Blue Show MSG 2008 #1 (From KLSDAD)

080320095322, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. A few notes and photos from opening night at the Garden - last night March 20, 2008. Blue Unit - Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Surprised it was announced at the start that photos AND videos are encouraged!!... but only for personal use. (Imagine it was due to video cellphones having video capabilities and it would be impossible to ban them.) They do have a DVD of the show for sale. The production is technically brilliant!! Nice improvement using the LCD screens with great scenic effects. Didn't miss the giant TV screen. Opening clown/piano "warmer" prompted a "get the hook" from a gentlemen close by. Why pay to sit an watch dogs chase saucers.. (and not catch many of them) when you can see it often of TV? During the "drag" trapeze act a young voice from a couple rows behind says.."Uuuwwww... that makes me want to puke!" I thought the act had its moments. There certainly is a back and front to the production. Unfortunately the front is toward the end of the arena and it puts even the front row a good distance from anything in the center. Also, not a good location for the motorcycle wire act, double trapeze or swing pole acts as you're watching from the end, not the side. The "show" side is still the right-hand side of the arena (that is ..looking toward the entrance end. And.. since the motorcycle/wire act is on this side - with all the lighting racks I imagine half the arena cannot see it!! Was amused at the Ringmaster asking the audience to give a good round of applause to the "celebrity" audience members (who paid $175 dollars to ride in giant teacups or bleacher seats behind giant motorcycles??) I don't think so!! Yes.. as I've read here before.. the clown "bubble-fart" number goes on for WAY too long. S L O W --- tiger act, although the leap-froging was effective. (Beautiful mesh arena - and black tandem transport cages.) Seven elephants in a very nice display. The youngster much of the audience was close-enough to see. Glad I went. Plan to go again before it leaves on April 6. klsdad