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Brush with Greatness

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Susan, Los Angeles, CA, "Hughie", 1999

 

I arrived and found the plaza that was between the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on the right (that's where they hold the Oscars every year), and the Mark Taper Forum on the left.

the poster

There was a little place to buy coffee and bagels etc. and down in the plaza was a grill. There is a huge fountain in between the Taper and the Pavilion.

It was about 7:00 when I got there, the play started at 8:00. I went down to the doors to go into my seat but they weren't open yet. They said they would open at 7:30 so I decided to wonder around and get some pictures. I went around the back (the Taper is a round building) and saw the stage door which was a set of double doors clearly marked, very easy to find. There was a velvet rope beside the stage door where the crowd would be when Al came out. I wondered if he was in there yet. Just feet away from me.

I went back to the front of the Taper and looked around the plaza. The fountain was beautiful. There were tables in front of the grill and the fountain, all kinds of people were there I guess waiting on the play (there was also some kind of play going on at the Almondson theater behind the taper. Shakespeare I think.) I looked around for any celebrity sitings, but I saw none. There did seem to be some showbiz types discussing theater, looking very Armani. You could see there were some people there who wanted to be seen going to an Al Pacino play. There were also some tourist types (like me).

I took some pictures and waited anxiously at the door to get in and see what kind of seat I had. There was a line waiting for the lottery drawings for the chance to buy a ticket for $12.00.

Finally at 7:35 they opened the doors and I went in. I grabbed a bunch of programs quick before people came through and saw this freak stuffing programs in her purse. I darted into the bathroom and zipped up the programs so no one could see this big stack in my purse, then grabbed a couple more on my way to my seat.

Paul Benedict and Al Pacino
(from the Playbill program)

My seat was right next to the stage on the right side (looking at the stage) behind two other rows. The stage is a "thrust stage" which means it comes out into the audience and the seats surround it, instead of it being like a movie theater. The seats circled the stage. It is a pretty small theater and almost any seat would probably be pretty good.

I sat down and looked over the stage. I must say whoever did the scenery was very good. It's almost bare and everything was shaded in an odd sort of blue and black that gave the impression of moonlight or night time even though it was inside. It looked very surreal almost like a Salvador Dali painting. The floor had blue checks on it that gave it a strange moody, worn feeling. There is a big clock hanging by strings from the ceiling. Again it was colored blue and black. There was a desk for the clerk which was almost more of a representation of a desk than a real desk a hotel would use. There was a chair behind the desk. One of my favorite parts of the set was the box with a bunch of separate compartments for keys hanging by strings from the ceiling. That was kind of weird. It was just suspended there, floating in space. It was also painted blue and black which again gave a very eerie (no pun intended) feeling. All the props seemed to be there to give you an idea of what each was, instead of being a complete realistic set. In the front of the stage were two chairs, each with an urn next to it for ashes from Al's cigarettes. The chair in front of me (which unfortunately faced away from me) was padded, old-fashioned and worn. The one on the left side of the stage facing me, was wooden. At the back of the stage was a screen with a kind of an abstract cityscape on it. In the middle of the screen was an open place to walk through and behind it was a ramp (the sidewalk) going from high on the left to low on the ground on the right.

Al Pacino
(from program)

Some guy and his date sat next to me. He was a real talker and I was worried he would talk during the play (he did, but not too badly). I looked through the program which had lots of nice pictures from the play, not like Playbills which never have enough pictures or stuff about the actors.

Finally at 8:00 they made an announcement warning not to take pictures or make tape recordings etc. At 8:10 the lights finally went down and the play was ready to start. I was so excited I couldn't stand it. I knew in a minute Al would be feet away from me.

I remember a single light over an the urn for ashes in front of me. I can't remember if this was before the lights went out or not but it was really neat. Anyway the lights were completely out and somehow Paul Benedict managed to get to his chair behind the desk in the pitch black darkness without making a sound. I was very impressed.

The sound of traffic in the city faded up and the lights came up. Paul was sitting there staring into space behind the desk. There was a kind of strange effect where he would speak his thoughts to himself outloud and his voice had this special effect, a kind of echo, that separated it from normal speech. He was "thinking" to himself about the traffic, a ferry going up river, and someone walking home.... alone. Then Al comes walking down the ramp from the left side behind the screen and entered the stage. I was so grateful that the audience didn't clap because it would've ruined the moment and been very inappropriate. (a reviewer commented that the audience he saw it with did clap at this point and it ruined it so I was worried about it).

Paul and Al
playing craps (program)

Al came on stage and I was so excited I couldn't stand it. I looked at him to see how he looked in person compared to pictures and he was exactly like I expected. He was in a white rumpled, badly fitting suit and a hat, smoking a cigarette and looking very tired (his character was coming off of a bad drunk). His hair was brown but his beard, stubble really, maybe 3-4 days growth, was gray. I noticed that he seemed to have big feet. He had a nice tan.

His character is Erie Smith, a gambler who hangs around Broadway on the fringes of everything. He's kind of a loser I guess, but the way Al played him I loved the guy. He boasts all through the play, but you can see a vulnerability in him too. For those of you that don't know the story of "Hughie" it's about Eerie Smith and the hotel night clerk Charles Hughes. The old night clerk, "Hughie", was Erie's only friend really, and he has just died. Hughie would listen to Erie's stories and play craps with him and made him feel important. Now he's gone and Eerie thinks he's lost his luck because of it. He's lost his confidence.

Al and Paul leaving after
the show. You can get some
sense of the stage, but the
lights are up so the moon-
light effect is not there.

At first the new night clerk, who happens to also be named Hughes, just wants him to go to bed so he can go back to listening to the traffic. He doesn't really listen to a word Eerie says as he goes on and on about Hughie, and about himself, boasting and trying to build himself up to the new guy.

The performance reminds me a little of "Lefty" in "Donnie Brasco". Sad and vulnerable even though he's supposed to be a tough guy. Of course Eerie isn't really a tough guy, he's sort of a con artist, but not really. He's too sentimental to be a real weasel.

One thing that really surprised me was how funny the play was. On the page it is quite depressing but on stage it really came to life. The audience was into it too. Al's face would light up so much when he got a laugh! You could tell he loved it.

Al outside the theater

Finally toward the end of the play the new desk clerk sort of wakes up and gets interested in Eerie since it's his job, and he might help pass the time. He asks him questions about gambling. This was the place where Al got one of his biggest laughs. After he's been talking about gambling for 45 minutes the clerk says, "you're a gambler, right?", because he hasn't been listening. Al takes a long pause before answering and stares at the guy like he's an idiot. At least I think that's what he did since his back was to me.

Just as the clerk is finally warming up to him he kind of gives up on him and starts talking more to himself than the clerk. He's got no friends and no one to look up to him now and he's lonely. This was my favorite moment in the play, when he breaks down and talks about losing his confidence. He looked like he was on the verge of crying and it broke my heart.

Al outside the theater

The clerk asks him about some famous gambler named Rothstein and they sort of break through and make friends. The clerk agrees to play craps with him (only with Erie's money, so the clerk can't lose any real money). So he ends up taking the old Hughie's place and Eerie gets his confidence back.

He got a standing ovation. As far as his performance... I don't know if it was because I was so distracted by seeing him in person, or if it was really an off night, but it seemed like he wasn't really in to it that much. I mean he was great of course, but something was missing.

Al outside the theater

The play was over at about 9:10 or so. Only an hour but what an hour!

I got out of the theater as quickly as I could but since I was so far down next to the stage everyone else got out first. I went back to the stage door and the place was packed with about 40 or so people. I went to the end of the line and got my camera ready. I was really nervous because I didn't know what to expect. He had security guards in blue blazers. They were not happy looking people. One guy was kinda mean looking and kept telling us to stay back.

Al outside the theater

Finally at about 9:30 he came out of the stage door. He was wearing a white loosely fitting suit. He said something to the people there but I was too far away to hear. He made his way quickly down the line signing everything he could, grabbing people and taking pictures with them. I took a picture and nothing happened, no flash, no click. My camera wasn't working!!! Aaaaaaaahhhhh!!! I completely panicked. I thought my God it's broken and I'm gonna have to go buy a camera or something, no way I'm coming this far not to get a picture!! I tried again and again but no good. He was getting close when I finally saw what the problem was; the battery case had come undone and the batteries had fallen out in my purse. I frantically looked around for them but it was hopeless. He was moving too fast and people were mobbing him. I finally gave up and watched as he disappeared into the parking garage. I was heartbroken. Not only had I not gotten any pictures but I saw how fast he went and how many people were mobbing him and I knew there was very little chance I'd ever get an autograph or a picture with him. Luckily I had another ticket for the next night so I didn't completely give up and go out the window *G*.

Al outside the theater

It seemed that after the play you only had time for one thing, either an autograph, a handshake or a picture with him. Since I wasn't willing to run over people to get a picture I decided to go for a handshake. I wanted to touch him at least. And I've always loved those hands. I made sure my camera had batteries, and back up batteries, and set out for the play.

Al outside the theater

I must say his performance the next night was much better than the first night. Not that he sucked before, he was great, but the second night he was really alive and you could just tell he was much more into it. He had that sparkle that he does in films when he's really cooking. I was also probably more relaxed and knew what to expect so I got into the play more. I enjoyed it very much and I wished that it was longer.

When it ended I was sure to have my camera ready this time and snapped a quick picture as Paul and Al ran off the stage. (see above) Then I tried to get to the stage door as fast as I could. (I was tempted to bolt over this lady who was blocking me with her wheelchair but I restrained myself... barely.)

Paul Benedict
after the play

I finally got outside and again it was very crowded. I got my camera ready and made sure the batteries were in. He came out very quickly, not talking like last time. He was wearing a white suit again (very rumpled, kind of similar to his costume in the play actually) He was signing furiously and would quickly let people pose with him for a picture.

Paul Benedict's
bio (autographed)

I took some pictures then as he got near me I was afraid it was too crowded and I wouldn't be able to get to him again. But as he made his way over to me some people got a picture with him and a hole opened up next to me. I got a good closeup of him (with a goofy look on his face), then he came by me signing autographs. He had his pen out to sign something of mine and I asked him if I could shake his hand. He smiled, switched the pen out of his right hand to his left and shook my hand. Firm quick and large hands. He moved on and I took some more pictures as he went on down the line. There were a lot of people there and they kind of mobbed him as he moved toward the parking lot. His security must have had a heartattack. He finally made it to the stairway that led to the parking garage. He waved to us then he was gone.

I waited to try to get Paul Benedict's autograph on my program. He came out and several other people came over and were talking to him. I waited until they finished and took his picture, then asked for his autograph. He was very nice! He signed my program and I asked him if they were going to take the play to London. He said it depended on Al's schedule, but they were looking into it. I told him I hoped they did and I enjoyed the play a lot. I was a bit flustered and probably sounded like a goober, but I'm sure he's used to that. Then he left and I floated back to my hotel a happy girl.

Al outside the theater


Chinese Coffee autograph
photo by Anita and Steve Shevett

The Next day I didn't have tickets but I was staying in LA until the next morning so I decided to go down to the matinee performance and try to get an autograph. I looked over my collection of Al pics I brought for him to sign and picked a copy of "Chinese Coffee", my favorite play, with a picture of him in the front. I went to the theater but I got the time wrong and ended up being there before the play started. It was much better because there weren't many people there. He came up from the parking garage wearing a black suit. He seemed in a good mood but again was moving very quickly. I got a couple of pictures then got my play ready and held it out for him. He signed it, looked at me for a second smiling then moved on. I got some more pictures as he moved down the line.

I went sightseeing for the afternoon then came back before the evening performance, the last of the run. I was going to try for a picture with him. I was very nervous because I was by myself and didn't have anyone to take the picture. I asked the guy next to me and he said he would.

Al outside the theater

Al outside the theater

Al came up from the parking garage again in his black suit. I could see from far away that he was bracing himself for the gauntlet. He didn't seem in the mood to deal with the fans and just wanted to get inside. But he was cordial and smiled at people and signed etc. There weren't too many people there, maybe 15. He came past me and I asked if I could take a picture with him and he said "We already did that, didn't we honey?" and moved on. I said "No!" and he said real quick then. I ducked under the ropes but some other guy was already getting a picture with him and I was so flustered I forgot to hand my camera to the guy who was going to take my picture. Al ducked in the door and was gone. At first I was heartbroken, but when thought about it later it was kind of funny that he remembered my face. Ok, so I'd been there 4 times by then and was probably classified as "possible stalker" by his security, but still... I can say I had a conversation with him, kinda.

 

Al outside the theater

I couldn't decide whether to go back again after the show because I didn't want to piss him off, or get on some stalker list. I decided to write a little note to him and Paul Benedict thanking them for the play and telling them I enjoyed it very much. I also asked if he ever considered taping a performance for television so more people could have access to live theater. It was kind of a cornball letter, but I was in a hurry to get it finished before the play ended since it was the last night of the run.

Al outside the theater

I ran down to the theater and made it just as the crowd was walking out. I tried to give the note to an usher but she said just give it to his security. I didn't want to do that but I had no choice. I went around to the stage door and this very unpleasant looking guard was securing the area. I asked him to give the note to Al and he gave me this mean look like, "Oh please!", and said "yea, sure." and took the note. I knew by the look on his face there wasn't a chance in hell he was going to give him the note. Oh well, I tried. I decided since this was my last chance ever to see Al I'd hang around and take some pictures and try to look very "un-stalkerly".

Al came out of the stage door and the crowd mobbed him. There were about 40 people there and the crowd surrounded him. He seemed in a better mood and was joking with the crowd. I couldn't hear what he said. He made his way to the exit as the crowd followed him. Finally he was almost there and he said very loud, "Hoo ha!", at someone's request, and the crowd went crazy. Then he was gone.

Program Cover

I went down to "Otto's", a bar just down the street from the Taper. It was pretty empty. I sat at the bar and had some dinner and a "Hughie" cocktail (sauza tequila, cointreau, cranberry juice & a squeeze of lime). Otto's had a special menu of Al Pacino drinks in his honor.

I asked the guy if he had a copy of the drinks I could take with me and he said no, and that people had been stealing them. So of course stealing a copy was now out of the question =(

Al's hand and footprints
at Mann's Chinese Theater

Dinner was good and the "Hughie" was good (and strong!)

The next day I decided to complete my Pacino week by going to Hollywood Blvd. to Mann's Chinese Theater and found his prints. I took pictures, put my hands in his prints (he really does have very big hands!) and my feet in his prints.

I spent the rest of the day shopping for pictures of him and my other favorites.

I had a wonderful time and came away with the impression that Al is a genuinely nice person and a great actor on stage.

Susan


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