Sold-Out Secrets

The movie claimed to have 'Sold Out' before we had a chance to buy our tickets but I knew better. Theater houses always claim that trick allowing special invitees or favorite friends to see the show last minute. So as Jenn and I approached the ticket booth we bought 2 available tickets for another movie then skirted past Theater 7 into Theater 3. The credits were starting and there was no time to waste. I spotted a space for Jenn and gave her first dibbs. Then, as the theater got super dark, I stumbled from row to row pleading for a seat. I knew I was in good company - nobody would attend this movie unless they were good, honest, hardworking, wonderful, patient people. "Score!" A man in his late 60's pushed down one and gave me his warm plush aisle.

I've listened to Prairie Home Companion and Garrison Keillor for only 15 years. I'm a neophyte compared to most. The show runs on my NPR affiliate in upstate NY two hours on Saturday afternoon from 6 to 8 p.m. and then repeated again on Sunday. The movie was enjoyable - staples like Yolanda and Rhonda Johnson, Dusty and Lefty and of course, Guy Noir, all recurring characters on Keillor's show, performed their parts at the Fitzgerald Theater in St.Paul, Minnesota wonderfully. Guy Noir reminded me of the hapless Peter Seller's Inspector Clouseau which triggered oft-laughter from my new favorite row of Keillor fans. A couple concerns though - where or where was the news from Lake Wobegon and since when does Keillor sing that often? If your true fan of nostalgic variety shows with leftist political satire and campy human sound effects then the radio show is where you'll find the true gem.

When the show ended and the lights came up, my eyes darted around the room looking for strangers my age. This show and NPR in general are litmus tests in gauging those that I know I'd have an immediate kinship with. As everyone filtered out of the theater, as suspected, Jenn and myself were the youngest in the house. I guess dry, whimsical humor, homespun wit and dirty jokes are not Generation X material - how terribly upsetting.