MY JUNK

ive been rallying against broadway since it was introduced to me as a kid forced into a sport jacket and stuck in the back of an oldsmobile with my overachieving older sister for a trip down the belt, through the battery tunnel to a hurried big-city dinner followed by a hustle up to broadway. but through the years certain moments have shaken my resolve and emboldened my perspective on the great white way (simply writing "the great white way" above made me feel queezy).

it was at 10 years old that starlight express alerted me to the light, choreographed and technical wonders of live theater. soon after, (clair huxtable aka) phylicia rashad's presence in into the woods made me understand the power of one individual performer.

but it was the original cast of the producers, sitting 10th row center thanks to my friend ryan, that really initiated me. and come to think of it, it was ryan who took me to see tommy on broadway...and it was ryan who called me last week, heading back home from l.a. for his annual christmas visit, asking me if i'd go see spring awakening with him ("it's the hottest ticket in town," he reasoned). he was right and any description i attempt will not do it justice (nor can i write much longer). it's one of th best shows ive ever seen...

there was overacting at times, and maybe a yawn and a half, but it was straight punk: the music. the voices. the movements. the expressions. the last time i endulged in any individual performer it was bob dylan at the city center, wrapping up his fall 2006 tour. other than bob being pretty punk, there is no comparison.

broadway, why have i ignored you so?

rob