Adventures in NYC - Part 2 - What Are The Odds?

                                                                                                 When I woke up last Saturday morning I felt like a kid at Christmas. I was going to see "Hamilton" for the 2nd time from Row B, Center Orchestra. When I bought the tickets, I had no idea that Christopher Jackson was going to reprise his role as General George Washington. I'd been listening to different episodes of The Hamilcast in the weeks leading up to our trip. I connected with Lexi Garcia Toye on Instagram after hearing her incredible Hamilton journey. She is on tour. I was planning to send her a photo of Tom and me in front of the marquee. A joy shared is a joy multiplied. Little did I know how much joy we would be sharing Saturday night. Tom and I debated about how we should organize our day. Go to Junior's for a pre-theater lunch and then take our photos at the Rodgers OR go to the Rodgers first and then grab a bite to eat. We decided to take our photos first since I was so excited and eager to get to the theater. 

I read "Life at Hamilton" by Mike Anthony in May of 2022 and connected with Mike on social media. I listened to his episodes on The Hamilcast. After getting our tickets in May, I sent him a FB message since he was posting about Hamilton happenings. I reminded him of the book review I wrote for his book, "Love, Dad..How my father died and told me he didn't," and shared with him the life changing experience I had at Hamilton in April. I let him know we were planning to return in September. He responded with: "Hello, Mary!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this!!!🥰🥰🥰
I’m so glad you made it to the show, and that it had the impact it did. If you do come back in September, I hope to see you there!" A week before the show, Mike had posted about a 9 year old girl who was sobbing at the show saying how much she loves the show and how important it is to hold onto those kinds of moments. I commented on his post and asked if he'd be at the 9/19 matinee. We all know how quickly social media can move and how easy it is to miss a comment. He didn't respond. 

With "Life at Hamilton" in hand and a bottle of water to keep us hydrated as we walked to the theater, Tom and I headed to the Rodgers. Before we left, I'd asked Tom if he should bring a sweater. Once we got to the street, he realized it was cooler than he thought so he went back to the room to get one. I patiently waited downstairs. I felt as though I could have skipped to the theater.

We took our photos:

 

                            Tom was inspired to place the "Life at Hamilton" book and our water at the stage door. Just as I was about to take the photo, we heard, "You better hope nobody comes out of that door." I got flustered and said, "Oh I'll hurry up." (See photo above that's a bit blurry because I took it so quickly.) He laughed. "No don't worry about it," he said. "You here to see the show?" "Yes we are and we are so excited." "How many times have you seen it?" "2," I replied. "You here for the matinee?" "Yes," I answered and we are planning to get a bite at Junior's. In one swift movement, he took out his key card, unlocked the stage door and said, "Follow me."

The next thing we knew we were going backstage! 

                                                                                          Jimmy Russell, aka Stage Door Jimmy, called out from his office, "Hey why is she shaking?" Our escort said, "Don't worry about it Jimmy. They are with me. They are my cousins from Boston." {Tom was wearing his Red Sox hat.} Our escort told me to watch myself on the stairs. He said that he was going to take us on a backstage tour and take photos of us on the stage. We learned that his name is Bobby and he operates the turntables from his perch "way up there," as he explained it. Through a google search, I found out that his full name is  Bobby Hentze. He serves as the Automation Operator for the production at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. From his console located up on the fly floor, he precisely controls the show's complex dual-revolving stage system, managing the speed and directions of the concentric rings that bring the musical's choreography to life. He said we could take whatever photos and videos we would like and share them. "We love doing this," he said and talked about how they will spot different people at the stage door, usually children and invite them to come backstage.

He didn't ask me about my tremors which had gotten noticeably intense given the emotions I was feeling but I shared with him my journey with polio and Post-Polio Syndrome. "You are quite remarkable," he said. He took us to the wardrobe and prop room. We were so in awe of what we were seeing that we didn't take photos of the wardrobe and prop room but here are the photos Bobby and Tom took:

 

We talked as though we had been lifelong friends about all things Hamilton and our lives. He showed us the wardrobe and prop room as our jaws were wide open in awe of seeing this glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes.

 "Well," Bobby said. "We better get you over to Junior's." As I navigated the steep and narrow stairs, Bobby would make suggestions of where I could hold on and kept reminding me to be careful. "Let me walk out with you. I'll show you the alley to get to Junior's." We kept expressing our deepest heartfelt gratitude as we walked. "We love doing this," he said. "This is what Hamilton is all about!" 

"Now. There is going to be a long line when you get back to the theater around noon. I don't want you to have to stand in line. So just go up to whoever is at the front of the line and explain your condition. If there's any problem, just tell them Bobby told you to let them know you shouldn't have to wait in line." We hugged as we said a tear filled goodbye and grabbed a quick bite at Junior's.

Just as Bobby predicted, there was a long queue of theater goers eager to get into the theater. We approached security and told them that Bobby suggested we let them know that I have a neurological condition and should not have to stand in line. "Oh we know Bobby. He's been here awhile. Well it's too early to go in but ..." he swung open the theater doors and opened up a folding chair for me to sit in while we waited for the doors to open! 

Since we were among the first to enter the lobby, I was able to ask one of the people selling merch if Mike Anthony was working. "Gee I don't know. Where does he work?" "He's the bar manager," I replied. "Well the bar is over there." My heart skipped a beat when I saw Mike Anthony in 3D.

I introduced myself. "I'm so sorry I didn't answer you on Facebook," Mike said. "Oh don't worry about it," I replied. This just adds to the magic of it all. I told him that because we took the photo with his book we met Bobby and got to go back stage! He was so happy for me. I asked him if he would sign my book. He took out a sharpie from his drawer, stepped to the side, signed it. "Come see me at intermission," he said as he handed it back to me. I was seeing "Life at Hamilton" in action!

                                                                                         Yo Yo Yo what time is it? Showtime! IYKYK

To be continued....

In health and wellness,

Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My Trilogy of Transformation chronicles my journey from having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair with the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine standards to a woman transformed through the sport of running. Take a journey into a world of healing, hope and possibilities with my 7 books, available on Amazon. My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club and Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reading for Every Runner. You will be inspired by my strength, courage, resilience, determination and overcoming the inevitable setbacks that come with a journey to health and wellness. 

What if the key to overcoming life's greatest challenges lies in the melodies that resonate with our souls? Join us in this heartfelt episode of the Music Saved Me Podcast, where hosts Lynn Hoffman and Buzz Knight dive deep into the transformative power of music with our inaugural contest winner, Mary McManus. Mary’s journey is a testament to the healing power of music, as she shares her inspiring story of resilience after contracting paralytic polio at a young age and navigating a tumultuous family environment. Listen to the episode by following this link.

Through her narrative, Mary McManus reveals how music became her sanctuary. A pivotal moment in her life came when her cousin, a Broadway producer, introduced her to the world of musical theater—a vibrant escape that ignited her passion and brought her immense joy. This episode explores the profound connection between music and emotional healing, showcasing how Mary McManus found solace in melodies during her toughest times and how they helped her forge connections with others

Listeners will be moved by Mary’s reflections on the influence of her high school music teacher and the supportive community she discovered in orchestral music. These experiences highlight the essence of music as therapy, illustrating its role in fostering emotional well-being and resilience. Mary’s journey culminates in her remarkable achievement of running the Boston Marathon, a testament to her indomitable spirit and the impact of music in her life.

Throughout this episode, we delve into the broader themes of music and mental health, exploring how independent musicians can harness their art to inspire and uplift. Mary’s story is not just about personal struggles; it’s a celebration of the healing power of music and its ability to connect us all. From emotional healing through music to the stories of musicians who have shaped our lives, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone seeking inspiration.

 Join us as we uncover the magic of music and its role in personal stories of triumph. Whether you’re a fan of the music history podcast genre or simply looking for a dose of motivation, this episode of the Music Saved Me Podcast promises to resonate deeply. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that underscores the importance of finding your voice and the transformative nature of music in navigating life's adversities. Don’t miss out on this heartfelt journey with Mary McManus, where we celebrate the stories that remind us all of the profound impact music has on our lives.

 Last year I was the guest on The Optimism Institute Blue Sky Podcast. 
"Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartner, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced. She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life. Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon." Here is the link to the Episode Website. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube.

 

Reach out to me at maryamcmanus@gmail.com if you'd like me to speak to your organization or group to inspire them with what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary; how one finds strength, resilience and determination in the face of seemingly impossible odds.