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"Christopher Plummer glances down from the stage. Even though the spotlight is undoubtedly in his eyes, I feel sure he is looking right at me. I've never been in a staring contest with Captain Von Trapp before, so I'm not quite sure what I'm supposed to do. Perching on the edge of my seat seems a good idea, so I do that and cup my hands together under my chin. I gaze back up at Mr Plummer with wide eyes. There's a grin plastered on my face that I hope conveys "earnest excitement", but it must miss the mark because before I can do anything about it, the Captain turns his attention elsewhere and the spell is broken."
I had multiple star-struck encounters like this on Monday night, but that's what happens when you're eight feet away from the stage at The 70th Annual Theatre World Awards, held at the Circle in the Square Theater just off Times Square. Each year, these awards celebrate twelve "promising personalities" whose debut Broadway or off-Broadway performances were significantly reviewed during the current theatre season.
My attendance at this event was entirely accidental of course. Earlier in the evening I'd actually been stuffing my face at the Taste of Times Square food festival a few blocks away. But when the text came in from a friend, inviting me to be his "plus one" at a theatre event nearby, I did not hesitate.
And when it occurred to me that we were both guests of first-time Tony Award nominee Mary Bridget Davies (MBD) the Broadway Bubble settled around me and didn't burst for hours. I walked down the stairs of the theatre, settled into my seat at the tiny cabaret table, arm's length from the stage, and tried my best to belong.
Because I had to be dreaming, right? I mean, did I really just watch Chris O'Dowd and Zachary Levi face the paparazzi and give interviews? Was that really Zachary Quinto who bounded past me and up to the stage to present an award to his friend and colleage? Did my friend really just say "Oh my God, we have better seats than Bryan Cranston!", and it was actually true?
If there was ever a night to pinch myself in New York, this was it.
Before long, Mary's name was called and she went up to the stage to collect her first World Theatre Award for her powerhouse performance in "A Night With Janis Joplin". The show has finished now but it was clear that Mary had made an impression. She has definitely arrived. Mary's acceptance speech was heartfelt, honest, and had all the hallmarks of someone who put her heart and soul into sharing Janice Joplin's story in the most authentic way possible.
And then of course, there was Mr Plummer, who is looking pretty good for an 85 year old (but really, does he ever age?). The theatre erupted when he was awarded the John Willis Award for a Lifetime of Achievement in the Theatre. His acceptance speech was funny and articulate, and generously recognised all the people who have come before him in the theatre and all the new talent in the room (and beyond) who were finding their way now. He even had the good grace not to grimace when the pianist played "Eidelweiss" to escort him off-stage. And through it all, I just beamed.
And as surely as night follows day, my first-ever awards ceremony was followed by my first ever after-party. This one was held on the rooftop at the historic Copacabana. I'm not sure if Barry Manilow would still declare it "the hottest spot north of Havana" but I can assure you of one thing, those guys know how to buffet! So much amazing food was on offer and an open bar to boot. When we left a few hours later, the DJ was playing Michael Jackson and I could never fault that.
The events of Monday night will stay with me for a really long time to come. I was so honoured to be included in MBD's winning evening, and to help her warm up to her very first Tony Award ceremony on Sunday. My fingers and toes will remain crossed for her!
