{"id":8749,"date":"2024-02-10T16:12:12","date_gmt":"2024-02-10T14:12:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.danamladin.com\/?p=8749"},"modified":"2025-08-13T21:10:38","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T19:10:38","slug":"plaza-suite-antrenament-pentru-un-autograf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.danamladin.com\/en\/2024\/02\/plaza-suite-antrenament-pentru-un-autograf\/","title":{"rendered":"Plaza Suite \u2013 training for an autograph…"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Rarely, very rarely, but it happens to me: I buy a ticket for a show I want to see, and only afterward do I buy a plane ticket and book a hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This time, the enthusiastic girl in me wanted to see, in the flesh, two Hollywood actors: Sarah Jessica Parker<\/strong> and Matthew Broderick<\/strong> (her husband). I spotted them on the poster two months ago, when I saw, in the same theater, the musical Sunset Boulevard<\/em> with Nicole Scherzinger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The play is called Plaza Suite<\/em>, and I admit that, before the show, I read a bit about it to understand the story. I also came across a review by chance, which I read with interest, and it made me even more curious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I kept wondering what I would think of Mrs. Parker, who for me is marked by Sex and The City<\/em>, although I did manage to see her in a couple of other movies since then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I got… the cheapest ticket closest to the stage. Well, “cheapest” is a completely misleading term in this case, considering that ticket prices for this show range from \u00a3175 to \u00a3395! Yes, you read that right. And there are very few seats left that you can find from one day to the next. (The site also lists a category of \u00a325\/\u00a335\/\u00a355 tickets, but on no day do they appear to be available…)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am thrilled to be going, even though I fear I might not understand everything (at least in musicals, they sing, if the dialogue might be complicated for me…).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AUTOGRAPH<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I know, I’m a TV producer, I know, I’ve worked with a lot of celebrities in Romania, but still, when you see people you’ve only ever seen in American movies, you can’t act like the big shot on the production field. You, too, are fascinated by the presence of those celebrities. So, I’m preparing for the possibility of getting autographs after the show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I search online for a picture featuring both protagonists. Considering they’re husband and wife, it’s not hard to find one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I go to a photo center to print a large photo, on matte cardboard, to ensure the paper doesn\u2019t crumple or the pen doesn\u2019t pierce it when those people sign the photo with themselves on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I pack it in my luggage with the utmost care, in a plastic sleeve, then in a document folder clipped to a clipboard, to avoid any risk of bending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sure, I could have skipped these steps by simply buying a program booklet at the show and asking for the autograph directly on it. But wait, my plan is grand!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

THE SAVOY THEATRE<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I arrive in London on Saturday. Since I\u2019m staying close to the theater, I decide to make a quick trip there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Until the show I have a ticket for, there are three performances before mine, so I can try going after one of them with my printed photo to secure an autograph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Near the theater, I already start seeing \u201csigns\u201d related to Plaza Suite<\/em>. And just like that, the excitement grows…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There are no tickets available for either of today\u2019s two performances. Fine, fine, no problem, since I already have a ticket for three days from now. But tell me, Mr. Ticket Seller, is there an autograph session after the show?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSometimes there is\u201d, the man at the counter replies. \u201cThere\u2019s no guarantee they\u2019ll come out after a particular show. But if you want, come today after the second one. After the first, they almost certainly won\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I asked how long the play lasts, so I\u2019d know when to station myself at the \u201cStage Door\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then I sat there and realized I was being crazy: I\u2019d be missing an evening of a musical \u2013 which is a big deal for me \u2013 just to wait and stalk Mrs. Parker and Mr. Broderick. And what if they don\u2019t show up??? Won\u2019t I regret missing a musical?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I buy a ticket to a musical! To one being performed in a theater about 2 kilometers away from the Plaza Suite<\/em> theater. How do I know? I looked at the map, as I had already planned to dash over after the show to catch the Hollywood stars signing autographs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But then it dawned on me: the musical I\u2019m seeing is longer than most musicals, of course! And there\u2019s no chance I\u2019ll make it in time, not even if I were Usain Bolt. I console myself when I see the wet pavement, a sign that it\u2019s been raining: \u201cThey didn\u2019t come out in this weather\u201d, I tell myself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Sunday, there\u2019s no performance (nor are there musicals playing on Sunday evenings). My goodness, and how much time I would have had to wait in line, like in Ceau\u0219escu\u2019s time, for milk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Monday, I already had a ticket to see a spectacular musical for the second time (Hamilton<\/em>). And once again, I\u2019m calculating how I could dash off for autographs, but here I have absolutely no chance \u2013 a long musical and a large distance between theaters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And then Tuesday arrives. I prepare as if I\u2019m going to an exam!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I place the photo neatly in the clipboard and bring along my full arsenal of writing instruments that I brought from home: a thick green marker, a thin black marker, a regular pen, and more, but I only take these three.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I arrive at the theater early, earlier than ever before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So early, in fact, that I\u2019m among the first to enter the hall (the others who arrived like me are already at the theater\u2019s bars, glasses in hand, chatting about who knows what). I leave my coat and backpack on my seat and set off to explore the theater…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PLAZA SUITE SOUVENIRS<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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At one of the merchandise stands, I spot the \u201cmerch\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I ask the seller what sells the most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe magnet\u201d, he replies. \u201cThen the keychain, because it\u2019s unique.\u201d Those were exactly what I wanted too, predictably…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u00a313 for both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I buy a program (\u00a38), then go back and ask for another one. This way, I have one to browse through and a second, clean and pristine, for autographs \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Since I\u2019m among the first in the hall, I chat with the usher in my section. I ask her about the autograph session, just to gather information from multiple sources (a journalist\u2019s reflex…).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, they do come out for autographs, but they come out very quickly, right after the show, and they stay for only 5-7 minutes\u201d. My heart is already beating faster…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The woman, very kind, gives me a tip: at the end, I should exit through a specific door of the theater, which is the closest to the actors\u2019 entrance. Or \u201cexit\u201d, in this case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guess what? That door is exactly on the opposite side from where my seat is, but that\u2019s no obstacle for me. After all, I\u2019ve managed to catch a connecting flight by jumping over seats and people retrieving their luggage from overhead bins mid-aisle \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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During intermission, I analyze the layout, measure the distance to the door, and figure out the best way to dash out without being stopped by security for disturbing public order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I already took out my clipboard. Then I changed my mind, not the photo, better the Program. I put the photo away and take out the Program instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I pull out the thick marker and put it in my pocket so I have it handy. Then I change my mind again. The marker isn\u2019t ideal because it\u2019s harder to open; better to use the pen, which I can keep uncapped and ready. I put the marker away and take out the pen. Then I realize it\u2019s a black pen, no one will believe the signatures are original, they\u2019ll think they\u2019re just copies. Better the thin marker, because it\u2019s colored. I put the pen away and take out the thin marker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It starts raining outside, and the thin marker\u2019s writing will smudge. I put the thin marker away and take out the thick marker again. And that\u2019s it!!! I\u2019m ready to run for the autograph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The play ends, the audience enchanted (and me, so much!!!), but no one has emotions like mine right now. It feels like I’m going to pick up an Oscar!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the curtain falls, I grab everything \u2013 already prepared \u2013 and with ‘sorry, sorry’, I head against the crowd. I reach THAT door first, as no one was in a hurry (just like I’m never in a hurry at the end of a show).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I step out and\u2026 seriously?! There are already 5 people in line at a fence. Hmm… Did they leave their bags from last night to hold their place in line?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AUTOGRAPH QUEUE<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I stand optimistically. And I wait\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I get my phone ready, do some checks. People start gathering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two big dudes are behind the fence, near the Stage Door. And they\u2019re sizing us up while chewing gum like crazy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I check my phone again, it’s on video mode, ready to press the trigger. It\u2019s raining lightly, friendly. But not friendly for the phone and the program booklet… I start wiping them off, then hide the Program under my jacket. The phone has to be ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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More people are gathering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The guys keep chewing their gum and start organizing the line. And we\u2019re still waiting…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I change my mind again: I put the marker in, take the pen out. Damn it, at least the pen writing will survive the rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a cheerful, pleasant atmosphere. Some people have umbrellas, others are hiding under hoods or hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have an umbrella too, but who do you think is going to take it out?! I need another hand. I have the phone in one hand, the Program and pen in the other, trying to maneuver so I can hold them out at the same time and then grab them back simultaneously, all while filming. It\u2019s like I\u2019m Mr. Bean practicing the Queen\u2019s salute, hahaha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lot of people have gathered, so there\u2019s no longer an orderly line. But I\u2019m good, at the fence, ready to shout ‘I love you, I love youuu’.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two guys, still chewing their gum (which surely has no taste left!), go into the theater, one after the other. They\u2019re trying to figure out what\u2019s going on, supposedly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We, the spectators, exchange friendly glances with each other since we\u2019re all packed together in the line. I have my backpack on my back, which is a perfect opportunity for any thief to pickpocket me. But I can’t keep it safe anymore. Plus, I figure, if you\u2019re spending an average of 200 pounds to go to a show, you’re of a certain caliber, not the type to steal someone\u2019s hat or popcorn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I wipe my phone from raindrops again and again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ah, let me put it in airplane mode, just in case I get the surprise of a call right when I’m filming the big moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A wave of applause and laughter makes us turn towards the end of the line. One of the doors of the theater has opened, but it\u2019s just one of the two guys. He\u2019s also amused by the reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A young lady comes out of the actors’ door \u2013 a minor role. After a while, a guy comes out \u2013 also a minor role. Some girls compliment their performance. Small, but cute. I mean the performance\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After several comings and goings at the actors’ door, one of the guys comes out and takes the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

‘Don\u2019t shoot the messenger!’ \u2013 aaaa, well, from how he started, we figured out what was coming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indeed, he announces that, tonight, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick won\u2019t be coming out for autographs. And we\u2019re not to come back on another night, because they can\u2019t allow all the people who weren\u2019t lucky enough, to stand on the little alley by the actors\u2019 entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And he keeps chewing his gum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I pack everything into my backpack and leave disappointed, just like the others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019d love to have come the next day, but I have a flight back home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, I\u2019m content with the fact that I saw the two of them in the play. I\u2019m joking now. I\u2019m actually extremely excited that I saw them, I liked them a lot, and I really liked Ms. Parker! I recognized many things from her ‘Carrie’ character in Sex and the City<\/em>, but I also noticed a surprisingly good sense of humor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I had a ticket very close to the stage, in the 5th row, and on top of that, I took advantage of the fact that two people didn\u2019t show up and occupied one of their seats, closer to the center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I saw the main actors up close, so close that, beyond watching their expressions and gazes with fascination, I also saw her repeatedly trying to get rid of some strands from her blonde wig that were stuck on her face. Clearly, they were causing her discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The play? Very cool! The concept, the dialogue. I didn\u2019t catch all the jokes because of the language barrier, but I was happy that I understood most of them \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was fantastic, really!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And don\u2019t blame me: encouraged by several other spectators who took out their phones during the final applause (it\u2019s forbidden to take photos or film here) and with the tacit permission of the theater staff, I filmed a little bit of the two of them coming out for the applause. Just a little, because my hands were burning to applaud them too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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