My semi-sesquicentennial show – Lancaster – 7/30/2010

[MrPeabody]

My what?  I'll wait while you go get your dictionary, or check wikipedia.  Are you back yet?  OK, sesquicentennial is 150th and semi is, of course, half.  This would be my 75th show and it was everything I wanted it to be and more.  I have been blessed to have attended several very special shows.  MáiréadFest is and always will be number one, but (in alphabetical order) Albuquerque, Buffalo, Cleveland and Red Rocks rank right up there, as well.  Another one was added tonight.  Round numbered anniversaries and birthdays and such are supposed to be special; 25th is silver, 50th is gold and 75th is diamond.  Today sparkled like the diamond it was destined to be.

But let's back up just a bit.  Ann Marie (CelticWomanfan425) is a member who has been a huge fan of Celtic Woman almost since its inception but has never been able to attend  a show.  I won't go into the reasons here because they are not important.  The forum leadership has been trying to get her to a show, with a Meet & Greet, for a while now and has been stymied at every attempt.  She lives in western Pennsylvania and this past spring we tried to get tickets to the Pittsburgh show but were unable to get good seats and the M&G passes were long gone.  When I learned the the girls would be coming to Lancaster I immediately obtained as many front row tickets as the pre-sale allowed.  I was only able to get four but it's a good thing that I acted as fast as I did because the show sold out in a little over a week; if I hadn't gotten up at 5:30 that morning and been in line at the box office this review might not exist.  At that time it was not a PBS show, which meant no M&G, so phase 2 kicked into gear.  I wrote a letter to John Flanagan at Celtic Woman explaining the situation and outlining our goals.  Ann Marie plays violin and wanted to meet Máiréad so I requested that arrangements be made for an after-show meeting.  I was realistic, yet cautiously optimistic.  That optimism turned to elation when I got a reply from John saying that my request would be granted.  The stars had finally aligned in Ann Marie's favor and she would see her very first show from the front row and meet Máiréad!

Well, there was still one catch.  Lancaster is almost 5 hours from her home so it took some convincing to get her parents to take her that far.  Scott used his best diplomacy and the final piece of the puzzle was in place.  The countdown had started!  She was so excited that she asked me to mail her ticket to her so she could actually hold it in her hand.  I don't think that she really believed it was going to happen until that point.

Fast forward to today.  Today would be a glorious day, in many ways.  The weather had broken the day before and there was nothing but blue sky and white puffy clouds.  We had a small forum gathering planned.  In addition to Ann Marie and myself, we had Roy (beowolf) who brought a lovely fruit basket for the girls, Rebecca (reb) and her friend Ted, Annie (needleworklady), and the “other” Mike (cash).  I got to the venue around 3:30 and found a nice spot in the shade to relax while waiting for our scheduled 5:00 meeting.  I had a clear view of the stage door area and saw quite a few of the cast passing by.  I didn't intrude on their privacy; it was nice to see them just being themselves rather than performing.  Around 4:30 Roy arrived and delivered his gift to security at the stage door.  Then we chatted while we waited for the rest to arrive.  Rebecca and Ted were first followed shortly thereafter by Annie and Mike.  A little after 5:00 I called Ann Marie to find out where she was and it turned out they were just turning into the parking lot.  I had not yet met her so introductions were made with her and her parents.  After a consensus was reached we had a delightful dinner at Cracker Barrel, directly across the street from the venue.  As usual, we all hit it off quickly and much conversation was had before, during and after dinner.

Finally, around 7:00 we headed back to the venue to prepare for the main event.  I had a few items I needed to purchase for some other forum members and Ann Marie needed some things so we lingered around the concession table for a while until the doors opened.  Our seats were front row, orchestra right, directly in front of Des.  The “stop line” for the girls was set back from the edge of the stage, but the venue is intimate enough that it didn't really affect our enjoyment at all.  Rebecca and Ted were next to us since she had purchased my other two venue tickets.  Annie and Mike were in row J on the left since they had purchased my PBS tickets.  Roy was also in row J, so we were a little scattered but had both sides of the venue covered.  While we were waiting, Roison walked by selling programs (her second vocation) and Rebecca got her to sign Ann Marie's program.  How rare of an autograph is that?  Promptly at 8:00 the recorded announcement was played followed by an American Music Theater representative plugging upcoming events at the theater.  Ann Marie was  getting increasingly excited as the clock slowly inched forward.  She and Rebecca were, of course, equipped with Fiddler Crossing signs and instructions on their use.  The lights dimmed and Chloë entered.  It was time.

I will not review the show here.  Tonight was not about the show.  I was not watching the show through eyes that had seen it many times, nor was I watching it through the critical eyes of a reviewer.  Not tonight.  Tonight I divorced myself from all of that and watched the show through Ann Marie's eyes.  And what a show it was.  Lisa spotted me right away and smiled knowingly.  It was obvious that they all knew what was coming up later.  The first time that Máiréad came to our side of the stage she flashed one of those amazing full-face smiles and mouthed a “Hi!” to me.  I pointed to Ann Marie to let Máiréad know where her attention should be directed.  Tonight was not about me.  She got the message and throughout the show all of the girls gave Ann Marie lots of attention.  There were several points where they sang directly to her for extended lengths of time.  During You Raise Me Up, watching Máiréad in the shadows as I always do, she gave me several of the sweetest smiles this side of heaven.  I wished I had made a “Thank You” sign but knew that I could thank her later.

At intermission, Rachel had come down to visit and explained what we needed to do after the show so we were ready.  At the risk of overextending my welcome, I hinted that it would be nice if the other girls could stop by to say “Hi” while we were meeting with Máiréad but it turned out that I needn't have asked.  In the weeks leading up to tonight I had maintained realistic expectations of what was going to happen, but I had this dream of what I really wanted to happen.  My dream was coming true; Ann Marie would not only be meeting Máiréad, she would be meeting all of the girls!  I was so happy for her that I could hardly contain myself.

After the show, Rachel returned and directed us to one of the side entrances where we would be out of the way of the crew tearing down the stage.  Soon that door opened and four angels walked out.  I was glad to see that they had not gone to the trouble of changing into their M&G gowns; that would have been a totally unnecessary waste of time.  Instead they wore their normal street clothes and looked just as lovely, if not more so, than when they are in their gowns.  They swarmed Ann Marie and it was both a little funny and so wonderful to watch as they chatted like old friends.  She had brought a ton of items to be signed and the girls graciously signed as many of them as time (and Rachel) would allow,.  As items were finished Lisa handed them to me for safekeeping and at one point she joked that I was Ann Marie's PA (Personal Assistant)!  Far too soon Rachel began hinting that they needed to head for the buses.  Before that, though, there was one final item in my dream for today and that was that the moment be recorded for posterity.  That request, too, was granted.

Then it was over.  I thanked them all as they left and thanked Rachel for all of her efforts.  Ann Marie was floating on air as we waited for her parents to pick her up.  My feet weren't touching the ground either and I drove home in a state of euphoria.  Mission accomplished.

I will close here with some well-deserved thanks.  First, and foremost, thanks to the Celtic Woman organization for being so accommodating.  Thanks to Rachel for being such a sweetheart (yes, I said it) and organizing everything.  Thanks to Scott (moscapoet) for his perseverance and assistance.  And, of course, the biggest thanks of all goes the four lovely ladies who graced us with their presence tonight, both on stage and off.  And a small shout out to Rebecca for her help, too.  The evening might not have gone quite as smoothly without her being there.

There you have it, my first non-review ever.  I won't tell you how many spins Máiréad did, even though I counted them by force of habit.  I won't talk about lighting or sound or the audience either.  All I will say is that it was one of my most special shows ever.  A final thank you goes to the forum, for without all of you supporting Máiréad I would not have been led to this place and to this point in my life and I would not have had this experience.  Sorry for not putting a Kleenex alert at the top but you all know you take that risk with my posts sometimes.  Some of you were forewarned.

[Capn Davey]

WOW Mike

I'm so happy that this was able to happen for her thank you so much
see you and everyone else later today

Dave

[Tom~Tom]

SWEET! 

[apollomoon]

My God Mike!!!
Josh just came in from staying at a friend's house as I was just finishing this incredible story. I have mentioned to him the little backstories of how Forum Folk make such special things happen and when I told him of it he really was speechless.
It is quite remarkable how this organization has establish such a wonderful relationship with CW ltd.  and the Girls. Of course I have found first hand that the second part of that is very easy.
Now, in sight of a week, Kelly, I and another true fan of the Girls have had dreams realized.  Mine was not as incredible as Ann's, but I know how she feels! Wonderful .
Did you see Lisa before the Bethel show??? Was that why I got attention that night   JK.. but I would not put it out of the realm of possiblilty after reading this remarkable story. Now I can personally feel their warmth and admiration for the fans, just as you have always said it is.
Perhaps Ann would like a book of reviews from the spring tour. I certainly would be more than happy to produce one for her if I could get her mailing particulars. I'll bet it would make a great gift and souvenir. I wish I had known before hand, I would have provided one for her show to be signed. Well, she will get to another show. We will see to that eh?
Wonderful job Mike and Scott. Thank you for your efforts. As a forum member, it makes me very proud to see such a wonderful experience unfold. You know how I feel about helping others. Again through your review of the event I felt as if I was there!!

Street clothes  . See I'm not as dumb as I look!!
Dave

[JimM.]

Well done, Mike!  I'm glad Ann Marie had such a great time and THANK YOU!! to you, Scott, CW, Rachel, the ladies and others for helping her.  I hope she will be posting a review, too.

[Starman]

     What a wonderful and moving "non-review" of a most wondrous night, Mike!  A "Kleenex alert" would have been appropriate!  I am so happy for this special night for Ann-Marie!!  Many thanks to you, Scott and any other forum members for making it happen!

    And, of course, specials thanks to Rachel,  John Flannagan, all the soloists and anyone else who made this dream-come-true for one of our dedicated forum members!        May her 75th show be as gratifying as yours! 

[heathbrae]

You're so right, Mike.  Kleenex alert definitely needed here!!!!!!!  Thanks for taking the time to write such a poignant review and for all you did in making Ann-Marie's dream happen.  Thanks also to all of you who helped with it as well.  You all went well out of your way and you were rewarded handsomely.

[DALTON]

To heck with the kleenex. I needed two full sized bandannas!!!  Not bad mike and company not bad at all.

[Celtic Fiddle Chick]

Wow, that was not what I was expecting as a review. One of your best I might add. You just can't go wrong with those wonderful ladies. I can't even imagine the excitment Ann Marie had. A once in a life time VIP experince.

Thank you to everyone who made this a very special night for one fan.

[Moscapoet]

I am happy beyond measure and the keyboard is very wet. Like the meeting last year between Chloe and Kimberly this was long in coming, took more than one set of hands, and the reward so very sweet. What a beautiful write up, Mike.

       Folks, this began early this year through conversations that Ann Marie and I were having on Facebook. Mike was our new admin at the time  and this would be his very first task on behalf of a forum member. Throughout the spring tour beginning right away in Roanoke, Mike has proven his leadership and people skills as well as clearly shown his compassion for the members here. Ann Marie communicated through me to Mike and the reverse as well until just recently. She simply felt more comfortable with that. I and mostly Mike tried very hard to get her a good seat and meeting with Máiréad close to home in Pittsburgh. As Mike stated it just was not in the cards. Both he and I felt so badly about that but there was no giving up. It did take some convincing of her parents. She can explain if she chooses why attending a show and meeting is such a challenge. We could not assure her at the time that this would happen only that we were giving it everything we had. i have read the communications between Mike and CW and he has mentioned the meeting more than once to Rachel on this tour in NY. Both Rachel and Máiréad were aware of it and in the final days and hours it was set. Mike took the lead on it just as I had with the Kimberly and Chloe meeting last year at MáiréadFest. But he was not alone in it nor was I then. Celtic Woman knows the value in good PR and this was certainly that! But the artists are the ones with the caring hearts that could not miss the chance to fill another person with their gifts of kindness. I remember the Kim and Chloe meeting in that room full of smiling, teary eyed forum folks. I know the feeling that was in the room with this meeting all too well.

       This is what this place is about. For the Irish family is paramount. They are family on the road while on tour. We are a family here. Those two families are very close and the common bond is the amazing fidldler we share. I cannot express the honor of being in a leadership role here from nearly day one. Mike continues the traditions set here in many ways. Here is yet another one. I hope the photo taken will appear at some point so everyone can share in the joy of the moment visually. But Mike, as he always does, has painted a wonderful picture with words of a moment that everyone here should feel proud of.

        Ann Marie, all of us here hope this was all you ever dreamed and more. We hope your parents felt it worth the trip and the effort. You have enough pixie dust to last a good long while and memories to cherish forever. Thank you for being part of this place, for trusting us with making this happen, and safe travels home. To you, Mike, well done my friend. I can only imagine the experience and am so happy you were there to share in it. Safe travels and have a great time in Philly tonight.

[Iluvcelticwoman]

Oh MY Goodness!! What a night she had! Thank you all for making that possible.. I know it meant a lot to her! Just to see the look on her face would have been priceless!

Congrats Ann Marie on your very special night!!

<3 you

[barbeaver]

Thank you to all who made this dream come true for Ann Marie!!! I have been reading her posts for a long time and my heart always ached when I read how much she wanted to attend a CW show. I read a few posts on Facebook that led me to believe she was finally going to go to a show and even possibly meet some of the girls. This is quite an accomplishment and Scott and Mike you are to be commended for making her dream come true. Once again, folks on this forum have shown the true spirit of giving. When I saw the picture of Ann Marie with all four girls on facebook, I was overcome with emotions and I knew that she had been blessed beyond measure. Wow, you guys are the greatest. My life has really been blessed by the gifts I have received since discovering Celtic Woman. I treasure all of the wonderful memories of all the shows I have attended and of meeting the girls at M&Gs. I also treasure the friends I have made here in the Enchanted Forest...some I have met and others I look forward to meeting. I am so happy for Ann Marie and I know she will treasure last night forever. Thanks again to Scott and Mike for making her dream come true.

Barb

[kilarney06]

Mike and Scott and Everyone else. WOW! What a spl. nite for a spl. friend. I am sure that you will all be blessed again and again. what a stellar job. 

[Glenn A.K.A. The Rotten Rebel]

Oh my GOSH!
I am in tears. Outstanding! 
I think I know just how she feels. It brings me back to my 1st. meeting. A meeting that wasn't even supposed to happen.
It is just another example of the the magic that these wonderful people can make.
I must echo those words of thanks to all that were involved in making yest another persons dream come true.
To some, that might not be seen as such a big deal. But, if they were to try to put, themselves into our shoes sometimes, as I believe they in fact did in this case, I'm sure they understand. And do what they can, as often as they can.
And when happenings like this do occur, I think that it's just magic.
i wasn't there, but I must day, to everyone that was involved in making that dream come true, Thank you. Another memory that will linger in the heart of a fan, for a long long time.
                                             
                                            Glenn, A.K.A. The Rotten Rebel

[MrPeabody]

Thanks to all for your comments.  The term "labor of love" was never more applicable than here.  Thanks again for the efforts of all concerned that helped make this event possible.  Her parents were very sweet and grateful.  Ann Marie and her parents turned the lengthy trip into a short mini-vacation and stayed in Lancaster on Saturday.  Roy and I tried to talk them into visiting Strasburg and either riding the train or visiting the museum.  I hope they did.

After I finally posted my story at 3am I tried to go to sleep.  The body was willing but the brain kept replaying the night and it's really hard to sleep with tears streaming down your face.  I woke up early and got ready to head to Philly.  The tear ducts got a workout all day as I kept reliving Friday night.  There have been many times where, after a M&G, I relive it and kick myself for forgetting to say something or wishing I had done something different.  This time, though, everything was absolutely perfect and there was nothing I would have changed.

I wish everyone here could have witnessed the love in that theater Friday night.  I mentioned Lisa's knowing look early in the show.  She knew more than I did at that point because I thought we were only meeting Máiréad.  So much love was flowing from the stage directly to Ann Marie.  At the meeting, she was literally surrounded by Celtic Women; I almost couldn't see her!  She had Lisa in front of her, Lynn on her right, Chloë over her shoulder behind her and Máiréad on her left.  I didn't hear most of what was being said, I was just basking in the moment and trying to catch a little overflow from the love being spread around.

I have used all of the avenues available to me to thank Celtic Woman and the girls for what they did for Ann Marie.  At the M&G in Philly, I thanked Rachel, Chloë and Máiréad again.  In their usual humble style they said that it was just as special for them as it was for Ann Marie and that they were happy to do it.  They are without a doubt the most beautiful (both outside and inside) and generous people on the planet and I feel truly blessed to be able to consider them my friends.