“Boy Falls from the Sky”
Ladies and gents,
Theatricals love a good opening, there is no question about it, but what about a good closing? No such thing, you say? Well, then you weren’t at last week’s final performance of SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark. The packed-to-the-rafters affair felt like the theatrical triumph of the year to all who managed to score a seat. How can a closing feel like a triumph, you beg? Well, let me tell you. When the night reminds you of the amazing feat of running that behemoth of a show for three years. When the night underscores the stick-toitiveness of a company that has been through the highest highs and the lowest lows, and still managed to put on eight-a-week. When the night feels more like a send-off (to Las Vegas, which will serve as home to Spidey’s next chapter) than a good-bye. When the night makes you see and understand the material in new ways (I am sorry all you snobbish doubters, but I urge you to take another listen to “Boy Falls From the Sky” and “Rise Above” — tuning out everything you think you know about the show — and tell me they aren’t incredibly affecting and inventive show tunes).
I spotted original Peter Parker (and trooper of the century) Reeve Carney in the audience, and I congratulated him on the news that none-other-than-the Smithsonian is inducting his Spider-Man costume into its permanent collection. I also saw Reeve’s former stage nemesis Patrick Page, who gave such humor and soul to the Green Goblin, alongside his multi-talented wife Paige Davis. (Oh, WHY didn’t she take his surname?) I also spotted, much to my surprise, co-book writer Glen Berger. Normally there would be nothing surprising about the book writer attending the closing, but normally book writers don’t write dishy tell-alls about their experience working on the show. Despite Berger’s, er, indiscretion, he seemed comfortable during intermission, kibitzing with former colleagues and friends. I also saw the guy who may be the real life embodiment of New York’s hometown superhero: Christopher Tierney, who bounced back from his awful and very public fall, rejoining the cast.
After the show, the company headed over to John’s Pizzeria where spirits were high, and the heartier partiers in the mix continued the festivities at the Gansevoort Hotel into the wee hours.
I doff my hat to everyone involved in the splashiest, most-talked about, and highest flying show in Broadway history.
Remember, kids, Broadway shows never die; the stage lights just fade to black. And sometimes they even move to Las Vegas!
Tidbits from around town…
Spotted A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder featured player (and consummate Brit) Jane Carr shopping for English sweeties at London Candy Company in the West Village.
Overheard famed New Jersey resident Bon Jovi asking, “When is the traffic ever not jammed on the way to the George Washington Bridge?”
Saw Beautiful star Jessie Mueller trying on dresses at Bloomingdales. “Is this for opening night?” I inquired. “Oh Scoop, this is not my favorite part of my job.” “Well it should be, Jess! You look divine in that thing!”
As always, a toast of something sparkling to you and yours!
Kisses,