Broadway's Rising Stars (Part 2 of 2)

And now, for the rest of the story.

As the showcase ended, the host asked the audience to remain seated.  The host informed the crowd that the NYPD had been alerted to a suspicious package at the entrance to the theater.  So, everyone had to remain inside the theater. He assured us that he was serious.  All of us sat back down and got very quiet.

The Town Hall Theater hosted the showcase.  If you know Manhattan, then you know the Town Hall Theater is located on 43rd Street just steps from Times Square.  So, the threat of a possible bomb had a bit of credibility.  The NYPD takes bomb threats seriously and the Bomb Squad was called to the scene.

In the meantime, the host of the showcase swiftly arranged an unplanned encore.  After locating some Broadway song books, the established professionals on stage performed a few more Broadway melodies, including:

• The current lead in Jersey Boys sang Pretty Baby
• A recent understudy in Beautiful sang Natural Woman

After a few songs, the Bomb Squad gave the "all clear" and we left the theater.  We noticed a lot of police in the area.  

Despite the circumstances, we truly enjoyed the encore and the performances certainly reduced the fear and tension in the room.  

So, bombing on Broadway has a new meaning.  Fortunately, the suspicious package was not a bomb.  We are truly thankful for that. 

Below, two things you never want to see on Broadway, but we are happy to know they are ready at a moment's notice.