Here are some thoughts from a very tired, but very contented Zee!!
My mom and I left early from work to make the 1 1/2 hr.drive to Baltimore for the show. Luckily, rush hour traffic was not that bad and we arrived safely, parked our car, and proceeded to Lucy's Irish Pub for dinner. I had made reservations over a month ago and it was a good thing because you had to have them to be seated. That place was hopping! (Surprise,Surprise). The pub is located in an old building dating back to around 1847 and the atmosphere was really neat. Our waiter came over and introduced himself. His name was.................PATRICK! and a very nice young man he was. Mom and I both ordered the Shepherd's Pie which was delish but I must admit fell short of the Shepherd's Pie at the Emerald Loop in Chicago! That didn't stop us both from polishing off our platters,however. LOL And, of course,I had to have my Irish Coffee to finish off the meal! The Hippodrome was directly across the street from Lucy's so mom and I headed over for the show. We were shown to our seats - center section,third row and were greeted by Scott,Scott,and Davey from Mairead's forum. The theatre is beautiful. I think this is the kind of venue that best suits our ladies - intimate and classy! There were several empty seats in the row behind us but,otherwise, it looked like a full house. The lights dimmed and the show began.
I don't think I have anything earthshattering to add regarding the show itself. It has been pretty well covered in other reviews but here are some thoughts:
Mairead - a ball of energy,as usual. Nobody can get an audience involved like that lady.
Chloe - what a sweetie. She is such a joy to watch on stage. Her enthusiasm is contagious. And her voice just gets better and better every time I hear her.
Lynn - can that lady hit those high notes! Good thing nobody was holding a crystal goblet in their hands! LOL Plus, she really is making contact with the audience more and more.
Alex - she has the most amazing smile. It just lights up her whole face and she's a knockout in that blue gown!
Oh yeah..she can carry a tune! LOL
Lisa - what a beautiful,classy act! What can I say - she has it all and then some!
The audience did Baltimore proud. Lots of standing ovations,hooping and hollering. A vast difference from my concert in Baltimore last year when the audience sat on their hands except when they were digging into their popcorn! I think a lot had to do with the venue.
Okay - show over and time for the Meet & Greet. We were ushered to a room backstage. On the way, Niall from the choir stepped off an elevator and I said "great show" and he smiled and thanked me. We were taken into a room where I notice a long table with 5 chairs . Could it be? Will we have the luck of the Irish on St.Patrick's Day and meet all 5 ladies?
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had brought both my IOH and ANJ programs so I was prepared. Mom and I got in line. Rachel recognized me (I wonder why?? LOL) and extended her hand. We talked about the girls' ringing of the closing bell on the NYSE and she said it was a lot of fun. Lynn was the first one up and she is even prettier than onstage and I told her I loved "Carolina Rua" and go around humming it and she said "so do the other girls" ! LOL Next up was Mairead who gave her usual flashing smile and hearty handshake. On to Alex. I just had to tell her what a beautiful smile she had and how her eyes twinkle . She is such a sweetie! Next up, Chloe. She smiled, shook my hand and said " It's good to see you again,Susan" It always blows me away that the girls can remember anyone's name with all the fans they meet. I told her once again how much I thought her voice had matured and that it just gets better and better. I then turned to Lisa and said " Your voice is okay too" to which we all had a good laugh! Lisa remembered me from Chicago. Of course, in between, I was introducing my mom to all of them and they couldn't have been lovlier to her. They complimented her outfit. My mom got all the fashion genes in the family!
We drove home - tired but extremely happy campers! The only ingredient missing to the perfect Irish Stew was Orlagh. I miss her!! Even my mom made a comment about missing her. We love you Orlagh! Please come back to us soon.
Wow - this turned out to be longer than I expected. So much for my "few" thoughts!
A contented Zee