times, we’ve seen them all and, my dear, we’re still here. The last few months have been especially challenging for me, and he’s been there supporting me all along they way.

2.) I’m grateful to my good friends from Chicago who have remained in touch since our relocation to the Palm Springs area. Despite the distance, their love stretches over the miles.

3.) I’m grateful to still have my father, who just turned 90 this year!

4.) I’m grateful to the Palm Springs performing arts community, which welcomed me with open arms. Since arriving here, I’ve performed in 6 productions....As well as directing a very well-received production of WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? No easy task, considering the length of the script...and the fact that the audiences in the area prefer lighter fare.

5.) I’m grateful to the opportunities ahead of me this season. 

      THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Captain Von Trapp

      HAIRSPRAY, Edna Turnblad (Check my avatar for a pre-production photo!)

      GRAND HOTEL, Hermann Preysing

      PAGEANT, Frankie Cavalier 

Wishing Everyone at Broadwayworld a Joyous Holiday Season.

[robskynyc]

Im thankful that Solipsist was finally banned.

[Br0adway]

2018 is definitely the busiest theatre year for me. By the end of the year, I’ll have seen 12 shows. Normally it’s only one or two!

I’m thankful for my friend and family who come with me to NYC when I go. It’s nice to go with someone to keep company and talk about the show!

Mostly I’m thankful for Once On This Island. I’ve seen a lot of shows that I liked but not one I’ve enjoyed until I saw OOTI. Every time I see OOTI I leave in such a wonderful mood! I leave feeling happy and not many things make me happy! I know this show is most likely closing soon which makes me sad but until then, I’m going to keep going and enjoying myself.

[BalconyClub]

I am thankful to the NY Tootsie marketing rep who read many of my Chicago tryout postings. I was floored when the rep contacted me in September with a pair of main floor seats for Tootsie's opening night in Chicago.

[xmaschild]

I am thankful that 2 of my 3 children share my love of theater.  Seeing their faces last Christmas morning when I surprised them with Hamilton tickets is not something I will soon forget.

I'm thankful for being able to see 2 amazing performers - Bernadette Peters and Bette Midler - in Hello Dolly.  That show has stayed with me longer than I expected it would.

Although I know there have been a couple of threads lately that have not been in favor of the stage door experience, I'm thankful to the actors who take the time to talk to my kids and encourage their continued interest in performing.  

I'm thankful to TDF as my membership allows me to take the 2 1/2 hour trip into NYC and go to so many shows with my kids.  Without the chance to purchase those tickets we wouldn't be able to do this.

And I'm extremely thankful for shows that offer standing room only tickets.  We were able to see Come from Away and Dear Evan Hansen at amazing prices this year just by waiting in line for a few short hours.

I don't post much here but thank you all for sharing so much great information about upcoming shows, tips about waiting in lines, and all kinds of things that have been so helpful over the last couple of years.

[Dollypop]

First and foremost, I 'm grateful for three of the most wonderful grandchildren I could have ever imagined. There's nothing like watching their faces when their at a play or musical.

I'm grateful to Jerry Herman for giving me the greatest gift I could have ever been given. Actually, It's "the gift that keeps on giving" for me.

Most importantly, I'm grateful to the doctors and staff at the Stony Brook Medical Center who are giving me outstanding care as I battle cancer. With their help, plenty of prayer and massive doses of HELLO, DOLLY! (could you name a better source of positive energy?) I'm gonna beat this rap.

[poisonivy2]

Dollypop said: "First and foremost, I 'm grateful for three of the most wonderful grandchildren I could have ever imagined. There's nothing like watching their faces when their at a play or musical.

I'm grateful to Jerry Herman for giving me the greatest gift I could have ever been given. Actually, It's "the gift that keeps on giving" for me.

Most importantly, I'm grateful to the doctors and staff at the Stony Brook Medical Center who are giving me outstanding care as I battle cancer. With their help, plenty of prayer and massive doses of HELLO, DOLLY! (could you name a better source of positive energy?) I'm gonna beat this rap."

Wow. My prayers are with you. 

[Dollypop]

Thank you.

[Miles2Go2]

We love you Dollypop. Before you know it, you’ll be back home where you belong. Please keep us updated (as you feel comfortable sharing) on your progress.

[Dollypop]

I deeply appreciate your concern.

[poisonivy2]

Well back to thankfulness:

1) I'm thankful I saw Glenda Jackson, Laurie Metcalf and Alison Pill in Three Tall Women. It was an amazing theatrical experience. 

2) I'm thankful I got to see Angels in America, although I had issues with some of the casting.

3) I'm thankful for Boys in the Band. An important seminal play that held up surprisingly well.

4) I'm thankful for the three fabulous ladies who played Hello Dolly! Bette Midler, Donna Murphy, Bernadette Peters ... it doesn't get much more fabulous than that.

5) I;m thankful I got to see Sara Bareilles and Jason Mraz in Waitress. 

6) I'm thankful that after three years I finally got to see Hamilton this June and with Michael Luwoye as Hamilton. He was incredible.