I've been on a euphoric high from last night pretty much all day. I've attended a small handful of Broadway opening nights before, but this one felt special.
I locked eyes with several stage folk in attendance: Andrea Martin, Marc Shaiman, Brooks Ashmanskas, Kimberly Grigsby, NPH and David Burtka, Ashley Loren, Matt Doyle, Chase Del Rey. My seat was in a row in between Ben Brantley and Lola Tung's sections. (Both of them super sweet, by the way.)
I didn't see him, but I was told Diller was also there. Rudin never attends his own openings.
The show itself was very good, the second act taking it over the top. That final half-hour in particular, once Biff turns on his father when he finds out about the affair, wow. A great first viewing exposure to this classic.
A curiously subdued curtain call, with no flowers, creative team, or speeches.
The afterparty was held at Katz's Delicatessen, with a DJ spinning some instrumental tunes, and servers offering pass-arounds of pigs-in-a-blanket, knishes, and potato pancakes. Folx were ordering sandwiches from the counter lines too. Mini black-and-whites and rugelach for dessert.
Joaquin Consuelos told me he loved my outfit. Speaking to Kelly and Mark, they're insanely proud of him and what he's done so far. Joe Mantello's a humble man, too.
Nathan and Laurie spent some of their time at the back of the restaurant. I was worried they'd be a little stuck-up considering how famous they are, but they were quite kind to me when I came their way and commended their performances. I saw the latter taking a pastrami sandwich in a cup to go as she left the venue and stepped in a Cadillac.
Great, great night.
“I am furious, but I am sailing.”
Updated On: 4/10/26 at 08:57 PM