After dinner and cocktails at Brian and Anthony's fabulous house, we all piled into Brian's Saturn hybrid SUV (?) and headed in some direction. The tension was mounting and I was ready to know what was going on.
As we drove past The Dragonfly slowly, I brilliantly deduced that this was to be our destination. After finding a good parking spot, we ambled back to the Dragonfly where, above the door, was a banner saying "Point Break Live!". I must admit that even this information did not tip me off ...
Once inside, Brian handed me a ticket stub and a small see-through packet. It was a rain poncho.
I guess the guys were not kidding when they were giving me hints: "wear something you don't mind getting wet/dirty"(I assumed we were going to see the comedian Gallagher ... you know - watermelon, mallet, etc...?)
Brian went to get us all some beer and Mark and I went to find Kyle, who had gone in ahead of us on a mission to secure good seats. He did just that. Second row on stage right. Mark and I began to walk down the row of seats away from the aisle, but Kyle insisted that Mark needed to be at the end of the row. This sentiment was echoed by both Brian and Anthony as they came back bearing beer for all. Mark and I exchanged "uh oh" looks a la' Luci and Desi and sat where we told.
The action began almost immediately when a dude with a bad wig (supposed to be Gary Busey, I think?) asked for all the potential 'Johnny Utah' s to come up on stage and audition. Now it was all sinking in ... those guys had planned this - oh poor Mark - does he even want to do this? I wouldn't ... no way .. but he was a trooper and got up on stage with about 8 other guys while we hooted and hollered for him.
...(Now I was beginning to wonder ... was this it? the reason they insisted he sit on the aisle? or did they also somehow plant him to get the role? I mean I knew they were 3 of the most powerful men in all of Hollywood, but just how far did their influence reach? hmmm... I decided to wait and see)...
Mark was fabulous. He did as he was asked with a smile and finesse. I could see he had much of the audience swooning, but was he what they were looking for? Was he too smart to play Keanu Reeves playing Johnny Utah? I feared he might be.
It was obvious that several of the men auditioning (why were there no women?) seemed to be dressed for the part and/or 'acting' just as they saw Keanu do in the film, which may or may not have been an advantage (a question 'real' actors struggle with in auditions too - so I'm told).
In the end, Mark did not win the role. If it were cast solely on who had the best butt, he would have won. Ditto on charm, good looks, sharp dressing and blushing ability. But this is Hollywood, my friends, and that large man in the middle with a drink in his hand and a booming voice outshone our boy... this time.
I don't think Mark was disappointed one bit. As a matter of fact, he looked quite relieved as he once again returned to the end of our aisle amid our hooting and hollering. I was v. proud of him. That is not an easy thing to do at all. Let me reiterate here - I would not do that. (I hope this discourages any rogue surprise planners ...)
I was v. glad that the boys had not set him up for any more than this and I think M. feels the same. I also think he was a little flattered that they wanted him to be the star and had confidence that he could do it. Awww. Friends. So cute.
The show began and we all laughed a lot, but none more than Kyle who was the only one in the group who had previously seen the show. It was a riot looking over at him in his green rain poncho cracking up. Brian was stealthy at getting the beer while the show was going on and I for one, never ran out - a talent to be sure . (Thank you Brian!)
Although I had never seen the movie, I think I was able to follow the 'plot'. Regardless, much hillarity ensued, water was splashed and dumped on the audience, though we stayed relatively dry and I could tell the actors and audience were having a blast.
When it was over, we hung out on the great roof deck for a bit before heading to Blockbuster - yes, that's right - someone decided it was a good idea to now sit through the movie version ... I watched for all of 5 minutes until I could no longer bear Keanu's voice and Swayzee's mullet - perhaps another time.
All in all, a fine night in the city of Angels. Ain't nothin' like being out on the town with 4 hot men. Word.
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