Matt and I finally saw Curtains last night. We try to see most shows in previews, because we like to be part of the Cool Crowd, and we can usually get preview tickets for cheap. But for some reason we never got around to Curtains until Matt saw an offer on TDF last week.

The only catch was that David Hyde Pierce, who won the Tony for his role in the show, is on vacation this week. But that was okay. His stand-in, John Bolton (no, not this one – but couldn’t you just see him playing the lead role in a musical?), did a fine job.

I liked the show much more than I thought I would. In fact, I really enjoyed it. I think that’s because I went into it with low expectations — it didn’t get good buzz when it opened last spring. In reality, it’s a cute, old-fashioned murder mystery.

So few new musicals open on Broadway these days that every new show carries the burden of Saving Musical Theater. But a musical doesn’t have to redefine the art form in order to deserve a stage. Sometimes it’s enough just to put on a good show.

Yesterday I posted my first diary entry ever. Here’s another entry from my diary, when I was 14 years old and got to attend a famous Broadway flop.

* * * * * * *

Friday, May 6, 1988 (Actually, Saturday May 7, but it’s 12:33 in the morning.)

This day will live in my mind forever! My parents were supposed to see a preview of a new Broadway musical, Carrie, based on Stephen King’s book, but they couldn’t find anyone to go with them so they took me and A____ [my brother].

It was really strange. Act I was weird, but Act II was better. Actually, the play was great! It was surrealistic. The audience really got into it! It ended at around 10:30.

And afterwards, we waited outside the stage door. I saw several actors walk out – and then I saw Gene Anthony Ray (Billy) walk out! I got his autograph!

Later, I got the autograph of Linzi Hately (Carrie)! She talked to me (well, I said she was great, and she said “thank you”).

That was around 11:05-11:10.

But the person I was really waited for was Betty Buckley (Margaret). I waited… and waited… and waited…

Finally my Dad brought the car around + he and Mom waited there. Some guys left, but they came back – one of them saw her manager, who said she would be coming out soon! (This was around 11:45!)

Sure enough, she did! A_____ got her autograph, then I did!!! I told her she was great. She asked me how I liked it. I said I loved it! I was ecstatic and I still am! I definitely want to be an actor!

I MET A STAR!!!

I MET A FAMOUS PERSON!!!

I MET BETTY BUCKLEY!!!!!!

This day will live in my mind forever!

* * * * * * *

Don’t you want to just throw up?