Most Memorable Stage Door Experience

I went to New York four times (once a year) for the last 4 years. For someone like me... It's crazy, I know.

2014 was my first trip to New York that was scheduled because I specifically wanted to see Idina Menzel live. And then Laura Osnes was in a show too, and of course, Jessie Mueller. So I've set my mind to seeing three shows, and at the same time tour the city. But then Jeremy Jordan announced his concert, so I was also able to see his last show day at 54below, on our first day in the city.

We arrived in the afternoon and had a concert in the evening. And the first thing I did was NAP. I always make sure I have enough sleep which is like at least 10-12 hours cumulative per day so I can stay focused in seeing a show. #truestory The concert was amazing! I mean, you can never go wrong with the Jeremy Jordan vocal range and stage presence, if you know what I mean. I was able to meet Laura Michelle Kelly for the first time in that concert, which sure was a lovely surprise! We also watched Laura Osnes in The Band Wagon and Jessie Mueller in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

Okay, so that was a long introduction for something as important as my most memorable stage door experience, or experiences, rather because I have a lot. I guess the first stage door experience is always unforgettable and when you unexpectedly meet a favorite actor? --- THE BEST. So I'll be talking about some of my 2014 highlights, since this was my first time stage dooring in New York.

First, Jeremy Jordan - Since I was such a fan of him in Smash and Finding Neverland audios, I was so excited to get a ticket to his sold out concert. He was goofy and super casual on and off stage. After his concert at 54below, he was kind enough to talk to everyone who waited. He had fans who flew in from other states (can't remember which one) who had nothing but good stories about JJ. I was so happy to finally meet someone who's down-to-earth, with no arrogance whatsoever. 

Second, Laura Michelle Kelly - this was so unexpected. I remember listening to audios of Finding Neverland A.R.T. and was telling my friends how much I love LMK's voice. So while I was sitting on my chair, I spotted her in the crowd right before JJ's concert started. Apparently, she was his special guest for that night, and they sang a song from Finding Neverland. 😭 It was so emotional, as it was also the day Jeremy announced that he will not be a part of the Broadway production. 

Anyway, so after the concert, I approached LMK and was really, really worried, only half breathing, trying to stay composed and not ugly cry. She was the kindest when I told her I came from the Philippines, and that I was so happy to have met her in the concert. Sure was a pleasant surprise! My heart was not ready for any of it. We chatted for a few minutes, even telling me she has a Filipino aunt, then she signed my notebook and posed for a picture. When she left the stage door, we had eye contact and she *tiny* waved at me to say goodbye, which was super sweet.

Third, Jessie Mueller - after winning the Tony's, my curiosity led me into watching Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. I thought she was perfect for the role. And wow, meeting her at the not-so-busy stage door of the Stephen Sondheim Theatre was unimaginable. It was during a cold night - cold for Americans, extremely freezing for us tropical islanders - but most of the cast still came out after the show. Jessie was the last one to come out, but she took enough time to talk to everyone. When it was my turn, I was probably mumbling words of praise on how her performance moved me and how far we've travelled to see her, and she was just listening intently. I was obviously awestruck, I  mean who wouldn't in front of a Tony Winner? Although I'm not very fond of Carole King's songs, but Jessie Mueller was a great Carole King. Her voice captivates you in ways you cannot imagine. I was asking her to sign my playbill, our polaroid photo, and my notebook. I was such a mess and slightly panicking in front of a Tony Winner!!! But she was just so composed and patient. And before she ran back to the theatre, she told us to "keep warm and stay safe." Love her. She's definitely one of the genuine thoughtful actors I've met.

look at me fangirling

No, I wasn't crying okayyy

Last but definitely not the least, Jackie Burns - it was that "FINALLY" moment. Since I'm such a Wicked fan, I was so happy to know that Jackie Burns, my first Elphaba back in 2011, was Idina's standby. So I brought my Wicked playbill for her to sign, in case I get to meet her, and wrote a long overdue card to say how her performance changed me for good. I never imagined how meeting her for the first time at the stage door will be like. I never stagedoored in New York, so I was just following what everyone did. So basically my brother and I went to the stage door a few nights before we're seeing If/Then. It was a bit crazy as there were a lot of fans waiting even though the show is not yet done. I didn't know much about standby's, so I was surprised when Jackie suddenly came out of the door. She saw the many people and before she was able to make her way out of the door, I shouted "JACKIE!!!" to the surprise of the people beside me. Okay, it was really awkward, but I couldn't let the chance pass. After all, I don't live in New York. When do I ever get the chance again, right? She was gracious to talk to me, while everyone was patiently waiting for Idina. It was a huge crowd at the stage door, but when I was speaking to her, it felt like people moved a bit to give us space. I can still remember vividly how giddy I was when I was telling her that I was ecstatic to meet her. I think my actions were proof of it. We talked for awhile and took enough pictures that are still my favorite up to this day. She even tweeted me at the end of the day to thank me for my letter and my gift - choco covered mangoes which she loved.

babies, definitely babies
and clearly, this photo is deceiving as you cannot see the people beside me haha

Sometimes I drown myself in those special moments. Reliving that good feeling has always been a fantastic pick-me-upper, especially when you're sad. I  know each of us longs to have or has incredible stories at the stage door. I think having those matter because it gives you a full Broadway/ theatre experience. It definitely made some shows more special than the others. You get to tell the actors how much they've inspired you, and in turn, they'll be more encouraged to do what they do. And that's just how it should be - a cycle of spreading positivity in the community.

Hope you enjoyed these short stories. Now go and relive your wonderful experiences as well!

💋

Kristine