a magical evening in theater, even if..

the play itself was somewhat disappointing. How did this happen and where? At 59e59---the play was Fern Hill, and its characters, all sixty and seventy somethings were played by a bunch of actors whom I had been watching, and in some cases, interacting with for around 40 years. While the play itself, careens from event to event a little too blithely, the performances were truly beautiful. I had gotten to know some of them during my Artists in Action period in the mid eighties, and had also worked with a few of them in readings I either produced or directed. Something magical for me to watch them--so much potential still exists in their work. Very glad that I went---actually met another theater person at the show--we had a good talk about the past---but after the play was over I left quickly---I have been out of touch with most of the cast---some might recognize me by face, if not by name; because of this I opted not to say hello---also did not want to discuss my "problems" with the play.
  The theater is located in the heart of the "luxury--business" district--a cold area near the Plaza hotel---I had time to kill since I picked up my ticket early, so I wandered down a few streets between Madison and Park in the low sixties. Mostly older apartments--doormen buildings that would have reasonable rents during the 50's and 60's. What interested me was the smaller four story buildings that were also on these streets---I could have moved there around the time that I returned from grad school---I wondered whether there were any older people on fixed incomes paying extremely low rent occupying those apartments. Of course, they could have been bought out as the neighborhood transitioned--but still I wondered. Sort of like where I live--I have been able to remain at a "reasonable" rent, probably very low for the area. But that is the "privilidge" of my generation. So be it.
 Tonight after some sessions, was thinking of trying to see Turandot at the Met--I probably would have to stand--maybe hard after a long day, but it is the music directror---a remarkable conductor who is on tonight. Will I do it? Will report soon.