The Sitting Room
- Kris
- Mar 8, 2015
- 2 min read
I was recently reminded that there are sometimes shows that do not thrive on the manic euphoria of a standing crowd. Unless it was designed around an orchestra, like the Josh Groban concert I attended last year, all the shows I've seen lately have been standing room - or designated seats that no one actually sits in. Who seriously is going to be on their butt when Linkin Park is playing anyway?
I've gotten very spoiled in my maneuvering to the bar or as close to the stage as possible. For those of you who may be thinking of my affinity for alcohol, the bar I refer to is the one that separates the audience from the stage and not the one that serves the beverages. Though, I've been known to inhabit that one as well.
Every once in awhile, my parents will secure us tickets for a show at the American Music Theater in Lancaster, PA. Normally, this is around Christmas time. It's a lovely theater, and I've enjoyed every show I've seen there. But it draws in an older crowd and a much more subtle, low-key enjoyment of whichever performance is on stage that night.
The most recent show I saw at the American Music Theater was Michael Cavanaugh, who is known for the Broadway musical Movin' Out. His act is mostly Billy Joel covers. My parents had seen him before, and loved his voice. I think they'd jump at any chance to see him again. This was my first time seeing him perform.
Although I enjoy the American Music Theater, sometimes the sitting room thing is not quite for me. For one, on this particular day, I was also sitting on a bruised ass because a couple days previous I tripped down a flight of hardwood stairs, resulting in discoloration the size of a softball and pain that lasted a solid week or so.
But besides the fact that I was hurting, Michael Cavanaugh was covering the greats like Billy Joel and Elton John, the kind of music that begs to be danced to in my opinion. And instead I was snacking on popcorn and trying to appease my bruise.
I do think that he performs mostly at these seated venues, focusing more on the Broadway aspect of his music, so the hat fit. But his music, while venerable was equally exciting. It was infuriating to me because I loved it so much. I wanted badly to get up and dance, but it would not have been appropriate for the venue. So as was respectful for that type of theater, I applauded between songs.
I hope the applause and cheering were enough for him to understand that we very seriously loved his performance. Because I wanted to give him more if I could.
I would have danced for you, sir.
The next show I'm seeing at the American Music Theater is Celtic Woman. This time, I think the venue will be perfect.
Edited June 2016 from a post originally published March 8, 2015 via Wordpress
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