Beyond the Barricade

Have I ever mentioned before that I am a theater nut? More specifically musicals and Les Miserables is my most favorite. I saw it last year for the first time at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and I was charmed by it. So much so that I started following a few of the US touring company's performers on Twitter. I am especially enamored by Andrew Varela who plays the bad guy Inspector Javert. He has replied to some of my tweets over the past year but merely to answer a question or two.
Several months ago I found out that the show was coming to the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. As that's only an hour drive north, I got a ticket. On Tuesday I tweeted Andrew and said that I was coming to the Wednesday matinee and hoping for autographs and photos. When he replied "Totally" I was blown away.
The Kravis Center is a fabulous theater with a crowd of people who know how to behave in the theater. I had a great seat with no obstructions, pretty close to the stage. Here's the view from my seat.

I always loved visiting the pit while they are tuning up.

The performance was every bit as wonderful as the first time I saw it and there were lots of sniffles and tissues rustling.
After the show, I hustled around to the stage door. To my surprise, Andrew Varela called me by name (OK so it's Zizzybob, my twitter name) and he stopped to chat with me. If that wasn't enough, a few of the boys on the barricade also stopped to chat and sign autographs. Joe Tokarz, Jason Ostrowski, Joe Spieldenner, Richard Todd Adams and Jason Forbach were all so charming that I really wished I was 20 years old again. It got a bit confusing, talking to 3 at a time,  but Andrew was kind enough to take a photo with me. I was so overwhelmed that he grabbed my cell phone and took the photo for me (he said it was because his arms were longer.)

I have to say that he was extremely gracious and charming and I am glad I finally had the nerve to stand at the stage door. (something I've wanted to do since I was 13).
If LesMis comes to your town, please go see it, I'm sure you'll love it. As for me, I can't wait until next year when it comes around to Miami.