I was not originally planning to go to this show. I was in Harrisburg on Thursday and enjoyed a wonderful show there.  But my former grade partner, who traded in his teaching position for a new career in New York City, called me in September and asked if I was going and he was looking forward to seeing me at the show to catch up on our lives since last June. So I bought the ticket late, so late that the only good seat for me meant a balcony seat. I figured I’d be able to see even if I was sitting, not having to worry about people standing in front of me. I arranged for a motel room, which I later cancelled because it was a questionable place in a shady part of town. To my surprise, I ended up at the Hilton Garden Inn in Riverhead, a 30-minute ride from the venue. More about that below.

The ride only took 4 hours – another surprise – I had left 5-6 hours to get there since you never know what lovely traffic you’ll find on the Long Island Expressway. I took great pleasure in chuckling at the acronym on the traffic signs – the LIE, as it was referred to. Yes, I thought, it’s a lie to call it an expressway – it’d been a crawlway every time I’d been on it.
Westhampton Beach
Take No Prisoners!
I got a glimpse of the World’s Fair grounds from 1964. I had actually been to that World’s Fair with my Mom and Aunt Joanie when I was 12 years old. I remembered that Long Island Expressway then – more crowded than it was today. But I will admit, the first thought that came to mind when I caught the glimpse of the globe was “Hey! It’s the scene from Men In Black!” Shame on me, but I do love that movie!
The GPS didn’t steer me wrong until the very end of the trip. As I passed the Hotel on the left, the GPS was telling me it was still down the road 1 mile away. But I do have a brain and used it to make a U-Turn at the first opportunity. I tell you, I thanked the people who told me to avoid the other place. This place was heaven away from home. It was the nicest place I’ve ever stayed in. The front desk was helpful and friendly, the room was spotless and had a walk-in shower and the most comfortable hotel bed ever! I had time to unpack, relax and ask the front desk for the best way to the venue.

They gave me a map with written directions to and from. The map was the most helpful thing because the streets often had street signs missing or hidden. Would have been a real challenge to follow them without the map. I turned on the GPS too, just in case. After a few wrong turns on roundabouts (no signs to indicate which road was which & my GPS can’t count), I arrived with plenty of time to spare on Main Street in Westhampton. I was tempted to go to the beach but concerned about parking for the show, so I didn’t go. But I did walk up and down the street for a bit, ending up at Margarita’s, right across from the theatre. I was glad I checked out the theatre during the day. I laughed hard at the description of the group on the poster in front.
Had a nice turkey burger at the restaurant, saw Doug from the Long Island Maritime Museum, and met up with BetRX and company. Saw John from Seaford and some faces that were familiar, but couldn’t pair names with. About 7:20 I ambled over to the theatre and there I saw Lynda and Mike. I hadn’t seen Mike in quite a while and we had a nice conversation. Later, before the show, I went over to visit Glenn at the merch table and got a line drawing T-shirt. They are really cool! I haven’t liked the recent merchandize and it was nice to have a new GBS tee.

Then I climbed the stairs to my front row balcony seat, stage Murray. I watched Howard and Cheryl come in. They were seated stage Murray, too! I knew there were other people coming but I didn't remember where they were sitting so I didn't look too hard for anyone else.
The Susan Lucci Rom
About half the audience was on its feet immediately. I guessed where the “friends of the theatre” seats were! They were the ones not standing - GBS virgins for sure.

Captain Kidd brought even more to their feet and showed Sean in as good  form as Alan was for comments. After the song, Sean yelled “21 days on the road!” Boy, you’d think he was a little happy to be at the end of the road trip or something! They were all obviously glad to be going home.

Love Me Tonight was exquisite in its enthusiasm, harmonies, and instrumental parts. It seemed to me that Bob had a different whistle part in the beginning and the 5 men singing different words and melodies at the end was almost indescribable. It built up from a simply sung melody to a rock anthem. I would have been happy if the show ended right there, but thank God it didn’t.

Alan introduced Sean who thanked us for joining them in their end-of-our-party. “Even if it’s not your end of tour, keep this in mind for your next end-of-tour party." Paddy Murphy would definitely be appropriate at a good Irish wake for someone’s end of tour in life! Bob and Alan were feeling gay and Bob blew Alan a big smooch, “Here’s something for you …(it sounded like “Honey” but I’m not sure).”

When Alan started singing When I’m Up, the audience was in such good voice, he needn’t have continued. We were glad he did, though. No problem wondering if the auditorium knew the words! Nice lively fiddle for this one.

Sean compared Westhampton Beach with the beach in Newfoundland – “but the ocean here is very pretty but not scary at all…I tried to catch Murray running on the beach but he was very slippery, like a fish…and he’s very available, if you can catch him.”

Alan wondered if Murray’s tri-athlete’s running ability meant that he was on some performance enhancing drug.

“What, like bourbon?” asked Sean not-so-innocently.  And THAT was the intro for Jack Hinks! We counted the band in and they were off and running. Lovely to see.

England was delicious to hear, everyone enjoyed it immensely. Sean introduced it -  “Newfoundland is the place where people ended up if they couldn’t quite make it to Westhampton.” Audience kept quiet and Sean seemed really into the song. He must miss the wife and kids terribly after 3 long weeks. I really enjoyed listening to the harmonies.
Soon the auditorium lights went out but the announcements before GBS took the stage seemed way too long and the admonition against photos was clear. I tried to be good, I really did! But the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. The strains of a pre-recorded Donkey Riding signaled the fun was on as the band ran out to take the stage. I am amazed that when the band sings it without the pre-recorded bit, it always ends up being faster than on the CD.
England - stolen photo thru the balcony railings