The best forty bucks I think I might have ever spent was for The Black Rider. "Hot Tix" is the way to go - they offer a certain amount of twenty buck tickets to each show and I got Friday night Orchestra seats. Of course add on the happy hour dinner at Nick & Stef's, a pre show cocktail at Pinot, an intermission glass of wine and a post show cocktail with the cast (including our understudying friend Keythe Farley) at Kendall's and the "night at the theater" is not so cheap. But worth every penny in this case.
I had heard that the show's sound is muffled and mushy (I had no problem) and confusing (it's William Burroughs after all, but it had me laughing and smiling the whole way) and that people left in droves during intermission - true. David and I had those folks pegged from the get-go. Season ticket holders who had no idea what they were getting into. Too boo-hoo for them. I'm still giddy about the genius that is a collaboration between Burroughs, Tom Waits and Robert Wilson.
I'm also beside myself about the encounter I had with one of the blue-hairs during the intermission. David and I were right next to the exit door so we were to the bar in no time, but were beat by a lady and her gent who were picking up their pre-ordered drinks. She was spewing at the bartender, "Oh, my god, we were in the front row and couldn't get out, oh my god, we just couldn't leave! God, it was awful!"
I smiled at David and sang under my breath, "Disgusting."
She heard me and twirled around and said, "I know, right? It's just awful! I'm not stupid!"
I couldn't help myself - I didn't care if she heard me or not, I said, "Oh, no - you are."
And I ordered my vino and by that time the crowds were moving and she got lost within them and I'm sure after they guzzled, they left. I'm certain all weekend they will be telling their friends about it, how awful... but it just shows-to-go-ya - they can't get those magic bullets out of their heads.