So, I went to the New York Musical Theater Festival last
night and saw Foreverman. It was very
old school – in the great ways. An original
story, big sweeping songs turgid romance and love that crosses time. Actually, it was very Andrew Llyod Weber,
before he became SIR ANDREW LLYOD WEBER!.
And singers – this show had a cast that was superbly
talented. Original cast members from
American Idiot and the Scarlet Pimpernel (actually had THE Scarlet Pimpernel!) – I mean this team got hughly lucky
to have this talent.
.
As I am sitting there, the guy next to me is leaning way
forward, then back, clapping widely, sighing, and at a few points faux piano
playing in mid air. At intermission I
say, “So, did you write this?” – and he sheepishly says yes. Well, I told him it was great, and he got
lucky with an amazing cast. We talked a
little. He is pretty fresh from college,
this is only his 3rd show and he wrote the music, lyrics and book. (truthfully, he could use some collaboration on
the book – but it is impossible to fault the music and lyrics!). And he is beaming.
.
Just as the house lights dim, his aunt and uncle talk in the
row behind us... I can't see, I can only hear them - like everyone else in the theater.
.
Aunt, “See. Don’t you
feel bad for making fun of him in soccer now!”
Uncle, “You’re right, I guess it was worth it.”
Aunt turns to the audience in general and explains, “He
would just wander around during soccer and stare at the grass, making music in
his head.”
Uncle, “I just thought he was, you know, uncoordinated. Of course, he still can’t play sports.” (honestly, I could hear the uncle make the air-quotes around "uncoordinated".)
.
And the poor guy just sat there as his girlfriend held his
hand. Which is when I leaned over and said,
“No matter how old you get, your parents can embarrass you.”
.
Which is when he said, “No, that’s my Aunt and Uncle”
.
We settled to watch the show
and, as the overture started he hit my arm and said, “My parents are
worse.”