MJ in St. Louis -Since I live in Louisville, KY I decided that St. Louis was the closest I was going to get for my chance to see MacArthur Park, (and who are we kidding, I prayed that Billy would be there too). After 4 hours of driving through Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois I finally arrived in Missouri. I was hoping that I would somehow "know" that Billy would be there. So as I was entering St. Louis, I looked out and saw the Arch. At that time the radio screamed out "All right now," which we all know happens to be playing in the beginning of War Party (one of my faves). I took that as my sign, I was going to meet the man himself.
Armed with my own red shoes, I finally arrived at the hotel, and met everyone. Being that I had never met anyone in person before today, I was a little nervous, bunking with strangers. But once I saw Max, Penny, Calandra, Barbara, and Bethy, I knew that we were going to have a great time.
As we were waiting to go inside the theater, Barbara saw him first. I looked in her direction and there he was. It was as if the breath was knocked out of me. I suddenly couldn't breathe, and my hands were shaking. He walked over once he saw Max, and she introduced him to the newbies. I was the last in line. Max introduced me to him, and as we shook hands, he repeated my name. Let me tell you there was no sweeter sound than to have your name said by Billy. I told him that it was a pleasure meeting him, and with that I assume he detected a bit of an accent. In which case he asked me where I was from. Ha Ha. When I told him that I was from Kentucky, (actually I said K K Kentucky, almost not even getting it out. Thank goodness I am not from Massachusetts) :-) He asked if I flew in, and seemed surprise when I told him I drove.
We went inside the lobby, where Billy went to the counter and bought popcorn, and a bottle of water. Then he stood right beside me, and began to eat. My heart was pounding so hard I was afraid that he could hear it. Finally we went inside the theater and sat down. Billy was introduced as the director, and gave a short introduction to MacArthur Park. And yes, he stayed inside the theater and watched the movie with us. However way up in the back (on the left, but I wasn't watching, yea right).
The movie started, and from the moment that the lights went down, until they returned I was in awe. MacArthur Park was excellent! The characters, however individual, also blended together just like a family. And the way that most families take care of one another, they did too. The music was powerful, and made the story and the characters come to life. Each character had their own past that brought them to the same place. The movie also showed how drugs cannot only affect the person using them, but also showed the damage that it could have on everyone that loves that person. The only thing that I thought of to describe MacArthur Park was an emotional rollercoaster. Not only did it bring tears to my eyes, but also a few laughs.
One of my favorite characters was named Blue. On the outside she was a strong person, with a tough exterior. Even when she showed her soft side, she was tough. She saved Linda (the new girl on the block) from the park. Causing Linda to go back home where she belonged. But she herself wasn't able to leave it.
I hope that MacArthur Park will be released in the "big" theaters so that everyone will have a chance on seeing this powerful movie. I think that Billy did a fantastic job bringing it to life. I wish him the best!!
When the movie was over, Billy answered some questions. My best friend, Mathilda, who does acting on the side, was in a play this weekend, and not able to make the trip. So I told her that I would bring her question with me to ask Billy. However when I was sitting there waiting for my turn to ask. I didn't raise my hand high enough and was missed, until the last second. Everyone started to leave, as Billy looked over at me, and asked if I had a question. I wasn't comfortable to ask in front of everyone, so I told him, that I would ask him tomorrow. He just laughed, and nodded. I think he sensed that I wasn't ready to talk.
When we were saying our good-byes, he told us that he would see us tomorrow. I happen to be standing there in front of him. As everyone turned to leave, Billy looked at me, smiled and put his hand on my arm, and patted me saying "good night Mary Jo." I stood there for a second not believing my eyes. I put my hand on my arm, where his had been, and said "good bye Billy," smiling ear to ear. He gave me that big smile of his and turned away. Then when he was out of sight, I caught up with the rest of the crew, and screamed, laughed, and cried (again). We stayed up and talked a bit, just like a big slumber party. When I went to my bed, I did NOT sleep much at all. At one point I woke up, and looked around, once I realized that I was still in the hotel, I screamed "Oh, thank goodness it was NOT a dream,"
The next day (a couple of hours for me), we ate breakfast, and got ready for the next showing at 3:30. We wore our MacArthur Park T-shirts. We found ourselves again standing outside waiting to get in. The reason for that, is because the theater lobby is so small. Billy got out of the car and had a camera with him. He took a picture of the marquee. Max asked him what he was doing and his response was "I have to get a picture for my Mom." Then he started walking in, stopped and went back to take another. I followed everyone inside, and happen to be the last one in line, well almost last, Billy was right behind me. I just kept telling myself, "OK, Mary Jo whatever you do, don't trip,"
After the showing, once again he had a Q & A session. And once again I wasn't able to get the nerve to ask the question. I knew that Mathilda would kill me if I didn't get her an answer. So once Billy answered the last question, he looked over at me, and smiled. I just smiled back, (hey what would you do)? I knew he was waiting for me to ask my question, but I just couldn't do it, in front of an audience. We walked out to the lobby, and Barbara asked him to sign her shirt. Once he was done, he turned around, and I was standing right behind him. He smiled, and I took a deep breath, took two steps, and blurted out "Billy, if I don't ask you this question now, I am never going to get the nerve again." He started laughing, and smiled as he said, "I was wondering when you were going to get around to it." He made me feel at ease, so I explained to him who Mathilda was, and why she wasn't able to make the trip.
Mathilda had typed up the question for me, (thank goodness) so I pulled out the question, and asked it. Billy, told Penny to get it on tape so we wouldn't miss any of it. He stood there, and gave me his undivided attention as he answered me. (about 5 min) In which case I got to stare into his beautiful brown eyes. And believe it or not, I did hear every word he said. I will be doing the question reply on a different article with snipes of Billy and me and his great reply.
As he finished Andrea from the festival, told him that they needed to get going. So he started to walk out the door. He did look at me, and pointed to the door and mouthed "outside." Since I was the last one to talk to him, I wasn't sure that anyone else saw him. So I told Max that he wants us to go outside. The next movie was coming up, and they had to clear the lobby again.
Once we were outside we continued getting pictures signed, and T-shirts, and also taking pictures with him. He was so generous with all of us. When it was my turn to take a picture, he put his arm around my shoulder, and I put my arm around his waist. I also had him sign Mathcad's favorite picture of him, War Party. At that time, he said, "Tell Mathilda to break a leg, and good luck she will make it." I thanked him, and told him I would defiantly tell her. By the way, when I told her, her reaction was priceless. She was on the verge of tears too. (So I am not the only one, ha).
As we all stood there talking, I snapped as many pics as possible, without blinding him. Every once in a while I caught him by surprise and he just smiled and laughed. I said "sorry" and put my camera down.
Then came the inevitable, the finale, we had reached that light at the end of the tunnel. It was the moment that everyone knew was coming, but didn't want to face it. We had to say good-bye. If only we could just steal a few more minutes, or stop time in it's tracks.
We all got hugs good-bye. I waited my turn, and when I said good-bye, Billy had his arm out. I thanked him for signing the pictures, as I was hugging him. I had promised Mathilda that if given the chance to hug Billy I would tell her what his cologne smelled like. Sooo as I hugged him, I breathed in to find out what he smelled like, and when I did his hair fell against my face, and some fell in my mouth. So I froze. I couldn't believe it. After the hug was over, he said "good bye." I walked away, and then caught up with Max and screamed, laughed, and cried. (again).
Once again we went out to dinner, and then back to the hotel. The next morning we said our good-byes, and I drove Penny and Bethy to the airport. Saw Max, once I got there, and said good bye to her. Then I was on my way home. Through the 4 hours of driving, I had relived the entire weekend over and over, and still could not believe that it did happen. I am still amazed that it was not a dream. As I drove home by myself, remembering all the special moments of the trip, I screamed, laughed, and cried. (again).
Even though it was just a weekend, I came away from this trip with a feeling of love. The friendships that I made this weekend, will last me for a very long time. I had one of the best times of my life. Meeting Billy was an experience that I will never forget, and watching MacArthur Park, has shown me that no matter how many troubles we have in our lives, things could always be worse. That we should be happy for the people that we have in our lives, and be thankful for what we have, not be disappointed in what we don't have. Just remember that the glass is not half empty, only half full.
Love,
Mary Jo (still screaming, laughing, and crying, again.)
