|
 After two days off (for me, the girls went to Reading, PA, on Tuesday) I'm finally back in show mode. Tonight was the first of two nights at Proctor's Theater in downtown Schenectady, NY. As is typical with these restored older theaters, the street facade is rather unassuming. There is a long arcade that runs the length of the building and it's lined with some small shops and the box office. The theater itself is off to the side and is quite lovely. It is about the same size as the theater in Erie. The stage is relatively small but is deeper than Erie and the set fit snugly but with no compromises. The small stage also meant that the girls could come right up to the edge and it made for a very intimate show.
I was in the second row of the orchestra pit just right of center. There were several no-shows in the front row so there was no brunette Q-Tip tonight. I was about 8 feet from the relatively low stage and had an excellent view, as did the girls. The sound was great and at times I could hear the girls voices from the stage, but not as often as in Erie. Máiréad's violin came in loud and clear whenever she was near. And I believe it may finally be time to stop talking about the lighting because, as the British say, “By jove, I think they've got it!”
Before the show started, I could see backstage through a gap in the curtains. I saw Lisa getting ready for her entrance and had one of my questions indirectly answered. I've wondered ever since Roanoke whether the candles were real and I hate to burst anyone's bubble but they are electric. I watched Lisa playing with hers and at one point she turned it almost upside-down and it still looked the same. It's the art of illusion.
Being closer to center, I got even more interaction tonight than in Manchester where I was rather far left. I got lots of looks and smiles from everyone, even Alex. After that glare I got in Manchester, I think she's looking to have her reviews be kinder and gentler. Done.
Even though it's only been two days, it seemed like forever since my last show and everything was fresher. Máiréad did 11 spins during Coast of Galicia and left no square inch of the stage unvisited. Alex puts more emotion into My Heart Was Home Again every time. I hate to keep saying it, but WOW! Watching Lynn sing My Lagan Love from that close is mesmerizing; I can just get lost in those eyes and that voice. Ray and Nicky escaped insult tonight in her introduction to Dulaman. Chloë, Chloë, Chloë. Her voice has always been the one most audible from the stage even when the sound system is cranked up and tonight was no exception. Both of her solos were absolutely breathtaking. While I will always miss The Voice, Lisa's The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress impresses me more every time. It really showcases her range and power and is performed with such emotion.
I have a mixed report about the audience. At first I was impressed; there were lots of cheers, whistles and spontaneous clapping to Máiréad's solos. However, I don't think Tommy would have gotten any applause for his The New Ground if I hadn't started it. After Mo Ghile Mear, VSS could have stood for Velcro Seats in Schenectady because the girls got a standing ovation of one. Me. I'm glad I'm not from here because I would have had to hang my head in shame. Somebody must have flipped a switch during intermission, though, because it was like a different audience. Anthony received deserved applause for his solo introduction to Amazing Grace and, in a first, there was a standing ovation for Non C'è Più! I couldn't believe my eyes. I did have to start the standing when the girls come back out for their individual bows during the second half of the Finale, though. When Chloë asked everyone to stay standing for Spanish Lady they obeyed for a while, but by the third verse almost everyone was sitting again. The lure of the Velcro was too strong, I guess. They did get back up at the end and gave the girls a great sendoff.
 After the show, Mitch came down and checked names for the Meet & Greet. Our guests were Lisa and Máiréad. I can't believe how lucky I've been to get Máiréad so many times this tour. She had been so gracious in signing items for the forum and we have plenty of things to use for contests and other things. I chatted with Mitch and Kelly while I waited in line and learned a few more things about them. They both do a great job handling the M&G process. Lisa was first at the table and I had nothing for her to sign. I told her that I would have a gift for them in Wallingford on Saturday and her eyes lit up. I also told her to make sure that whoever was at the M&G that night did not keep it for themselves and she said that she would make very sure that didn't happen. I then moved over to Máiréad and had her sign a few Fiddler Crossing signs for the forum. She asked how I liked the show and I jokingly said that it was “the worst show ever!” We all chatted a little longer about what shows I had coming up and when my last show would be. Lisa mentioned that it would be tough after Cleveland and I agreed that withdrawal would be very difficult this year. Then they had to leave.
On my way out I was talking with one of the theater personnel and I mentioned that this was my 14th show this year. He asked where I was from and when I answered Pennsylvania he asked where specifically. I mentioned York and he told me that his son lives in Dover and teaches in the West York School District. Small world.
There's another show here tomorrow night and I'll be in the front row this time, 2 feet from the stage. It's going to be awesome!
The original review is here.
|
Well, it's day 2 here in lovely Schenectady. I arrived at the theater a little earlier than last night and caught Mitch actually working. Tony had called me Wednesday and told me to watch for someone he had been corresponding with. I didn't find him last night but he found me tonight. That neon Fiddler Crossing jacket is like a beacon for Máiréad fans. His name is Dave and he is now our newest member. We talked for a while until the line dwindled and then headed inside. Dave is one those people with an interesting back story about how CW has helped him through some difficult times. I will let him tell his story when and if he chooses. He had an orchestra seat but I invited him to take my extra front row pit seat. Surprisingly, he accepted! I told him that I wished we had hooked up last night because I had an extra M&G pass that went unused. Oh, well.