Two For One

So, we're in New York for Xmas, and of course, there's no chance of snow. Too warm and not enough precipitation. It's still pretty cold (given the wind chill), but not enough.

Anyway, we went to see Michael Feinstein's Christmas show at the Regency last night. I had just seen "The Drowsy Chaperone" for the fourth time, and on the cab ride to the hotel, I mentioned to Pidge that at spent a good part of the evening watching Bob Martin as "Man in Chair;" the show is amazingly tight after a year and his performance is amazing in that he's so focused.
So, anyway, we're in line at the Regency, and I'm quoting some line for Pidge and who should walk right past us to see the same show but Bob Martin and his wife, Janet Van de Graaf. I went mental. And then to top it off, they were seated right next to us. I waited until after the show (Feinstein introduced him from the stage and he was on his way backstage), but after he paid his bill (in cash), I leaned over, extended my hand, and told him that I had seen the show for the fourth time that night, and was a huge fan of him, the show, and "Slings and Arrows," the Canadian TV show about a Shakespeare festival that he co-created. That was the right note, in that he thanked me and said that he's always glad to hear that someone likes the show, as it's special to him. I mentioned that I couldn't wait for Season Three (which is true), and he told me it'd be available in a few months.

So, we left the club and headed for the bathrooms. I came out and, while waiting for Pidge, who should I see but Bucky Pizzarelli, who had just finished playing for Feinstein. I said, "Oh, my god, it's you," and extended my hand. I told him that I was a huge admirer of him, his sons, and his daughter in law and thanked him. We shook hands, and I left, walking on air, having met two
people whom I admire greatly.

It's been a great trip so far. Good shows ("Room Service;" good lively production. "Mary Poppins;" a relentless entertainment machine, but incredibly well directed. "The Drowsy Chaperone;" I just love that show. "The Apple Tree;" quite entertaining, though it didn't feel as big as it did at Encores. "The Coast of Utopia: Shipwreck;" Not quite as good as the first part, but still one helluva show. Lots of food (too damn much; Junior's; Hell's Kitchen; Keen's Chophouse; Burger Joint), with more to come.

We went to Rockefeller Center after "The Apple Tree" to go to the observation deck. It was incredibly cold, but with great views. We went up Fifth Avenue afterwards, and it was just packed with people shopping and looking at Xmas decorations. Very hard to move, with Pidge vowing not to go back. We plan on on going ice skating at Bryant Park tomorrow after Katz's Delicatessen and "Company."