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It was, predictably, an unpredictable night at the St. James Theatre.
(Last time out, it was at the Walter Kerr.)
In fact, more than bustling, because there was a protest outside.
This had been a tough ticket to get for most concertgoers.
Walking down that same aisle, you could spot a scattering of famous faces.
Pete and Chasten Buttigieg were there, near the front.
So was Brian Williams.
Jordan Roth, the president of Jujamcyn, came through, greeting the VIPs and beaming.
(Also, randomly, Steven Seagal.)
He took his seat somewhere around the fifth row, and the house lights dropped.
But there were a few tweaks and alterations reflecting the moment, particularly around the beginning and end.
Hes been lucky, he noted: His people are healthy, with no real crises.
But still, he added: Seventy-one years on the planet, Ive never seen anything like this.
And also, he said with a sly smile, I got arrested.
(Big friendly were-with-you laugh from the crowd.)
Then I had to go to Zoom court.
… And my case wasThe United States of Americav.Bruce Springsteen!
Thats always comforting to hear.
She cant talk, she cant stand.
But, he said, she still has the urge to dance when music comes on.
(It seats about 1,700.)
You wont encounter Born to Run here.
It tees up a performance of his new song Ill See You in My Dreams, closing the show.
Mike Sr. had even been at the previous Broadway runs closing night.
Mike Jr. had hauled himself out of a postoperative bed rather than miss tonight.
And this show, they both said, was different.
More emotional, Mike Jr. told me.
You know how people talk about his shows as a religious experience?
Thatwas the show to bring back Broadway.
