While I couldn’t get a ticket to go up in the crown, it was still quite a climb to the pedestal and a great view of the city. There wasn’t much time, but I still had a quick run around Ellis Island and thought about my grandparents who went through there. It took a good deal of time to travel down there, but well worth it.Before I knew it, it was time for the main event: a matinee performance of “Wicked” starring my friend, Kenway, as a dancer in the cast. It was thoroughly enjoyable! I’ve been fortunate to attend Broadway shows before, but it’s somehow different when you actually know someone up there. And although I’m biased and no expert, I still assert that Kenway did a great job and was the best dancer in the ensemble. It was funny to compare the characters enjoying their “One Short Day in the Emerald City” with my quick trip to the Big Apple.
The best was yet to come, though. I met Kenway at the stage door and was pleasantly shocked when he gave me a backstage tour! I saw the costumes up close, met the hair and makeup staff and a few of the actors, held some of the props, 
saw where the orchestra plays and even got to go out on the stage. 
Instead of taking away from the magic of the show, it deepened my respect for it and their ingenuity. Those costumes are even more exquisite up close and it’s clearly a lot of work.After the show, we grabbed an early dinner at one of his favorite Italian restaurants before he headed back for the evening’s performance and I caught my bus to DC.
Although it was a long way to travel for such a short time, I was so glad I did it and can’t wait to go back.
