I Love Broadway Theater

...and I want to enjoy it as much as the next person.  Last night, I was in good company, attending a fabulous show, with great seats (Row F, center). "The Cripple of Inishmaan" http://www.crippleofinishmaan.com is not a musical but a play, with LOTS of dialogue.  The dialogue is almost in English.  The play is set on an island off of Ireland and the dialect is particular to the area- full of lilts and colloquialisms the American ear is not accustomed to and the actors, as far as I could tell, were not mic'd.  My role as a a member of the theatre triumvirate (show-audience-space) is to pay attention! The gentleman next to me thought he was discreetly texting throughout Act One.  THOUGHT.  Every time his bright light popped on, I was distracted.  I was further distracted by 1. irritation 2. my inner dilemma of what to say, how to say it (and still be polite!- yes, I'm a southerner) and 3. curiosity/amazement.  These orchestra seats are not cheap! Really? casual texting can be so important that the $100+ seat and amazing talent before you (hello? Daniel Ratcliff?) plays second banana to a text?
       This texting fool (yes, I would categorize him as foolish) was not a teenager, nor in his 20s.  I would say late 30s maybe.  Old enough to know better.
       I doubt that anyone reading this blog is a serial theater texter but I do hope that somehow the message is spread- no matter HOW discreet you THINK you are being, texting during a show is distracting to at least 4 - 5, maybe more, theater goers around you.  That light is like a beacon in a darkened theater.  If you are so disinterested in the play before you (and believe me, last night, that was not possible - the show is terrific) or not willing to participate in a great experience, stay home.  Go to Starbucks.  No one cares if you text there.
     The end of the story is that to my delight, this person and his friend did not return after Intermission.  Was it something I said? I hope so.

The Great Impression

I was fortunate to be a guest at last night’s fund raiser for BMCC (Borough of Manhattan Community College) held at 4 World Trade Center. (http://www.wtc.com/about/office-tower-4)   Last night was more than a fund raiser – at least for me- it was an emotional journey from college to 9/11 and back to the present.

Our elevator zoomed to the 54^th floor.  My emotional journey started with the panoramic view which was breath-taking.  It literally embraces you and sweeps you across the water. This massive, open space  (later to be divvied into offices) is unfinished.  The floors are cement; the walls are bare.  It seemed we filled the entire floor, which over-flowed with beautiful well-dressed people.  I loved seeing the diversity and hearing all the accents. It was truly a lovely representation that which is New York. 

            Robert De Niro, the evening’s guest of honor, walked past me to his seat.  Wow! It was like the parting of the Red Sea.  You could hear as well as see the effect his presence had on the room.  There was a beautifully edited video of his film clips and I remembered my own awe at seeing “Raging Bull” for the first time.  I was in college studying acting and I had never seen anything like the performance on that screen.  That began my life long admiration for this actor. 

Mr. De Niro was being honored, not for his acting, but his post 9-11 work to revitalize this area of the city. Ever hear of the Tribeca Film Festival?  His acceptance speech was gracious and really quite humorous.  He referred to BMCC as a wonderful neighbor and seemed quite humble and appreciative for the honor and partnership.   

            Later in the evening, four exemplary students were chosen to read personal essays about their experiences at BMCC.  While Robert De Niro made an excellent honoree, the food and wine were delicious, the view was spectacular… I believe it was the students who made the most impressive contribution to the evening.  Immediately following their highly spirited stories, a call to action was made.  In one of the many ways mobile devices can be used for the good, we were supplied a phone number to which we could text messages and pledges.  These were displayed on video screens around the room.  The response was overwhelming and the majority of these messages were directed towards the students and faculty- thanking them for jobs well done and supporting future efforts.

             A great movie is not just one scene, but one scene can leave the greatest impression.  For me, that moment in “Raging Bull” was De Niro’s transformation to the overweight club owner who destroys his own middleweight championship belt.  The success of last night was an accumulation of all the sights, tastes, and sounds, but in my humble opinion it was the students who provided the turning point- the perfect motivation for opening one’s heart and check book.  I know it was for me.    

Learn from the Pause

I had the pleasure of dining at the Princeton Club recently in the company of some wonderful business students from William Paterson University.  As part of their class assignment in "Best Business Practices" they are invited to dine with various business professionals in order to practice social etiquette and interaction skills.  I commend Dr. Sprayberry for this innovative experience and was thrilled to see my table of six students showing maturity and poise.  They also used their powers of observation to see them through some "tricky" situations.  When confused about what utensil to use or similar codes of contact, I felt their eyes on me and I hope I rose to the occasion.  I was reminded of this very simple and useful tool.  When in doubt, pause, observe before acting.  This is one of those times a pause is not to be thought of as a painful lull in conversation, but a powerful choice.