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Friday, August 10, 2007 July 4th, 2007 will always remain engrained in my memory as one of the most memorable and meaningful days of my life. That morning I had flown into brash and beautiful New York City for my fourth visit to this beloved city of mine. Though in the past I certainly had walked amongst the famed theatres that scatter in and around Broadway. The Great White Way had inspired me from afar yet for some unknown reason I hadn't ventured in to see one of the world class shows. This afternoon as I settled back into the electric energy and comfort and class of this city I love I took a yellow cab to the theatre from the UN. Stepping into the long snaking line in front of the historic circa 1924 Richard Rodgers Theatre garbed in bright shades of green on the marquee & box office. All with "Tarzan Broadway's High Flying Musical" ethched across. I had my premiere Broadway ticket in hand I had gotten for $45 less than the list price using a discount code, now a treasured souvenir forever. Once I set food in the door and made my way to the ticket taker, I had been formally introduced into a world I thought I would love, yet began far more special than I could ever have imagined. I took my plush upholstered seat, one of the most comfortable I've ever sat as I was dressed up in some of my finest dress clothes. Surrounding me men in their tuxedos and various forms of dress shirts and suits mingled alongside women in glittering gowns and designer tops. I had always enjoyed the 1999 film and had seen press photos and clips of the show which appeared nothing less than "SENSATIONAL" as the marquee proudly announced in the words of a local high profile critic. The fact that I could get the 4th row seat with the discount code, something I had never done previously, been so close to the stage. Tarzan held so much power and enchantment, the stunning scenes with the highly creative and never before seen arial moves of the gorrilas and Young and older Tarzan was such an enriching experience. I really felt the awe of it all sink in as I learned all about the deep feelings that accompany acceptance of others, differences and cultures. As well as how love can become so deep and fast, about close friendships and the power of family. The power of family both fictionally and in reality. A agent of one of the actors in Tarzan taught me and another man seated behind me all about Broadway and different thoughts on Tarzan. We heard about the closing, that had more than ticketing as Tarzan was playing the full houses. She said and I will never forget "45 of my beloved actors will be out of a job" "The stage hands, crew and actors won't know where to turn" she said.  Young Tarzan (Alex Rutherford) & Kala (Merle Dandridge) Certain people wonder how they can put on the same show, nearly identical 7-8 times a week, and during at least 1 day twice in one day. How they can do that emotionally, despite the repetition they do have a different audience whom reacts different each show and they become a family, truly. They have rehearsals together, they almost live together even in their relatively small quarters backstage before, after and during the show in their dressing rooms and the various other spaces needed to put on a modern multimillion dollar stage production. When you see them doing the curtain call and interacting with each other and fans at the stage door following the performance this really shows. They are not bored, they are elated to be in an astounding production and though there is repetition they especially in Tarzan get to be amongst stunning backdrops, special effects, costumes and get to sing majestic music night after night. Tarzan did close on Broadway suddenly on July 8, 2007 yet continues in the hearts and minds of many. The original Kerchak, Tarzan's father played by Shuler Hensley will be starring in the upcoming Young Frankenstein on Broadway beggining in November as Frankenstein's Monster. Best wishes to him and all of the cast with their future aspirations! --I will be soon posting a post about the Netherlands Tarzan production that opened on April 15th, 2007--- --I will also soon be posting about the fun and warmth the cast showed at the stage door and about going to the stage door at Broadway shows-- Labels: Broadway Teague Neal blogged on 10:36 PM
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Teague Neal |