The theater has a strict no camera policy, so I left mine at home and I enjoyed the show thoroughly without looking through a view finder. The Palace has especially good lighting, and it was better there than any place I've seen Al perform. All the colors are very rich and you can see the individual beams of light. The Dog Eat Dog shadow dancing effect worked especially well here. In fact, it was the first time I noticed that the white spotlight guy did something other than make Al look eerie. I didn't see the shadow dance at OC Fair or Poughkeepsie at all.
During SLN, Al left a silent gap in the "I forgot the next verse" verse. It seems to add to the humor of the song, and although he may have done it before, it's the first time I've noticed it. Another thing that really added to the humor was that 1 cheerleader was really good and the other one was totally clueless. It was a hoot to watch.
The audience wasn't as cooperative in participating. I feel kind of isolated in situations like that. It's still fun -- just not as much fun. After Fat when Al said "good night" he didn't say "I love you all." I was worried for awhile, but he did say it after Yoda, so he does love us afterall.
I waited out by the stage door after the show, and there were some very entertaining guys out there. They did cool a capella doo wop versions of Albuquerque (as much as they could remember) and Hardware Store. One guy could even do "the verse," but he did stop to breathe once or twice. Still very impressive.
Rubén and Bermuda both waved to us from the window above the stage door. Rubén had a nice looking sandwich on marble rye, but he didn't share.
After a short wait, Skip came out with the announcement that Al WOULD do an autograph line. WOOHOO! Only 2 shows for me this year, and I got to see Al after both. SWEET! When I got up to Al I was a little sad when I told him this was probably the last time I'd be able to see him this year. He said "OH NO!" in a lovely, concerned kind of way, and gave me a really nice hug. As he was signing my new t-shirt I asked him if he remembered my name because I forgot it. He asked "how much is it worth to you?" I said $27, and he said "Elizabeth, keep your money
"Needless to say, I left very happy, and I'm still all warm and fuzzy about it <sigh>.
So now, I have these strange mixed feelings of joy and sadness (mostly joy). Every experience I've ever had with Al always exceeds my expectations. I don't think I can say that about anyone else I know.
El
