January 20, 2003

For their wedding anniversary he bought two tickets of Kevin's opening performance in 'Chicago'. Instead of going, he told her that he figured she'd have a lot more fun going with one of her BSB friends so lucky me got to be that friend (WOOHOO!). So, off to NYC we both went on Monday for the first time. We arrived at our hotel (which was only 4 blocks from the Shubert Theater) at 1:30 pm. After checking in, we gathered up items we brought to make a big gift basket to give Kevin. My friend, Tess, had made some homemade peanut butter fudge (which was her grandmother's recipe) and some cookies for the gift basket. We also put in there a cheese ball, cracker, a bottle of wine (which was from a PA winery)...and some other snacks. Yes we know the way to a man's heart was through his stomach!! Also in the basket were some cards we gave him: a congratulations card, a sympathy card for Kevin and Brian...then I HAD to throw in a Birthday card for Nick--I know bad me. But hey, what if he gave it to NICK??

Anyways, after putting this basket together...we walked over to theater and decided to deliver the basket before the show. We asked the ticket agent if we could leave the basket with him..but he told us we could deliver it to the backstage area ourselves. So after being directed where to go.. we entered the side door to the backstage area..where we were greeted by a woman (think she was the backstage cop or something) but she said we could leave the basket with her. So we did.. while we were back there..another fan was also there dropping of her tv guide for Kevin to sign. well, when my friend saw that... she decided that she would leave her cd there also to get signed. However, during this exchange..the lady was telling us that we needed to go quickly cuz the cast would be coming through soon to begin rehearsals. Well, I started to back up a little while my friend was still talking to the lady about her cd. When I turned, Kevin had just walked up and was headed towards the stage..but he saw us with the gift basket...and smiled really big.. saying a sweet hello. Unfortunately, I somehow.. LOST my voice and forgot all about telling my friend who was there...so.. she sorta backed up..and Kevin bumped into her....but she never saw or knew it was Kevin. It wasn't until we got outside the door that I somehow found my voice again. I asked her if she saw him (well.. duh of course she didn't cuz I forgot to tell her!). She asked WHO? I said that was Kevin you bumped into. Of course..she looked at me and said.. no screamed.. WHY THE HELL DIDNT YOU TELL ME UGH!!!!! Then of course she had her teeny bopper moment and screamed.

We decided to get a early dinner and ate at the Planet Hollywood that was across the street from the MTV studios.... Our waiter had resembled Howie a little.. so of course.. we had our pic taken with him. After dinner, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for the show. We arrived back to the theater about an hour early in hopes to go back stage and get my friends cd back. To her surprise, her cd was signed by Kevin..but she was also given an autographed playbill from him as well. Of course, she rubbed that in cuz.. it was only for her... She says that was my pay back for not telling her about Kevin earlier....so oh well.. He still said HELLO to ME first!!! HEE HEE!!

Anyways, once we entered the auditorium to find our seats.. We were once again thankful to her husband for getting us AWESOME seats..we were right in the middle.. and had a GREAT view of the stage. As the lights were about to go down, Kristin entered the auditorium and sat in her seat which was two rows in front of us. She is so pretty. Sitting next to her was Fatima. Unfortunately, we never saw any of the other guys there. Being a big NICK fan,I was hoping he would show up. When the show began, I quickly forgot about my disappointment. From the beginning of the show to the end..I loved it. When Kevin appeared, you could not help but get a big LUMP in your throat. The crowd let out a loud applause for him. He was incredible! His singing and acting was phenomenal! Talking to another lady who has seen the other celebrities portray Billy Flynn (Billy Zane and George Hamilton) said that Kevin was the BEST Billy Flynn she has seen yet.

During the intermission, my friend and I got an autograph from Kristin. My friend also got a pic of Kristin and Fatima together. Kristin was soooo sweet and very friendly. For those who are thinking about seeing Kevin perform, don't think twice about it. You will NOT regret going! After seeing his performance, I am convinced that he has an incredible acting career ahead of him! After the final bows, my friend and I went back to the same door where we dropped off the gift basket. We were told that Kevin would sign a few autographs after the show. As we waited, I got a chance to FINALLY see a BSB fan scene. The were probably about 50-100 fans out there. When Kevin arrived, he was so nice. It was really cold out there but he made sure that everyone got an autograph. His words were, "Thanks for coming. I will make sure everyone here gets taken care of." When he came over to where I was standing. I got his autograph and then asked him for a pic as well. I told him, that I needed proof for my husband who was at home in Alabama that I met him cuz he'd NEVER believe it. And Kevin did just that. Took a pic with me. He thanked us for the gift basket. My friend then thanked him for the playbill then told Kevin that her hubby gave us the tickets as her anniversary present. She then told him that all she came for was an autograph, a pic w/him, a hug and a kiss. Before you know it, I was out of her way and Kevin fulfilled her wishes. He gave her 2 autographs, her pic, a hug and a sweet kiss on the cheek (which I am still HEARING about!). After signing autographs for over 45 minutes, Kevin finally had to leave.

We then decided to go back to Planet Hollywood to get a drink. I for one needed to calm my nerves down. My friend on the other hand who was turning into a popsicle needed to warm up. Our night ended, well I don't think it's ended yet. We're still both in this dreamy state. Just can't believe how much fun we had together after meeting for the FIRST time in person and then meeting Kevin!! Can't get any better than that!! Anyways, attached are the pics of Kevin signing autographs and ME W/HIM!!! Too bad, my hair wouldn't cooperate!! Anyways, I wasn't exactly thinking about my hair or what angle I was standing. Just that GORGEOUS man who was leaning against me for a pic. AAAHHH! HEAVEN!!!!