A Halloween Adventure in Autism (11/12) New Thread Begun on TR Board!

[KathyRN137]

kaysmommie: Couldn't take pix of the performance, but I've got some NYC photos to share!

carissanboys: Mini-TR coming right up!!

blue river: It was hard, but it had to be done. Thanks for the support!

Charleston Princess: You know, we may just do that! The kids menu has pizza and cheeseburgers, so there'll be something for B & T.

preschoolmom: Thanks, I'm glad that's over with! Now I don't have to worry about someone spilling the beans suddenly...

mom2mek: It must be hard for her, but its obviously for the best. Thanks for listenting!

kimmilaj: Ed was there when I originally brought up the subject... of course, I noticed he did run off to the men's room very quickly.

mousescrapper: AR already mentioned that she's planning what souvies she wants!! I think she knows she's made the right decision.

Thanks for reading!

And now, the Little Mermaid TR....

Kathy

 

[IluvXU]

Glad that you told Aunt Rae! I know that must have been hard, but she probably knows she could not handle WDW at your family's pace or any pace anymore. But she got to see Little Mermaid, something she could enjoy! Can't wait for the report!

 

[KathyRN137]

The Little Mermaid: Our Broadway TR, Act I


Sunday, May 3, 2009


As you know, I’d purchased these tickets several weeks ago when Disney was celebrating 15 years on Broadway with a Buy One, Get One For $15 special promotion. Since I had not had the pleasure of seeing a Broadway show since the late seventies, (Egad!) I was very excited to be sharing the experience with my family, the Cast that you all know quite well:


Ed (DH)
Tricia (DD13)
Billy (DS11)
Ed’s Aunt Rae (AR)


To justify the expense, I presented the idea to said family as a Mother’s Day present they would be giving to yours truly. Normally I do not receive such grandiose presents for Mother’s Day, but, since it was well past Christmas and way too early for my birthday, it seemed to be the most likely way to rationalize my spur-of-the-moment purchase.



I chose a 3pm Sunday matinee because I imagined that the traffic would be notably lighter than for an evening performance on the weekend, and because 8pm on a weeknight just wouldn’t do for the kids. According to Arthur, our driver for the occasion, I had made a very good choice.



Ed had just driven off with Tricia to pick up Aunt Rae when Arthur arrived at our house 20 minutes early. The weather forecast for Sunday had been concerning me all week and as predicted by the Weather Channel, it had been raining steadily all day. The good thing was that it seemed to be a steady, gentle Spring rain and the temperature remained around sixty degrees.



I sent Ed a quick TM...yes, I've learned how to do that... to let him know our ride was here early and I ushered a raincoat-clad Billy into the van. He was excited and ready for fun!



Soon the rest of the family drove up and they joined us inside the van. Aunt Rae had bought the kids the CD of the original Broadway cast and Billy just about snatched it out of her hand! You recall how he has a “thing” for DVDs. Well, recently he has extended his avid interest to music CDs and had been choosing to check them out of the library instead. Needless to say, this was the perfect gift for him!

Aunt Rae asked the driver to put the CD in so we could listen to the music on the way into the city and he readily obliged. Ed sat up front with the driver... he enjoys making small talk with the limo drivers and usually rides shotgun on our trips to the airport... Billy and I sat behind them and Tricia and AR behind us. I tried to snap some pix of them, but Aunt Rae kept leaning over to get herself out of the shot, and Tricia kept ducking under the back of the seat!


Eventually, after erasing about seven blurred pictures, I managed to get one of her smirking at me:

No matter. I turned my attention to Billy, who was thoroughly examining the insert to the CD package and reading the lyrics to all the songs. I wouldn’t be surprised if I heard him singing them over the next few days... he has an exceptional memory for song lyrics. (And naturally, he already knows many of the songs from the Disney movie.)

The ride was pleasant, if not a bit bumpy in parts, and I tried to snap a few pix with my point-and-shoot, but between the rain on the windshield and the bouncing of the van, I didn’t do so well. But, in the interest of good reporting, and for the entertainment of you kind readers who are not familiar with the NY/NJ metropolitan area, I will post them.

The traffic, which had been flowing so smoothly on the JERSEY side, suddenly came to a slow grinding crawl as we approached the Lincoln Tunnel. (Only one tube was open.) Ed and the driver had an animated discussion about traffic patterns, homeland security, NY vs NJ drivers, etc., but I was just content to hold my Billy’s hand, listen to the music, and anticipate our arrival at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater:



Opened in 1910, the theatre was originally named The Globe, after Shakespeare's theatre in England. The theatre had a retractable roof to enable the theatre to stay cool and open during the summer. For nearly two decades, the theatre housed a variety of plays and musicals until 1932 when it was turned into a movie house.

In 1958, the theatre was gutted and rebuilt in its present configuration as a legitimate theatre. It was renamed in honor of America's foremost husband/wife acting couple, Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, who starred in its first production, The Visit. Theatregoers can enjoy a selection of photographs from their private collection on display throughout the lobby areas.

The Lunt-Fontanne has 1,505 seats and is one of The Nederlander Organization's nine Broadway theatres.

Finally, we enter the tunnel:

Slowly, slowly, slowly we made our way into midtown Manhattan. Arthur turned to Ed at one point and said that he would normally go by way of Times Square so the kids could see it, but that he thought an alternate route would be better.



“Well, I don’t know,” I spoke up from behind them. “We’re awfully early. Can’t we…?” But by then Ed had already given him the go-ahead and we made a right turn instead of a left and took the longer, less crowded (?), less interesting way to the theater. Darn.

Soon there were theater marquees everywhere we looked and I realized that we were getting close!


We are here!

How wonderful it was to be dropped off directly at the covered theater entrance and not have to worry about parking or walking in the rain! I felt like a VIP! We climbed down from the van (Arthur and Ed had Aunt Rae by both her arms to help her down... it was a very high step down to the street, even for me!) We hopscotched across a few puddles and were soon joining the line of theater-goers waiting to be admitted inside. While on line, Ed bought two programs from one of the vendors walking the line. One he gave to Aunt Rae and the other he gave to me.



Wow! Was the photography inside gorgeous! Remember the pictures I posted earlier that I had found on Photobucket?? They were just a few from this lovely keepsake program (perhaps the only ones that could be scanned properly.)



We had some time, so I tried to get a picture, albeit an oblong view, of Broadway at the end of the block, but they didn’t turn out so well. Plus, I was blocking the pedestrian traffic passing alongside the line of guests if I stood there too long trying to get a good shot, so I only attempted a couple before I re-joined the line.

Here’s Billy, waiting patiently. (Tricia was being a party-pooper and wouldn’t let me photograph her.) I didn't care if I looked like a tourist or not...

He’s actually in front of one of the theater side doors and we had to step aside several times to let employees pass through the line to enter. Too close to curtain time for them to be actors and none were carrying instruments, so they must have worked at the theater in other capacities.

Suddenly, we could hear a recording of the overture coming from speakers near the door. (Probably from the same CD we had been listening to in the car!) At that moment, the doors opened and theater employees began letting us in, calling out, “Seating will begin at 2:30! Seating will begin at 2:30!” We crowded into the tiny lobby and Ed scoped out a bench near a mirrored wall and ordered Aunt Rae to take a seat while one was still available. Meanwhile, we divested ourselves of our raincoats and took a look around.

Aunt Rae got antsy and wanted to look at the merchandise they were hawking, so Tricia held her seat while she walked a few steps over to peruse the wares. Again, I tried to take a nice picture of her, but she refused. I begged her to let me take just one picture, but she said she didn’t want it “splashed all over the DIS.” I insisted, firmly. This is the “smile” I got:

Oh, she was really in full teenager mode today! I’m posting that picture just to get some payback!! Ed leaned down and whispered something in her ear that I couldn’t catch above the din of the crowd. Whatever he said must’ve worked because she did a little better the next time:

Aunt Rae returned with an empty Little Mermaid shopping bag. She hadn’t seen anything worth purchasing, but she asked for a bag so she could carry her rain bonnet and umbrella both of which, because we had been dropped right at the door, had barely been used. There was a little girl standing nearby who was dressed in full Ariel costume and Aunt Rae gushed over how cute she was. Personally, I thought her ensemble would have been more appropriate for a Disney theme park, not a Broadway theater, but she was little and she was cute, so why not? It's all good...



We still had a few minutes before they would begin seating, so I suggested to Ed that he take Billy to the restroom. As soon as he heard me say it, Billy piped up, “YES!” See? My mother’s intuition was correct! Of course Tricia, she of the iron bladder, declined and even Aunt Rae opted to wait it out. The boys were back quickly (naturally, it’s the men’s room, not the ladies’) and we had time for even a few more pix before they announced that seating would begin:

We were in the orchestra, so we were ushered downstairs. (They scanned our tickets at this point.) Aunt Rae picked her way gingerly down the carpeted stairway, holding onto the handrail on one side and to Ed on the other as if for dear life. Billy and I walked ahead of her... and I had to keep my attention on him because he was so busy looking around that he wasn’t really watching where he was going.



We reached the landing and I gave our tickets to the usher. We found our seats in row N, left side of the theater, on the aisle. Here’s a tip... the best sightlines for theater seats aren’t always front and center. We had an absolutely fantastic view! We settled in and before I could even take my camera from my wrist, we heard one of the ushers chastise a woman who was taking pictures of her children down in front of the pit.


Tricia sang out, gleefully, “Hear that mom, no pictures!”


I stuck my tongue out at her and quickly snapped an “illegal” picture of the glowing stage curtain! (Too bad it came out completely blurred!)


Oh well. The little stars and moons slowly changed color, very reminiscent of the “Kiss Goodnight” at the Magic Kingdom. ! was surprised that the theater felt so small... not in a bad way... I suppose “intimate” would be a better word. As people continued to file in, we noticed that there were many empty seats along both far sides of the orchestra section… even with the great discount, it appeared that they would be far from a full house for the performance.



The lights dimmed and the usual announcements were made. Aunt Rae was sitting the furthest in. (Ed likes to sit on the aisle with Billy next to him just in case he needs to make a quick exit; usually for the restroom.) Well, she was tickled pink that the rest of the row remained empty and that there was no one sitting in the seat in front of her! (Remember, she is so short!) “This is wonderful,” she warbled. “I can see everything!” In fact, the seats were pitched so well that I think everyone had a great line of sight.



Then, the show began and it was pure magic. Sets, costumes, singing, dancing, everything! The mer-people and various other sea creatures used “heelys” to glide about the stage, making it seem as though they were swimming. Do you know how colorful and fabulous the costumes are in FOTLK at Animal Kingdom?? Well, these were even better! So vibrant and sparkly… there was always so much to look at on stage… real top-drawer Disney!



My favorite number in the first act was “Under the Sea,” although “Part of Your World” was very enjoyable, too. Sierra Boggess was the perfect Ariel... in looks and in voice. She just seemed so fresh-faced and genuine; totally believable as a mermaid in love!

Faith Prince was a deliciously evil (but not scary) Ursula.


Rogelio Douglas Jr. practically stole the show as the crab, Sebastian. He was a real audience favorite and a joy to watch in the "Under the Sea" number.

There was an understudy playing Prince Eric, but he sang very well and the two actors had incredible chemistry on stage...


Well, what can I say, except that they were all fabulous?? Act I closed with Ursula singing “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” accompanied by her eely henchmen, Flotsam and Jetsam, whose “electric” costumes were lit up with little green lights. Very cool effect!!


I think I prefer the stage version of Ursula to the screen version and wow! That costume! I don’t want to give anything away, but her death scene was much less frightening than it was in the movie. So, if you’re thinking of bringing young children to see the show, never fear. The only time Billy jumped in his seat a little was during a sudden crack of thunder during the early storm scene.


And with that, I will leave you for my own intermission…


Kathy


Pix of the cast, next post...

Kathy

 

[KathyRN137]

Some Pix from the program....



Cover:

Ariel:

Ursula:

(Faith Prince was not in the original cast, so an 8x10 glossy was given as an insert to the program.)

Prince Eric:

Sebastian:

Kathy

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

Wow! It looks wonderful, Kathy! I can't wait to read about the rest of the show .

 

[KathyRN137]

Thanks, eyeheartgoofy! I'll try to post Act II tonight! I'm still humming the tunes from the show throughout the day!

Kathy

 

[Hedy]

Wow, Billy and Tricia are growing up.

 

[mom2mek]

Sounds like a wonderful show! I would love to get up there and see it someday! The program pics are beautiful!

I love that pic of Ed and Billy in the lobby - too cute! And Tricia with all of her "teenage" faces - cracks me up!

Sara

 

[Goofster57]

Hey Kathy,

I made it....... 44 pages!!!!! I'll never get caught up


Guess I don't need to sleep..

 

[KathyRN137]

Hedy: Yeah, a year changes everything, doesn't it?

mom2mek: See comment, above!!

Goofster57: Hooray! I'm glad you made it!


Kathy

 

[DisMomAmy]

Wow!! So many updates since I've checked in...

First, sorry about the 11/1 MNSSHP date - but it sounds like it worked out well... The family suites sound very interesting & you get another Disney day!! Plus MNSSHP will be great on Halloween.

I'm glad Aunt Rae took the news well. I'm sure you're glad to have that monkey off your back.

The Little Mermaid looks like it was amazing! Can't wait to hear more about it.

 

[KathyRN137]

Wow!! So many updates since I've checked in...

Hey Amy!! Welcome back!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I just got caught up and read about you telling Aunt Rae...I'm so glad to hear she took it well! WHEW!!

Loving the review of Little Mermaid, including all the pics of my old home!

 

[KathyRN137]

Act II


The curtain lowered on Ariel kicking her way to the surface after surrendering her voice to the devious Ursula, who really brought down the house with a knockout performance of “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” One fifteen-minute intermission was announced and I decided to brave the line at the ladies’ room… mostly because I wanted to stretch my legs and see some more of our elegant surroundings.


You may recall reading in the little blurb about the theater that it was named after Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, “universally regarded as the greatest acting team in the history of the English speaking theater.” They were married for 55 years and “were inseperable both on and off the stage,” although it was widely rumored that theirs was a marriage of convenience. The walls of the lounge area were covered with framed photographs from their personal collection and I enjoyed a brief view of them as I waited.

When I returned to my seat, I managed to catch Tricia and Aunt Rae waiting for Act II…

Uggh! She's growing up so fast... I can't stand it!!


Act II was just as mesmerizing as Act I... my favorite musical number was “Kiss the Girl.” The water effects and the sea-life costumes reminded me of the Finding Nemo Production at Animal Kingdom (sans puppets.) Of course, the finale was the happiest of endings...

The cast received a standing ovation from the audience, and it was well-deserved. The entire show was a pure delight!


I sent a TM to Arthur, the driver, to inform him we were exiting the theater and to our amazement, he had pulled up right in front of the theater doors... in the rain...despite a gazillion yellow cabs and bicycle rickshaws. We all got in and of course, the talk was all about how fantastic the show had been.


We did need to jockey around the rickshaws… I don’t think I would be brave enough to take a ride in one of those things in midtown traffic! Arthur drove around toward Times Square so the kids could see it.


Sorry about the quality of these pictures; we were bouncing along the city streets and I was snapping away in the back seat through a rain-spattered windshield!


Random Pix:

Billy spotted the Radio City sign from a block away and said he wanted to see the Christmas Spectacular!! (We came here 2 yrs ago.)

As we approached Times Square, I was all lined up for a good shot at the famous video screen when suddenly, Ed turned to say something to Arthur and I got a great shot of his profile instead! I squawked at him and he pulled back, but it was too late and we were driving too fast. All I got were these:

Aarrrghh!!


More random Pix:

Good-bye, NYC!!


After our driver dropped us off, we hopped into our van and went to dinner at this fabulous Italian restaurant here in town. (That’s when I had the “sorry, you’re not going this year” conversation with Aunt Rae.) The food was incredible, but Ed coughed just a little when the check came. This was no Olive Garden! But, it was a special afternoon and it was fitting that we capped it off with a special meal.


Which reminds me…. I can make my Disney ADRs in only 2 months and 28 days!!

I'm even more excited now for our trip!!


Kathy

 

[All7OfUs]

OH, how fun! Everything looks and sounds like it was done on such a grand scale! I imagine it WAS like Nemo, but of a much higher caliber. And what a nice way to top off the evening at a fancy Italian place. Glad Ed didn't completely freak, but only sorta gulped.

Getting closer to making those ADR's- the excitement is building!

 

[Hedy]

Sounds like a great show (although I'm slightly surprised there was no World of Disney visit).

 

[moparop]

That sounds like an awesome show Kathy! I cannot get over how grown up Tricia is looking. She really is a beautiful young lady! Billy is such a handsome dude too.

I am glad you had the talk with Aunt Rae and that it went pretty well. I hope there are no upcoming breakdowns about not going this year from her!

 

[carissanboys]

What a treat to get a mini-TR of a Broadway show! One day I will get to see one.

Sounds like hiring a car and driver made the day even more relaxing and special for you guys.

Billy looked so handsome and Tricia beautiful!

So glad you had a fabulous time and thanks so much for sharing it with us!

 

[Goofster57]

Uggh! She's growing up so fast... I can't stand it!!

Tell me about Kathy...where does the time go, seems like I just brought this one home from the hospital

Glad you got me to come over here and enjoy your report, what a wonderfully experience.

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

What a FUN time you had!