MAD 1.1 - "THE BLACK RIDER"

Our first MAD (Metro ADventures) event was a huge success. Everyone who showed up and rode the Red Line with us to the Ahmanson to see "The Black Rider" had a great time, and they all enjoyed this controversial performance. Of course I was a bit worried, and I was wondering what I would do if one person doesn't like it. I felt the responsibility, and I wanted to make this event fun for everyone.

We met some people near our house, since they lived near by, and some we met at the Hollywood/Vine Metro station, and we were ready for adventure! Once everyone arrived, we went down to get our tickets from the ticket machine. On our way to get the tickets, we passed some wonderful artwork at the platform, art, that the Metro commissioned. Everyone had their change ready ($1.25 one-way) and to those who never took the metro before, we showed how to buy the tickets. (If you're new at this, it can be quite complicated. There is no instructions anywhere as to why one would buy one-way, day-pass or whatever is offered. The system is not very friendly for people who would like to try out the Metro. I think the average person would give up on it after the first try. Only people will stick with it, who have to ride the Metro, or who are really committed to changing their life style.)

We caught the train that was heading toward Union Station in just a short time. We gathered in one train, and we chatted and got to know each other, and caught up with friends, whom we already knew. You could never really do that, if you ride with a car. So this was a lot of fun, and a couple folks who joined us, never even rode the Metro before, so it was exciting to get them introduced.

When we arrived at the Civic Center station, we got out, and took the 1st Street exit, and hiked up the hill to the Ahmanson. It's only 2 blocks, and it was a beautiful afternoon, so we enjoyed the stroll. Our friend, Judy, had flip-flop sandals on, which was not the best choice for walking, but she kept up her spirits, and was ready to sit down and grab some food, as soon as we arrived.

The court yard was already pretty full by 7 pm, but we found two tables and got hold of a dozen chairs to gather and sit down, chill, and eat our well deserved "dinner." We bumped into quite a few people who were going to see "The Black Rider" or who went to the Mark Taper, or the Philharmonic. A few people from the famous Midnight Ridazz arrived on their bicycle, and chained them to the fence in the court yard. They also came to see "The Black Rider."

At 7:45 pm we headed to the entrance of the Ahmanson, and we were all seated in the Orchestra seats. We scanned the seats next to us, and we all agreed, that there would be plenty of seats to choose from after intermission. We watched the faces of the people next to us, as the first song came on, and we saw some confused faces. We saw faces that were hopeful, that they will like it. We saw faces, that were open to the magic. And we saw the first couple walk out only 10 minutes into the show. And I was thinking, "Yesss! That will be a nice seat to take after intermission!"

As the show opened I started to melt in my seat. I was transformed into this magical land of make-believe. It felt like my body was lifted up and into a pool of light, and color. My ears were overloaded with sounds from heaven and hell, and I wanted to stand and cheer and cry and laugh by this beauty that was created in front of me. Just for me! I wanted to be on stage, and touch the lights, the actors, and the orchestra. I wanted to be taken away by the devil. I wanted to move in with Katia's family, and I wanted to be swept away by George, and Willhelm. I was in a world of fantasy and light, and I didn't want to leave! I didn't want it to end!

After the show was over, I cried inside. This was the last show. "The Black Rider" was closing this weekend. I wish they had the cast recording for sale. I will really miss this show!

Our group strolled back to the Metro Station, and we had plenty to talk about. We recalled our favorite scenes, moments, and our favorite characters. It was a wonderful evening, with wonderful people, and we are already planning our MAD 1.2 event.

www.robertwilson.com

www.act-sf.org/blackrider

www.keeslau.com/TomWaitsSupplement