5 o'clock rolled around and we all met down at "Dave's bar and grill" which was all bar and no grill...or was that "Michael's bar and grill" or Justin's?? I don't remember, I do know we heard the partying going on as soon as we stepped off the elevator! ;) Ann called Michelle to tell her about the hell of a party she's missing out on and passed her cell phone around so we all could talk to her and wish she was there! This set the mood for the Steingathering to invade TCM and I'm thinking "oh boy, James and Sarah, here we come!"
I volunteered to drive as I have a rather large SUV and could fit quite a few people in it comfortably so Ann, Judy, Vaida, no one, and myself rode in my vehicle while the others rode in Dave's. When we got to the college, we were greeted by the beautiful, eloquent Sarah and she welcomed us all with hugs. She then invited us down to the basement to meet James and Ray which was an added bonus as I didn't know Ray was going to be there! Ray was open and warm and greeted each of us with a handshake which I thought was really awesome! James was running around making sure all the last minute preparations were in order and I thought he looked like a real professional at work but when he saw our group, he came right over and welcomed us. Immediately I was taken in by his charm, I felt a sort of kinship with James as if I were greeting my nephew and I felt very proud of all his accomplishments. Excited chatter and picture snapping filled the room and then Sarah announced the show will be starting in a little bit which gave us our cue to head back up to the auditorium.
Vaida and I were assigned seats a couple of rows away from the rest of the group as I waited until the last possible minute to purchases our tickets. Thankfully they weren't all sold out! I wish we could have all sat together but in a way I was glad to sit away from the rest of the group as I didn't know what to expect from seeing my first musical. I sat in awe as I watched the production of my beloved James and Sarah unfold before my eyes and it was breathtaking! I could never in a million years have imagined it was going to be like this! Although the cast was mainly constructed from a group of unknown actors, they did a fabulous job! I enjoyed everything about the show, including the small orchestra and the same phrase which penetrated my brain flowed out through my mouth. "I've never seen anything like this!"
After the show, we all gathered around out in the hall and met the cast. Then we were invited to attend a cast party and we graciously accepted. My head was still swimming so I can only remember bits and pieces of what happened after that. I do remember James introducing us to his son Parry, who's born to break hearts and is just as charming as his dad! Better keep an eye on that one!
We got back to the motel at around 1:30 and it was very difficult for me to sleep as the day's events were still fresh in my mind and I kept going over them but somehow I managed to finally fall asleep. Vaida and I woke up early the next morning and went down to have breakfast in the commons of the motel and a couple hours later Ann and Judy to joined us. The four of us chatted for awhile and I knew Ann had to catch an early flight. I didn't want to be the cause of her missing her plane although I could have sat and chatted with her for HOURS so I decided it was time for Vaida and I to head out.
All in all it was an experience I won't soon forget and I'm so glad I decided to go! I can't wait for the next Steingathering!!
Beanie