Broadway Matinee

Anne was so excited for this day.  She had never been to a Broadway production, but was greatly intrigued by the reviews of the show performing in her hometown...rather, she had to come into the city for the show.

There was a sense of exceptional eagerness among the crowd waiting to enter the theater.  She was alone today because her boyfriend could not get out of work.  Although she was upset because he was the one that bought the tickets, she was thrilled to know that she had a private box seat.

And then the doors opened.  Formal Broadway etiquette -

Present the ticket and receive the stub.
Purchase a Playbill.
Ushers show audience members to their seats
Acceptable allowance to view the orchestra pit up close

And then the orchestra pit is filled with musicians tuning their instruments

Last to arrive audience members being shown to their seats

Everyone was dressed so formally.  Anne was in a lovely lace navy blue gown reserved for very special occasions...such as this one.  She could not understand why a Broadway audience dressed up, but suits and gowns were simply proper tradition and etiquette. 

And then the lights dimmed

Everyone clapped as the velvet red curtains opened to start the show.

The Broadway musical left Anne in a trance.  She was lost in happy awe by the talent on stage.  Singing, dialogue, costumes, scenery.  On exact cue.

And then the intermission

Many left their seats to go to the concession stand on the ground floor of the theater.  Anne was most comfortable where she was.

And then the dimming of the lights

Audience cue to return to their seats

The musical continued for one final hour.  Shouts of "Bravo!" and "Encore!" for the main actors and actresses to bow once more.

Anne was filled with electric excitement waiting to enter the theater and settling into her private box seat that had an ideal view of the entire stage and performers. 

She left with the magic of Broadway continuing to play in her mind.