This is the Knight!

STAGE DOOR: TAKE FIVE

As exciting as being with my family was. And touring the city. And my new found Heaven on Earth (blog coming soon…) it was the night of Spamalot. Lovely Spam, oh wonderful Spam! Our seats were in the mezzanine, second row center. First row had been preferred (of mezzanine for my family, I would have been fine with first row orchestra in spitting range of the actors). Because of the later purchase of tickets those taller then 5’2” were cramped into one position, unable to move your legs for fear that you would knee the head of those sitting in the first row who were quite comfortable in their seats. In some cases, jealousy may have cause for those in the second row to have a slight leg jerk every now and then, but I think my family was kind enough to not display such immature behavior. Right?

I won’t go through the details of the show. It was superb, hilarious, and although the previous Lady of the Lake was missed the new one held her own. The replacement of the beloved Tom, who was out sick, was better then the one I had previously seen, but just not Tom. Clay was, well, you already know how I feel on that subject. I think. I hope.

Fast forward to the end of show.

My plan was to leave a little early to get a good spot at the stage door. I’m not sure where my mind was but my “little early” was like, a lot. Apparently I thought they changed the show around and they no longer had a curtain call with the fun sing along, confetti pop, and Clay’s salute? I was already losing my mind. Needless to say I was definitely first outside. Luckily I had the company of Jerome. No one was around so I mentioned this and asked if I could take a picture with him now (as opposed to the previous night). Which how I was ever to manage to take a picture with me and a man who is 6’7” is just a stupid idea. Nevertheless I asked. He declined again and we started talking about I don’t remember what. I remember him mentioning another Broadway rule that you’re not allowed to say the name “Macbeth” within theater walls. To which he continued, “And you know I’m ghetto, so I had to see what would happen”. Or something like that. I remember the ghetto part and that made me laugh. Chalk that up for something else Jerome did wrong in the Broadway scene.

Finally the show was over and naturally the Claymates were first out of the building; running, reaching, lovingly pushing, and finally screeching to a halt the closest they could to the metal barriers. Tonight I had chosen a spot close to the stage door where Clay always starts his signing. I was taking no chances this time.

The stage door crowd was smaller then his first run. Clay’s Champions for Change annual Gala for his charity The Bubel/Aiken Foundation (yes, I’m plugging) in North Carolina the next day may also account for some Claymates not being in NYC. I noticed a lady (Clayfan2001 from the Clayboard) handing her camera to another friend so she could be set to ask for a picture with Clay. I did the same, I asked if Clayfan2001 would take my camera. I showed her how to use it but in my excitement forgot to turn on my flash.

And the door opens. Again… EEEEEEE! I made note of Clay’s height… he really is 6’1” and that he was a very good looking guy. His hair looked darker and he was wearing a white hoodie. And naturally I paid close attention to those nice hands that he has. Ok, I’m totally lying. I remember nothing. Not clearly anyway. I remember him laughing at the can of Spam that my nephew was having him sign. And I think he took my clipboard with my ticket on it. I’m assuming since his signature is on it. I asked for his picture but apparently didn’t hear him respond “give your camera to someone else” so I asked again. (my sister told me that he had said that afterwards) Which now I just feel dumb for asking twice but oh well. I DO however remember that he put his arm around me. I remember that clearly. Tyra Banks would be happy at my “smiling with my eyes” picture. I ALSO shamelessly remember that I did NOT put my arm around him. What the freakin crap? I was looking forward to that halfway hug and I failed! I realized this about the time that the picture was about to be taken and I didn’t want to have my face distorted for my priceless picture to make sure I got that halfway hug.

Clay moved on to the next lady and I got my camera back from Clayfan2001 only to find that it was completely overexposed and you could barely see us. :( Talk about disappointed. But I guess I can only blame myself; if I had remembered to turn on the flash it might have turned out better. Or maybe I can blame my sister for meandering around in the background for too long and not armed and ready with my camera. I like that better. :)

I had plans to get some great pictures with my nice camera to share with my friends. I failed at that too. I got a little too distracted and only remembered that I had a camera in my hand when he was toward the end of the line. I got two pictures… of his back towards me. :rolling eyes:

All and all though it was a great experience and one to cherish. Hopefully I’ll be more prepared next time and remember what is going on and get my hug!

On the bright side, the lady that took my camera, gave hers to the lady who got a good picture of Clay and I. :)