The First Family (minus the President) was at the theater tonight

[adamgreer]

Based on tweets and facebook posts, it seems like Michelle Obama saw Porgy and Bess, while Sasha and Malia took in Sister Act.

Incidentally, I was at Sister Act this evening and had no idea they were there. This marks the second time I've been at the same performance as the Obama girls (the other time was The Addams Family) and had not a clue they were there.

[JohnyBroadway]

It's nice to hear they attend and support the theatre.

[bdn223]

Does anyone else find it weird that the first family has only attended Broadway shows with Black leads with the exception of the Addams Family?

[perfectlymarvelous]

No.

[givesmevoice]

What does acception mean?

[broadwaydevil]

Yes, what a strange acception!

[jv92]

They DID see ADDAMS FAMILY. I am a big Obama supporter and think he's terrific, but I find it mildly pretentious that they've gone to mostly "black shows."

[adamgreer]

Does anyone else find it weird that the first family has only attended Broadway shows with Black leads with the acception of the Addams Family?

Oh boy.

And I was just about to head to bed! This might be worth staying up for. Either way, this definitely calls for...

[broadwaydevil]

Bdn - so since you like Newsies so much and I presume you're white just based on your post, are you a "white show" fan?

Or are there acceptions?

[Wynbish]

Color-blind show selection?

[jv92]

BTW, when did shows stop doing special performances at the White House? Didn't 1776 and ANNIE perform for the Nixon and Carter families respectively?

[iluvtheatertrash]

I was at PORGY & BESS tonight. Extra-long blackouts and the dozens of security guards had my friend and I joking that the Obamas were there. After the performance, we stage doored and sure enough, out came Michelle alone.

I almost felt sorry for her. From the door to her car in 3 seconds, and never once looked up from the ground.

[broadwaydevil]

^I actually love the idea of the Obamas (or any first family for that matter) to just randomly show up at theatres, assuming everything is safe of course. To me, that's the ultimate way of supporting theatre and also makes them seem so much more real/accessible.

[CapnHook]

The First Family has not seen A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE yet! They're not accepting ALL the black shows! Shame on them for axcluding it.

[bdn223]

Well no I would say maybe a date night at Once, or exposing the kids to the classic songs in Nice Work...taking the kids to Newsies would be nice, but not what I am going for.

[adamgreer]

I almost felt sorry for her. From the door to her car in 3 seconds, and never once looked up from the ground.

How rude of her! Where does she come off treating her fans so poorly? How dare she not stop to sign and pose for pictures with everyone! What a diva.






(this is meant to be sarcastic, for those who didn't get it).

[iluvtheatertrash]

That's not what I meant, Adam. But I think you knew that. :) Most of us didn't even know she was there until she walked out the door to her car. And I doubt anyone expected her to stop... But seeing a person have to run from door to door like that for her own safety is almost sad.

Funny story: before the show was grabbing dinner at Kodamu Sushi when Audra and her adorable daughter sat next to us! And there we were, about to see Porgy & Bess!

[CapnHook]

There have been a few shows that did command performances at the White House. HELLO, DOLLY also comes to mind.

It's more difficult to do today.

[adamgreer]

That's not what I meant, Adam. But I think you knew that. :)

Indeed I did.

There have been a few shows that did command performances at the White House. HELLO, DOLLY also comes to mind.

It's more difficult to do today.

So is Hello Dolly an acception?

[FindingNamo]

What is "pretentious" about it, jv?

[alliez92092]

I was at Porgy and Bess tonight too and security was crazy! People were walking in and out of the theater and there were people with headsets all over the place. I didn't know who was there, but this makes sense now.

[Wynbish]

To me, that's the ultimate way of supporting theatre and also makes them seem so much more real/accessible.

I agree. It shows the theatre as a natural entertainment choice instead of a highly publicized night out that will show the first family's common-man interests while allowing for a bid war between producers.

Audra tweeted, "Catfish row is floating on air after meeting Michelle Obama at our show tonite. She is grace incarnate & hugged every member of the cast!" It's acceptional.

[bwayphreak234]

I remember reading that when Mitt Romney was in NYC his family saw Wonderland... At least the Obamas see some decent stuff

[Wynbish]

Wonderland shows bad judgement. Do we want bad judgement in the White House?

[bwayphreak234]

Well Wonderland was complete nonsense, made no sense, and wanted to be taken seriously, but it was a joke. I am sure Romney was able to relate to that show on a deeply personal level.

[FindingNamo]

Safe for a delicate pious Mormon who swears like a garbage man when there are no cameras around.