Wicked Good Performance But Don't Bring a Camera

Last night, I watched a performance of the Broadway smash hit "Wicked" at the beautifully restored Proctors Theater in Schenectady, NY. This space is a vaudeville icon, it attracts the highest caliber of world-class entertainers, comedians, musicals, operas and orchestras.

For 12 years, I helped man camera for the Channel 6 Melodies of Christmas show. It's a special place to roam about admiring the original ornate decorations, red carpet and marble staircases.

Last night's show was fabulous and I have only good things to say about the venue, however the reception received by the ushers and the house manager left little to be desired. Approaching them with a question was like raising my hand in grade school and getting scolded for asking.

Before the show, word spread that the author of "Wicked", Gregory Maguire, was sitting near the orchestra pit. It would be a wonderful treat to say hello, share a few words and ask if I could take a photo. I inquired with the House Manager introducing myself as someone who would like to write a few passages about the show.

"You can't take pictures in here!" she abruptly responded.

Actually, that wasn't my question, I thought to myself.

In any event, the great American literature writer wasn't there so I promptly returned to my seat. Several ushers saw that I was carrying a camera along the way and berated me that no photography was allowed inside.

Okay, okay, I get the point! No photos in the theater. I'll tuck it under my shirt and pretend that I'm jolly 'ol Saint Nick.

That said, also be aware that if you need to use a bathroom during intermission, dash out of your seat as soon as the lights come on. My little sister, who has Muscular Dystrophy, waited in a long line that stretched back to the opposite side. No sooner had she reached the front when an usher shouted for everyone to return to their seats or the doors would close them out.

There were no other alternatives for my handicapped sister so she forwent her bathroom break and rushed back to her seat.

May I dare say that "Wicked" wasn't nearly as wicked as the people who volunteer for Proctors.