Sunday, September 11, 2011

Pretty Much Famous

I met someone famous. That makes me pretty much famous, right?

Let's start at the very beginning... a very good place to start...

Hubbs has been back in town for a couple of weeks now (hurray!). I flew to Vegas to move him home and had a great time with him. Also, the same lady who sold me my shuttle fare the first time I flew into Vegas was at the window when I purchased my shuttle fare this time. However, she had upgraded to reading a book while taking my money instead of doing her make-up. :) This really has nothing to do with me being pretty much famous. So, I'll stop being distracted by it and move onward.

Hubbs writes for a popular pro-wrestling website, so when The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity was coming to The Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles he was granted two (count 'em, two!) press passes for opening night! If you've never been to The Geffen, you should Google it. It is gorgeous and feels warm and intimate. I still have fantasies of working there as an actor.

We arrived at The Geffen and the complimentary valet whisked away our Scion. We picked up our tickets from the Media table (so legit) and headed into the courtyard where a live instrumental band was playing. A server walked by with a tray of wine and we enjoyed a good glass of cabernet. We meandered around the property and eventually ended up in a side room where a winery was offering more free glasses of wine (which were delicious and local) and succulent appetizers. We mingled a bit, spotted some famous wrestlers from WWE and TNA, and eventually made our way inside the theatre space.

This is where it gets good.

Hubbs noticed John Morrison, who just happens to be one of my favorite wrestlers because of his high-flying style, sitting two rows behind us. EEEEEKKK!! I kinda geeked out, wanting to introduce myself and being too embarrased. So I remained silent with the understanding that I'd have a chance to see Mr. Morrison during intermission. Which I did. Imagine me saying the following in a voice that sounds like a twelve year old girl's voice:

Me: "Excuse me, John Morrison? John Morrison?"
JM: "Hi."
Me: "I just wanted to tell you that I think you are awesome and I really appreciate what you do and I don't want to bother you so I'll let you go and get back to your seat but I think you're awesome!"
JM: "Thank you."

He shook my hand and went back to his seat. Nice guy considering I talked a mile a minute. And no, I didn't take a picture with him. I figure that these guys hardly get any days off, so who am I to take up much of his time just because I'm a nerd?

The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity ended up being a great show. And it wasn't a cheesy wrestling story. It was about race, how the American public perceives it, and about how it is exploited within entertainment. The message was a bit heavy-handed, but communicated clearly and consistently with what I've observed in my few years as a wrestling fan. The acting of the main character was lovely. He does all of the "heavy lifting" and the success of the play depends on him. He delivered. There were a few overly cartoony moments, but I think that might have been the influence of the director.

Afterward, we were invited to the opening night cast party at a swanky restaurant a few blocks away. We knew the Assistant Sound Designer so we headed over with her and her friend. They were great company and the food was delicious. And free. That's the thing I had the hardest time getting over: everything we ingested was free and wonderful! :) I'm not used to being wined and dined at a show. I'm used to putting on make-up, a wig, and a costume, only to hang it all up and schmooze over champagne with patrons, though. Now I've discovered that both sides of them can be fun. :)

Anyhow, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. I should probably stop writing so that I can continue playing fetch with The Fluffy One. Adios!