"Doubt" -- Ron on Broadway!!

[anna]

dogma said:

hmmm,, i was contemplating wearing my hosp scrubs,, and steth,, and saying i was there on official/medical business because i needed to perform an earlobe taste test

I'm still laughing. That is one of the most bizarre and funniest things that I have ever read on this board. And that's saying a lot. Karma!

[rducasey]

[/quote]

Let me start with another look at Kathy's incredible picture.

I just came back from the most unbelievable weekend in NY. Seeing Ron in Doubt and meeting him was wonderful, but I must say the highlight of the weekend was getting together with so many members of the board. They are an amazing group of woman and the camaraderie was so fun. I only wished we all could have been together. And it made me think that this is something we should really try to attain. I think we should plan a yearly reunion and try to get everyone from the board together. Maybe we can do that B/J bus tour afterall.

Kathy and I timed it so our busses arrived pretty much at the same time, and before heading for the hotel we walked past the Walter Kerr to take pics of Ron on the markee. We just kept saying over and over that we could not believe the day had arrived. We met Anita back at the hotel, and all set out again for the Walter Kerr to meet Maggie and Mouse. If you could have seen us all in front of the theatre, crying "Mouse, Maggie, Rducasey, Kathy, BJobsessed" and hugging. We spent the next few hours laughing and sharing in a restaurant around the corner. It was if we had been friends for ever. ( Oh I forgot to say, in front of the theatre we made Anita go in and make sure from the powers that be that Ron really was here this weekend and would be performing (one of the biggest worries for the last 80 days)). The smile on her face as she emerged from the door told us all was well.

The night at the theatre was incredible. When we sat in our seats and saw we were in mere feet of the stage we could not believe it, until Mouse, who got her ticket after us I might add, arrived and sat two rows in front of us in the second row! She turned and waved to us and said, "Look where I am." The moment he arrived on the stage and for the next ninety minutes was magic. The play is wonderful, so thought provoking and fun, as well. There were many lighthearted moments in the play which I did not expect. The intensity of the final few scenes is incredible. The standing ovation they recieved is testament to the absolutely wonderful performance.

Then it was out to the stage door where we waited for Ron to emerge. When we did, everything that Lori, and Barbara and all had previously posted was true. He is so charming and gracious and just genuinely happy to greet everyone. It is all about you at the stage door, and not him. He thanks everyone, telling you how pleased he is that you liked the play, asks where everyone is from, and tells you what a great audiance you have been. Anita had quite a chat with our Ron and I will let her post her conversation. (He is so genuine and down to earth that when the top of the sharpie pen popped off and fell to the ground, he was the one that chased it across the sidewalk and returned it.)

On Sunday Barbara (Bebe) came in from Queens and met us at the hotel for breakfast. And the fun continued. What a funny, smart incredible woman she is! Thank you so much Barbara for coming to welcome us to NY. We could tell how much you love your city and we did too. Eveyone from the moment we arrived until we left could not have been nicer or more helpful.

Then Anita, Kathy and I went off on our own little B/J tour in the pouring rain. Armed with picture, Kenina's notes, screencaps and practically satellite images, we were able to pinpoint the exact bench where Jimmy and Hank waited for Terry at the river. And yes, I did take one for the squad by being the first to sit on the bench and dry it for the others. At that point it didn't matter much since we were practically soaked to the skin. We walked from there up to Canal and the eighth precinct area, passing familiar street name, Hestor and Bowery and of course "the little coffee shop on Elizabeth". We then took a cab back to our hotel I am sure leaving pools of water in the back of the cab. We had to say goodbye to Anita at that point since she had to get back to the airport. Anita is a wonderful fun person, who was always game to try anything, whether it was go in and ask if Ron is here at the theatre or walk for hours in the rain. Anita I am so glad we met and had such a fun time with Ron.

Kathy and I were looking for something to do to get out of the rain, and tried the half price tix on Times Square and when push came to shove at the window and many shows did not have tickets we decided to "oh well" see Doubt again. (just like the B/J episodes we are quite used to seeing Ron over and over again. ) We arrived about an hour before and tried to keep dry across the street. All of a sudden Kathy said, "hey there's Ron walking to the theatre." I thought she was only kidding and was about to chastise her for trying to get my hopes up when I looked up and saw him walking, in the rain, with the same gray fleece zipper jacket, a backpack and some bags in his hands going into the stage door. This time we were not so lucky as to sit right down in front but rather up in the mezzanine. And again it was just wonderful theatre.

Back to the stage door and after about a half hour the door opened and he and the Dame emerged about the same time. This time, NO HAT!. We were convincing ourselves to stay back and just savor and let others talk with him. (both times there are no more than maybe 15-20 people who choose to wait so he does spend time chatting with everyone.), but I could not resist asking if I could have a picture. I'm "pretty damn sure" he said "absolutely", but I can't say for certain. These pics will have to wait to be posted since they were not with a digital. And standing there with his arm around my shoulder was incredible, until Kathy ripped me out of his arms so she could jump right in for her pic. Not really, Kathy, you know I kid. We tried to be very gracious and reserved and not to bring any disgrace to this board. It's a wonder we were not hit by cars or busses as we flew up 8th avenue for the hotel. We were so excited. And too soon it was time to head for the bus terminal and say our goodbyes. I do hope everyone else on the board is able to make it to see Ron before his run is over. I want everyone to have this experience. He is such a remarkable amazing talent. And let's not even mention, gorgeous. Please know, fellow board members you were all with us in spirit and we toasted a drink to you in the restauant on Saturday and praised all of you and all your talents. And someday yes, lets do this altogether.

[housemouse]

dogma said:

hmmm,, i was contemplating wearing my hosp scrubs,, and steth,, and saying i was there on official/medical business because i needed to perform an earlobe taste test

Some earlobe shot huh?

[bjobsessed]

Hi everybody!

I have enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts on the weekend. And Mary or Kathy, I hope you know you don't need my permission to post anything. You can say anything you want except for the little story I'm about to tell.

Mary and Kathy are great. It was wonderful to meet these two people whom I have been talking to for months now. They are a couple of pretty nice serial killers. And yes, they were too chicken to ask if Ron was on that night so I did. We were all very relieved when the doorman said yes. This isn't my funny story, but it is funny. He didn't really get my question or was busy or something, because I had to ask it a different way. I asked him if the original cast would be performing or if there would be any understudy's. He proceeded to list everybody's name and then when Ron's was the only name left, he said: "And that guy--what's his name?" We had a good laugh over that. After two months the doorman doesn't know who he is--at least not at that moment. So Ron is still 'that guy.'

We met up with Maggie and Mouse and thanks to a member of this board, we enjoyed a treat at a nice restaurant called Bond 45. Maggie is awesome and funny and loves to talk as do all of us. We didn't have long with her as she had to catch a bus at four, but it was great to meet her. I'm hoping we can do it again someday.

I won't go into great detail about the play since the others have already. Ron is wonderful and funny in it too. Eileen Atkins is amazing. Jena Malone is the weak link and got on my nerves after a while.

Lori, the hip wiggle was worth the wait. I love the locker scene because the audience is the "boys" he is talking to. When he says the name of a boy, he looks directly at someone in the audience. Near the beginning of his opening speech, someone sneezed and he said 'bless you.'

***This part of the post contained spoilers about the play. I moved it to the Doubt thread labeled "Spoilers" to keep anyone who has not seen the play and did not want to hear what happens could avoid it! - Mouse***

Now for my funny story. Everyone else had left so it was just Mary, Kathy, Mouse, her sister and me. He had already signed my playbill. He left us for a minute to talk to a group of young theatre students, then came back to us. Since he was so nice, I got up the nerve to ask him for a picture. Of course he said yes. I had a question I really wanted to ask him so I took a deep breath and asked it.

Anita: Why do you find disabled people fascinating?

Ron: I have a nephew who is physically challenged. (He didn't say what was wrong.) He is getting worse and is now in a wheelchair. I look at him sometimes and wonder how he does it. I played this blind guy who got shot in the head and had to struggle to get his job back and I wonder if I could handle it or if I would be as gracious as they seem to be.

I had on a Blind Justice t-shirt underneath what I wore to the theatre and it was all I could do not to pull up my shirt and say 'Oh you mean this show?' That was too cute and hilarious. If he only knew! I was good though. I listened to his answer and didn't really say anything. Inside I was killing myself and I'm still laughing about it.

All I can do is echo what everyone else has said about him. He is wonderful, charming, very gentle in his speech and manner. He asked us where we were from and seemed very surprised and maybe even a little touched that we would come such a distance to see a play. He was definitely surprised when I told him I'd been up since 4:00 am and was going home the next day. The whole time he was talking to me he looked right at me and not off somewhere else. This made me feel like he was interested in me and what I was saying.

Dogma and Carl, you're in for a real treat. I have lots of pictures thanks to Mary's trigger finger. I'll post them in a bit.

[dogma]

housemouse said:

dogma said:

hmmm,, i was contemplating wearing my hosp scrubs,, and steth,, and saying i was there on official/medical business because i needed to perform an earlobe taste test

Some earlobe shot huh?

BE STILL MY HEART !!! thump thump ( i am so flattered you guys remember me )

[Deleted]

On Sunday Barbara (Bebe) came in from Queens and met us at the hotel for breakfast. And the fun continued. What a funny, smart incredible woman she is! Thank you so much Barbara for coming to welcome us to NY. We could tell how much you love your city and we did too.

My great pleasure - I wish it were longer, in fact, I wish I could have met you all Saturday night - but I was stuck in rehearsals. I had such a blast with you all and I so hope we can do it again.

[Deleted]

You can tell I'm not sure how to quote just a segment of the text - I'm a serious techno-idiot!

[maggiethecat]

Hi, everyone!

Pardon my silence this morning, which, as those of you who met me on Saturday know, is not my way.

Once again, I was struck by what a terrific, smart, funny, passionate and all-round great group of humans I've met through this wonderful board. Thanks so much to Mouse, kathy, rducasey, and bjobsessed for your terrific posts capturing every delicious detail of a classic New York experience. It really was a magical afternoon!

I'm sorry I had to catch a train and couldn't stay for the play, but I will see it. Believe it. According to The New York Times site, Doubt is now listed as an "Open Run," and booking through June 23, 2006. Seems the new cast was just the shot in the arm the production needed to stay around for a while.

Mags

[Katryna]

maggiethecat said:

According to The New York Times site, Doubt is now listed as an "Open Run," and booking through June 23, 2006. Seems the new cast was just the shot in the arm the production needed to stay around for a while.

Mags

Wow - this is great news because I HAVE to see it again.

And, Maggie, now that I have met you; I get your avatars! You are terrific!

[bjobsessed]

A little P.S. to my post:

NY people are very friendly and I almost found out the hard way that just because the sign says 'walk' doesn't mean a pedestrian has the right of way. Thanks to my own personal 'Hank"--I don't remember if it was Mary or Kathy--I still have all four legs and other body parts in tact!

[bjobsessed]

Here's a few pics

[inuvik]

bjobsessed said:

A little P.S. to my post:

NY people are very friendly and I almost found out the hard way that just because the sign says 'walk' doesn't mean a pedestrian has the right of way.

What? I would have been hurt too!

[inuvik]

I have really enjoyed reading all the posts and seeing the photos. Too much to quote from everybody so I'll just put it all in one.

Thank you all for being so fast! It's great to hear about it and see the photos right away.

Rest assured I was thinking of everyone over the weekend and wishing I was there. Although I don't think I could go to New York without visiting the Museum of Modern Art! Very touching that you thought of us too and toasted us.

Anita, I would have mentioned you all loved BJ and shown him the shirt--why not! He sounds like a fantastic guy and I'm glad you all had such fun.

It would indeed be great to meet everyone, but I don't know where we could meet that would be equally close (or equally far) for everyone. I know Mouse made it, but for those in the western parts of North America it's very far if New York is chosen.

At least we have the Board!

Thanks everyone for sharing your trip with us.

[bjobsessed]

Here's your picture Mary.

[rducasey]

Thanks Anita for posting that. Who looks happier? I think it is moi. He has no realization that he is standing with a serial killer who has bumped off at least a third of the cast and guest stars of his show. What a fabulous weekend and ending it with his hand on my shoulder was icing on the cake.