Garth Brooks Press Conference at the Encore Theater

.

October 15, 2009… History was made and I was there to bring you history in the making.  I attended the press conference of the year, and maybe the century.  Garth Brooks and Steve Wynn came on stage at the Encore Theatre to announce that Garth was coming out of self imposed retirement, which lasted nine years.

Garth officially came out of retirement so there would be no limitations going forward.  Garth said “We’re going to take the retirement roof off over our head, and let me tell you I already feel taller. It’s nice.”

Garth is the # 1 selling solo artist in the United States, and Steve Wynn is the Chairman of the Board and CEO for Wynn Resorts.  Steve made Garth an offer that no one else ever had.  It was an offer that would allow Garth to perform the music he loves, and still be at home with his children.  “Every argument we ever had about why we shouldn’t do this, he had an answer to,” Garth said.

Garth said… “I told him he couldn’t afford me, I was wrong. Wow.”  Garth will perform fifteen weekends a year, for five years.  And if at any point Garth doesn’t want to do it anymore, Garth can walk away.  Oh, and do not forget the jet plane Steve bought for Garth, to ensure Garth never misses any time with his family.

The biggest issue was ticket prices; Garth has always wanted to make sure his fans could afford to see him, regardless of where he played, which is why his tour tickets were $ 25.00 for every concert.  Garth said “This was where we really went at it, this was tough.”  Steve and Garth settled on ticket prices being $ 125.00 for any seat in the 1500 seat Encore Theater.

This time there will be no band, no fancy lights, no flying over the fans, as that is in the past… but, Garth will be standing proud doing what he loves for those that love Garth for who he is… his fans.   Garth will be alone on stage, with his guitar… sharing the hits, the moments, and the memories that fans have come to know Garth for.  Garth did say Trisha Yearwood would join him occasionally on stage, and there might be a few other special guests.  But, most importantly fans will see Garth singing not only his music, but the music of those who inspired Garth during his career… including Merle Haggard, Elton John, George Strait, and Simon & Garfunkel.

Garth loves his fans and those who have been with him since the beginning.  But, in respect to his decision to play music again, Garth had this to say… “I don’t have any trepidation because I’ve cleared it with the most important people.” In case you are wondering who those important people are, they are Trisha Yearwood his wife, Sandy Mahl his ex-wife, and his three daughters Taylor, August, and Allie.

Thank you Steve for allowing Garth to keep his passion for music alive, and still have all the special moments and memories with his family.  Garth thank you for coming out of retirement, your fans love you and have respected your desire to be a family man.

Garth you don’t have to prove yourself to your fans, you already have… we are just glad to have you back while allowing you keep your family.  After nine long years Garth, Welcome Home, you will always have a special place in our hearts.

I would like to leave you our fans with this parting thought from Steve Wynn, as we couldn’t have said it better ourselves… “When a man can do what Garth does, it’s almost a crime against nature for him not to do that.”

Camera Wench
“Have Camera… Will Travel”

Keynote Address from Hal Prince

.

On Saturday, September 19, 09 Phantom Phans were able to meet a legend in the world of theatre… Harold Prince aka Hal Prince.  Some of you may not be aware of who Hal is… allow me to give you a little insight.

Hal is a producer and director in American theatre.  Hal’s was worked on numerous Broadway productions, including  Damn Yankees, West Side Story, Fiddler on The Roof, Show Boat, Sweeney Todd, Evita, Phantom of the Opera, and Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular.  But, this just a small list from the over sixty Broadway productions Hal has worked with.

Hal is a very talented and honored man, who began directing his own productions in 1962.  Hal has been awarded twenty-one Tony Awards, eight for directing, eight for producing the year’s Best Musical, two for being the best producer of a Musical, and three special awards.  One of those special awards was in 2006 when Hal was awarded the Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.  In 2000 President Clinton award Hal the National Medal of Arts.

Hal has worked on two of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals… Evita and The Phantom of the Opera.  Hal was asked to direct Cats, also by Andrew Lloyd Webber, but Hal declined.

Hal captured the Phantom Phan audience as soon as he walked on stage.  Hal greeted the audience with a smile, and said “I knew the boxes would be filled anyways.”  Of course Hal was referring to the Eternal Audience.  Hal did not speak much of himself; rather he opened himself up for questions.  He allowed Phans to ask him what they really wanted to know, rather than telling them something they already knew or did not wish to know.

Hal spoke fondly of Andrew Lloyd Webber and told stories about his coming to be director Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular.  When Andrew Lloyd Webber asked Hal what he thought about making a musical of the “Phantom of the Opera.” “I said I’ll do it…and he hadn’t even asked me.”

At the end of the session, Hal sat just outside the theatre, and signed items for the Phans.  A manuscript, a mask, the event badge.  Hal patiently signed what ever was placed before him, and chatting with Phans.  Hal seemed to enjoy this very much and it was wonderful to watch the fans interaction with Hal.

Hal has probably forgotten more than most people will ever know about theatrical producing and directing.  It was an honor and a privilege to meet such a respected and distinguished person in the world of theatre.  Thank you Hal, for sharing some of your special moments and memories with us, it was truly and unforgettable afternoon.

Camera Wench
“Have Camera… Will Travel”

« Previous Page — Next Page »