Week #1 (Part 2). (9:58 PM EST)
So maybe that was a little big longer than 8 hours. I’m sorry. I have spent this first week by myself. I get invited out to meet people often by a friend here and there or by my suite-mate, but really, I want to be alone. I will meet people in due time. I want to have “RajiTime” to restore myself, and let me tell you: it’s working tremendously well. Yesterday, I took the subway uptown for about fifteen minutes and sat in Central Park for two hours to read a book. That did wonders for my spirit. It really did. I think I’ll be doing more of that tomorrow.
Otherwise, I am very excited for the start of school. I have heard so much about my intended program: The Tisch School of the Arts. I have heard good things; I have heard great things; I have heard bad things; I have heard horrible things. I am very excited to make my own judgment come Tuesday. Until then, I will spend a lot of time mulling about the dormitory - speaking of the dormitory: my roommate and I are getting along swimmingly. He’s a fantastic person, and I would love to get to know him better. The only thing one might consider a “problem” might be the fact that he is early to bed, and I am late to bed. So far, no hiccups.
Currently, I am waiting for the end of my laundry cycle. Here is a major bonus: literally right next door to my suite is the laundry room! I don’t have to go far for clean clothes! Before moving here, I envisioned myself hoofing it to some laundromat blocks from my dormitory. But now I’m not hoofing, but rather tip-toeing across the hall. I’d rather tip-toe than hoof any day. (Excuse me while I steep some tea. Steeping done.)
While my mother and friend were here, the friend and I went to see Promises, Promises--a revival musical starring Kristin Chenoweth and Sean Hayes. A wonderful experience. Katie Finneran is featured in the play as “Marge MacDougall.” The woman is brilliant. She is nothing short of a comedic goddess in the stylings of Lucille Ball. No wonder she won the Tony award for her performance. She literally makes the show - it would not be the same without her. And I’m speaking specifically of Katie Finneran. It’s a great character, but the wrong performer would make it annoying. Finneran is p.e.r.f.e.c.t. And not only is she a fantasterful performer, her heart is the size of all five boroughs. (When you move here you take on the colloquialisms, although I’m sure that’s not a real one.) In her Tony acceptance speech she spoke to the hopefuls at home watching who are waiting for their moment on the Tonys stage. She encouraged us to keep going, follow our hearts and passions, and to listen only to ourselves. She’s just as warm and friendly in person, and I have a feeling that lends to her success.
My new friend Ryan is a great person. He and I met at the Promises stage door. He is a Tisch student as well who lives in my building. After losing at the Wicked lottery, we went to the following shows looking for tickets: Memphis, The Addams Family, La Cage Aux Folles, and A Little Night Music with a brief stop by the TKTS booth for Love, Loss, and What I Wore tickets. We decided upon A Little Night Music starring Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch. While waiting for the Night Music house to open, we saw Kelsey Grammer heading into the theatre for his show. I took the opportunity to yell in the best Frasier-obsessed way: “KELSEY GRAMMER WE LOVE YOU!” He turned back and yelled, “Thanks!” And gave us a huge wave. That was awesome.
Okay people. To see these two women (Stritch and Peters) perform right before your very eyes is an experience a theatre nerd totally appreciates. We went to the stage door after the show, and my heart leapt at the thought of meeting Stritch. She did not come out. Peters did however, and seemed to be in a hurry. She spoke hardly to anyone, and rushed into a car. This action, I will clarify, does not speak about who she is as a person. Who knows the day she could have had? Who knows what appointment she needed to get to? But I did see a girl crushed because she wanted a picture with her... and this leads me to ask the question: would people flock to theatres to see shows if stars aren’t in them? The answer: yes and no. Yes if the show is of fantastic quality; (I know all roads lead back to Wicked but seriously people - it’s a kickin show.) it doesn’t matter who is in that show - I mean seriously: Mel Brooks could be playing Glinda and the show would sell out (for different reasons, I’m sure). If the show isn’t good, it seems to require a big name to draw attention... and from what I’ve noticed this is prevalent on Broadway. And it’s sad. It speaks to the fact that it needs better material - and hallelujah for my generation (said humbly).
At Night Music, Ryan and I met a warm, friendly, gracious couple: Christopher and Fabio. Christopher took the time to talk to Ryan and I about our beginnings in the city, and he honestly set my mind at ease regarding many things. Having grown up in the city, Christopher was great at sharing his New York experiences. I couldn’t help but hug the man when we parted after the show. Christopher and Fabio are a remarkable example of the warmth this city has to offer. Constantly, I am meeting wonderful people who enjoy great conversation, and I feel as though I am home. Too often, I am caught up in my feelings of homesickness. I look at the pictures adorning my desk, and I think of the wonderful people in California. Then God reminds me that He is wherever I am when he sends me lovely people like these two men who just enjoy an uplifting conversation. I have met tons of people in just the little time I’ve been here who uplift my spirit.
A friend of mine once said, “The face of God is six billion strong.” I know there are people who would argue that statement, however I feel it is true. Whether or not someone is in relationship with The Father does not change the fact that the person is made in His image. So everyday, when I’m walking the streets of New York City alone, I look up and see the many faces made in the image of God, and I feel home around me.
My next blog will come after my first day of classes: Tuesday, September 7, 2010.
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