I’m back from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I made a quick weekend trip that was supposed to happen in February, but I’m sure it was better travel-wise that I went in May.
I had a ticket for a first time event at the Parker Playhouse in Ft. Lauderdale. Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess were to perform there, with conversation and piano by Seth Rudetsky.
I saw Ramin Karimloo four times as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables. I saw him twice in Anastasia, where he originated the role of Gleb. My sister and I saw him in concert with his band in Columbus, Indiana. And, she and I went to Washington, D.C. to see him in the short run of Chess.
Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess played the Phantom and Christine in the 25th anniversary Phantom of the Opera filmed at the Royal Albert Hall. My family all saw Sierra Boggess in It Should Have Been You on Broadway. She originated the role of Ariel in The Little Mermaid on Broadway. And, she and Ramin starred in Love Never Dies.
Both Ramin and Sierra have appeared on Seth Rudetsky’s Broadway cruises. For this show, he had conversations with them, and played the piano while they sang. Those were fun conversations, stories of their careers, tryouts, their childhoods, successes and failures. And, of course, songs, some just beautiiful and others funny, including “Summer Days” from Grease.
I had a perfect seat, second row, center, and no one sat in front of me. And, I felt bad during the meet-and-greet after the show when I told them I had seen both of them on Broadway, and hoped to again. Ramin said, “Me, too”, and made a crying face. I didn’t mean to make Ramin Karimloo cry.
It was a magical evening. I’d do it again.
And, of course, Ramin Karimloo received a standing ovation when he sang “Music of the Night” to his Christine, Sierra Boggess. Magic.
Nice! How great that you got to see them up close and meet them and tell them how you felt.
It sounds idyllic, Lesa. I know you are Ramin's #1 fan so I'm glad you got to experience this event (after having it postponed because of weather) and have some personal time with the stars.
It was wonderful, Jeff. I'm still floating.
Margie, Ramin picked on Seth unmercifully because Seth tried to pick on him. It was fun. Oh, I'm not Ramin's #1 fan. There were people there from Thailand. But, as I said to Jeff, I'm still walking on air. And, I'd do it again!
Lesa, I love love love reading this! And I am so happy you treated yourself to this special experience. It could not have been more perfect, I'm thinking.
xxoo
Kaye
Second row, center seat! Nice! Awesome that you got to see them in person. I watched the PBS airing of Les Miserables. No music but still an excellent performance.
Kaye, You're right. It could not have been more perfect. I'm so glad I did it, too.
Bonnie, I taped the PBS Les Miserables. I'm going to watch it when I get a chance, maybe in a couple weeks. Happy to know you thought it was excellent!