Went to the Idina Menzel concert at the UCCU Center last night and I'll save you the same old report that everyone gives. We already know she's amazing, so I'm going to report it as it was from my perspective.
Going to a concert for a quiet reserved person can be difficult. I know the performers love it when the audience stands up, dances and makes a lot of noise. It's almost like stepping into enemy territory, with the exception that no one's there to hurt anyone. They're all there to have a good time. Knowing that is why I keep going to these. I actually enjoy experiencing the energy from everyone, it stimulates me, perhaps overstimulates at times (which I think it did a few times last night). I also like to look around the room at everything and particularly like to watch the people while simultaneously listening and watching the performance. There was a particular girl in the back who caught my attention before Idina Menzel came on stage because she had the most infectious laugh...and there were two cute little girls right across the room from me that were fun to watch and they were dressed in their Elsa dresses.
And that statement an audience member shouted to Idina that we'd bring more people to the next concert? That was no joke. The performing arts is a big deal here and we are always delighted to have a professional performer come our way.
I did just as I said I'd do. I sat in the corner and sat still sponging in all the music and atmosphere, internalizing everything. I started showing signs of over-stimulation before half of the show was over, but I don't think it really set in until it ended. I came home a little awed, humbled and tired...and didn't sleep as long as I should--a big sign I was overstimulated--so it lasted into the morning, but all worth it. Life is good.
One of the other reasons I like to go to these is to get a taste of who the performer really is. Last year's concert I attended was Sutton Foster and that girl won me over almost immediately. I loved her spunky personality and she made us all feel like we were already friends. My impression of Idina? Definitely not Sutton Foster, but she has a sense of humor all her own that was very charming. I loved her interaction with the audience--that's always my favorite part.
Now as I recall when this concert was first announced earlier this year there was someone who referred to us as "undeserving" of her talents. Whether that is the case or not, I (and I am sure all of the others) are grateful that she accepted the offer to come here.
I doubt that this message would ever get to Idina's attention, but I would really love to give a big thank you to her for such an enjoyable evening, even from us quieter ones who are not quite as vocal as our counterparts. I loved every minute of it. It was a privilege to hear you. I hope your upcoming experiences are as beautiful and extraordinary as your past has been. Best of luck.
