We’ve really had a good run of shows here in the West and, thank God, that continued tonight with the show here in Clovis. WHAT A GREAT AUDIENCE! But I’m getting ahead of myself….
We pulled into Clovis yesterday and then the snow came in after us. It snowed really hard for a while and finally ended with little accumulation. It looked worse than it was – but we’re ready for winter to be over and snow to be gone!
This morning, we were up and the sun was out. It warmed up to about 60 degrees today and we spent most of it inside the theatre. When we arrived, Mark (the tech director) was all ready for us – light plot was hung and patched. We only had to put in gel and get the intelligent lighting in the air. This is a fly house but it’s very limited so we were only able to get up one piece of scenery – the clouds. Fortunately, this drop lights very well and we can get several different looks.
The show went up quickly and we were all able to sit, relax, and eat dinner together before the the doors opened. It was really nice. I went out into the lobby after we ate, about 5:15pm, and people were already arriving for the 7pm show! I couldn’t believe it. It was general admission and I guess they wanted to make sure they could get a good seat. When the doors finally opened at 6:30pm, people rushed in and the theatre filled up very, very quickly! The place was packed and people were excited. That kind of energy is contagious to a performer and you could feel the electricity once the light show started. Ooohs and aahhs from the audience made us feel like a million bucks – and we knew it was going to be a good show.
Many members of audience were ready to volunteer at each request for help – and we ended up with some great ones. Summer was our “spikes of doom” person and her reactions were perfect…and then there was Eric on the Brick Wall who seemed to enjoy himself and much as we did. I think one of my favorite effects in the show this year – and this show is filled with my favorites – has turned out to be the “Trip Around the World.” Everyone in the audience gets to participate and the chatter it creates is great! The routine that was created for us is unique and works perfect in our show (thanks Jim for the ideas).
We were honored to have some dignataries in the show tonight too – the Mayor and the former Lieutenant Governor and their families. The show ended on a good note as well – a standing ovation from the audience. They were on their feet before I could say “thank you and good night.” It’s a humbling way for us to end a show and we are always grateful for the appreciation of the crowd.
Before we left the stage, Mary Ann made her way to the stage and presented us with some special gifts. It was a kind gesture on their part and, once again, they made us feel very special for being here.
Thanks to all of you – Christy, Mary Ann, Stephanie and all the folks from CCC; the staff and crew of Marshall Auditorium; the gentlemen from Pathway House; and an amazing audience from Clovis.
Tomorrow, we eat great food compliments of a kind and gracious person by the name of Louie. It will be a wonderful treat to actually sit down and enjoy something that’s not “fast food.”