This week we will open our blockbuster Broadway at the Academy season with Doctor Dolittle. For me it is both exciting and a little sad, as this is also my last week at the Kimmel Center. I was thinking this morning about what I will remember when I leave, and I thought I would share a few of the things I will remember not only about the Kimmel Center, but about Philadelphia as well.
1. Philadelphia-isms: I’m a Jersey girl – not only a Jersey girl, but a North Jersey girl (I think we all know that its two different worlds). I remember when I got to Philly and started at the Kimmel, my co-worker Maurya who is VERY Philadelphia had to teach me all things Philly. For instance, that you’re supposed to eat a Philly pretzel cold and what the “Blue Route” is. The one thing I’ll never get over and that we fought about many times is the concept of “water-ice.” I still don’t understand how it can be both.
2. Verizon Hall: The first time I saw Verizon Hall was on a tour of the building a few days after my interview. As soon as I saw the glow of the walls and the organ over the stage, I knew I wanted to work here. When you sit in the hall it makes you still and silent, but you can hear the music in the walls, I just love it.
3. Opening Nights at the Academy of Music: The day one of our Broadway shows opens at the Academy are my favorite days to work. They are long days, and exhausting days, but they are days that remind you what you do and who you do it for. You see the audience excited as they get thier tickets ripped and watch them humming and chatting when they leave.
The most memorable Opening Night for me was when we opened Les Miserables back in March of 2004. I was setting up a special reception in the Ballroom when I heard the orchestra tune down below me in the pit. Then they started rehearsing the Overture of the show. I had to stop what I was doing and just listen. Here I was in this beautiful historic hall listening to the orchestra for Les Mis warm up! I was in awe.
As I finish my final week in Philadelphia at the Kimmel Center, I want to give a public thank you to my friends and colleagues who have made this a remarkably memorable two years.
When I left for Philadelphia two years ago a co-worker of mine gave me a card that said “Enjoy Philadelphia, but whatever you do, don’t become an Eagles fan.” I might not leave an Eagles fan (I did wear my green and plaster myself to the SuperBowl.), but I certainly leave as a Philadelphia Phanatic!
Title quote taken from "Another Openin' Another Show" from Kiss Me Kate by Cole Porter
I need a tissue....
New York is in for a treat! Make memories to last a lifetime. I will always remember you and all the terrific work you did for the Kimmel Center.