#enter the vortex

I hopped on a train to Manhattan early this morning. We're lucky enough to have a direct line and it really only takes a couple hours longer than driving, with the benefit of not having to pay for tolls or gas, you don't have to find somewhere to park, and you get to listen to music and nap the whole way there. Pretty much perfect.

I was a little worried about unforseen delays as Amtrak is sometimes unpredictable, but fortunately we rolled into the city pretty much exactly on time. I made this trip last year as well, and had a better idea of my orientation to the grid this time upon emerging into midtown.

Had just enough time to check in to my hotel, put my luggage down, run a washcloth over the important bits, change into my show 'fit, and catch a train uptown.

The subway was one billion degrees and we were packed in like sardines even more than usual, I think, but thankfully I was only going a couple stops. Ascended from the steamy depths, made a quick wrong turn and correction, and got to 54 Below pretty much exactly on time.

The first thing I noticed when I got inside is that Ashley (you know, of changing Papa's shoes onstage infamy) is running merch. Neat!

I get seated and say hi to my tablemates who are all Patrons, I think, or students of either Mad/Dylan or Sophie. The place was pretty full and my seat was absolutely excellent!

I snagged a couple things from the merch table, made awkward conversation with Ashley (she mentioned she designed Mad's costume for the night), and then got back to my seat to order a drink and dinner - both of which were absolutely fantastic.

The show itself was lovely! Both ladies, as we already know, have powerhouse vocals. They sang together and individually and did a mix of original songs and covers. Lots of fun and that costume did not disappoint, holy cow.

Because the venue had a second show, there was an after-party a couple blocks away. I meandered over, yapping about Ghost and Drag Talk and musicals with some new friends, and we got settled into the reserved space while waiting for the guests of honor to arrive.

Long story short eventually I got to chat with both of them (as well as with Ashley a little more)! Sophie did a really amazing cover of She Used to be Mine from Waitress that I absolutely had to tell her how incredible it was. I didn't manage to get a photo with her, but did chat with Mad for a while and got a very silly series with her that delights me greatly.