Christmas With Clay in the Most Dangerous City in AmericaActually, Camden didn't seem all that dangerous, especially when I saw that the ornaments said "Philadelphia" on them and I became confused as to exactly where I was anyway. I was where Clay was, that was all that mattered! Yeah, I'm easy, as if that's news!
Tweeter is an odd place; evidently, it doubles as an outdoor amphitheater in the summer months, and a more intimate enclosed venue in the winter, which seats up to 7,000. The back of the venue was curtained off, and I would estimate there were about 1500-2000 people there.
Deanna and I met Susy there, and one of those really
special moments
happened before we went to our seats. Apparently, a mom and dad and their little girl had purchased tickets from someone on the Clayboard that turned out to be counterfeit. Nice.
As it turned out, Susy had exactly *3* extra tickets (purchased hastily in the presale!), and since she had upgraded us a bit, she handed those tickets right over to that family. They were so happy! It made me get a little misty.
In the lobby, there are video screens showing what's happening on stage, and William Joseph was already playing when we entered the lobby right at 8:00. William Joseph is cute and talented. And funny. And also, very cute. His fingers just fly in his last song, Ausperius, and I wish him all the luck and success in the world.
We were in about the 20th row and waaaay over to the side. If we had sat in our reserved seats that is. As it was, there were three empty seats closer to the center, so we scooted on down. Much better. We weren't close enough to be distracted by those sparkly eyes and the like, so were were able to take in the entire stage, and to view the show as a whole instead of lasering in on you know who.
Also, I was very surprised to see the jumbotrons, as I hadn’t heard of them being used in any other venue. Woooo jumbotrons!
I confess that I gazed up at the jumbotrons often. But not always. I was able to see Clay's first show/concert/play as I think he meant it to be seen. (And besides, I had 7th row seats in DC for Tuesday, so it worked for me. But, that’s another story.) So, this will be about the show, and for DC I’ll write about the music.
The show had Clay's touch all over it. I'm positive I could have guessed he wrote it even if he didn't tell us. For example, the ‘diarrhea of the mouth’ and the ‘ironing your face’ lines were straight from Clay’s book. The ‘2nd place,’ ‘I thought he won,’ etc lines definitely got the biggest cheers of the night, aside from the singing of course. I got the impression that many of the people in the audience thought the show was going to contain more humor than it did. Clay’s sense of humor is one of his most endearing traits after all, (to me anyway!), so at the intermission when everyone around me mentioned the Idol references being their ‘favorite part’ so far, I understood why.
Gregory was cute as Tommy. He had more lines and action than anyone really, and considering this and his age, I was impressed. Alison was effective with her acting as well. I didn’t realize at the time she is from Connecticut, so no wonder her ‘suthun’ accent sounded so bizarre.
I kept wishing she would just speak in her normal voice, which was absolutely beautiful dueting with Clay on Silver Bells by the way. I guess Clay wanted a southern flavor to his show, but it was distracting. Her normal voice would have been just fine by me.
It’s my opinion that the show would have felt less schmaltzy if Alison had used her normal speaking voice. JMO.
I only watched one little video of Celebrate Me Home waaay back at the beginning of tour, no other clack. I wanted to be open for any and all possibilities this show could offer me. I think Clay’s choice to stay in character was the correct one. It would have been distracting for me personally if he was speaking, or interacting with the audience, or doing anything except exactly what he did.
I believe he wanted the focus of this show to be on the story, the dialogue, the acting, the dancing and the music. Not on him. Obviously, the vast majority of people would prefer the focus be on him, but like he said, he took a risk. I respect that. But I’m sure he hears the roar of the crowd when he comes out for the intros, and understands the meaning of it.
As far as the dialogue, that’s another clue Clay was the writer of the piece. There was lots of dialogue! Probably about twice as many words as were necessary. The story itself began a little haphazardly – for example, why did Tommy show up at Beverly’s door in the first place? I guess it doesn't really matter, but maybe it should.
As Clay has said, the story is a traditional one, simple and heartfelt, sweet and sentimental. In fact, it is the quintessential Christmas revelation – when we wake up and remember (once again) that Christmas isn’t about decorations, food, presents or brightly lit trees. The secular part of Christmas is about love, sharing, kindness and friendship.
Never mind that we already know that; a reminder doesn’t hurt. Those reminders are found in many songs, stories, movies and music of the season. How many of us have been that lonely soul at Christmas time, who rejects the spirit of the season, then through our memories, brought about by our dealings with a friend, stranger or yes, even a neighborhood boy, realize we are loved, and we are needed, and that we do in fact have love to give back?
Clay's story, while traditional, may not be for everyone, but it is one that many people can relate to.
I found the show to be entertaining, for what it is. However, my very first thought when the curtain fell was that this show should be on TV! Just think… this show with quality sets, acting and production; it would convey so much more meaningfully on the screen. I almost wonder if it was originally conceived in the hopes of being able to have another network television special this year. Without the distractions of the odd staging, the sight line problems in some venues, the awkward pauses while the audience shows their appreciation with cheers and applause; and with the added benefit of some judicious editing, Clay’s story is one that I could easily see becoming an annual holiday TV tradition.
Maybe next year.
I think everything we do in life is a learning experience for the future, no matter how old or young we are. One of my favorite sayings is "Never regret. If it's good, it's wonderful. If it's bad, it's experience."
And if it’s good, it can be experience as well.
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