MEETING JOHN!
By Deborah Loffredi

Hi!

I recently attended "The Dinner Party" in New York and thought you might enjoy hearing my story of meeting John and Henry.

I managed to secure front row tickets for the show, which in itself is amazing becuse my computer quit THREE times while I was ordering the tickets! I kept getting moved further and further back until finally the front row tickets came back up. I said a little prayer then clicked "Purchase tickets" and this time it worked. I saw the show with my mom. We had tickets for AIDA the following night, but my mom didn't know she had a ticket for "The Dinner Party." I bought it for her as an early Mother's Day present and gave it to her over dinner that evening. Of course, she was very excited.

Well, when we got to the theatre and saw just how close our seats were... well, let's just say we could have used the stage as a coat rack. But, luckily once the show started, we agreed our seats were great. I held my breath through the standard "No pictures or video recording" speech becuase I was sure it would be followed by "The role of Claude Pichon will be played tonight by..." But, luckily there was no such announcement.

The show was great! I'm not usually one to laugh out loud at shows. I mean, I have a big sense of humor, but I could sit through a whole night of "must-see TV" and not laugh. Which is why I'm so taken with "Three's Company" because it DOES make me laugh out loud. I usually see musicals. My degree is in acting, but my concentration was musical theatre, so when it comes to Broadway, that's what I usually go for. But, believe me - I didn't miss the music at ALL! Eveyone was very funny! We even saw one of the female understudies. She was great. John, of course, was perfect in the role. My favorite moments came when he threw in a few teensy weensy moves that we all would associate with Jack Tripper. (Which is why there probably weren't more moves like that.) But, they were my favorite. Henry had formed a completely different character than I've ever seen him do.

So, after the show (when the whole audience undoubtably had to pee - there's no intermission) the cast announced that all of Broadway was raising money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Every show does something different. I've seen them just stand with boxes collecting money. Some sell autographed CDs, etc. But, this group did more than I've seen any others do. Henry announced he would auction off the handkerchief he used in the show. Well, he didn't USE it use it. You know what I mean. The winners could come to his dressing room for the autograph and photos. The bidding started at $2.00 but quickly moved to $50.00 and ended at $1,200! A second one went for slightly less. They also announced that for a twenty dollar donation (more my price range) Henry and John would pose for a photo with you. That sounded good to me! I knew from reading this site that John would most likely sign and pose after the show, but this sounded even better.

So, after a trip to the restroom, (and wiping off from Henry's slightly off target throw of his champagne) we made our way to the lobby. There were still about 50 people in line. It was fun watching Henry and John interact with everyone. They were very gracious and polite (and funny). Finally, it was my turn. Now, first let me say that I DO like Henry Winkler. As a matter of fact, when I was little, my mom would get me to help out, by telling me that the Fonz did. I was twelve before I realized that the Fonz didn't sweep the kitchen floor, clean the cats' litter box and walk the dog. But, whatever works. That said, I almost walked right past Henry to John. But, I did stop for a quick 'hello' and kiss on the cheek. I was just more drawn to John. He greeted me, said hello and asked if I was sitting in the front row. I said I was, etc. We talked a bit and got the photo. I was really pleased it turned out so well; except Henry looks as though he's not sure he's even IN the picture:-) Afterwards, we said a few more words and I was off.

My mom and I left the theatre and stood outside debating whether or not to stick around. I had brought a "Three's Company" Reagle Beagle t-shirt which I wanted John to sign. I felt kind of weird about waiting..."Oh, thanks a lot for the picture, but I'm greedy. Sign this." And, to our surprise, no one else was waiting. Finally, a guy opened the door to smoke. I thought I'd ask him if he thought John would mind signing something when he came out. Well! This guy was SOOO rude to me! I have never seen someone be that mean. So, I decided to leave. Not necessarily because of "Mr. Mean", but because if John was tired and didn't want to sign, I didn't want that guy to be right. So, my mom and I headed to our hotel.

We got about half a block away and realized we were heading in the wrong direction. We started back up the street towards the theatre. When we got to the stage door, the "handkerchief people" were waiting. "Mr. Mean" was eyeing them up. I think he wanted them to ask a question so he could be mean to them too. Not sure. Anyway, I decided to wait too. About ten seconds later, John came out. He greeted the handkerchief people then gave me the nicest "HI!" He signed their stuff, then came over to me. I asked if he would mind signing something for me. (I know he signed for the other people, but they paid over $1,000 and deserved it!) He said, "For you? Anything." I pulled out the shirt and he said, "Wow. Where did you get this?!" I told him I got it off the internet and it was probably illegal, because it wasn't an offical shirt or anything. So, he signed it, said goodnight and took off to his waiting car.

I'm just so pleased that John was nice. I'm not a real star struck person, but I've always felt I wanted to meet John. And he was just a sweet sincere guy!

If anyone wants more info on the show, or just wants to chat about it, please email me at Scully931@yahoo.com

Thanks for reading!

Deborah