As soon as I read Max's posting about the film festival I knew I had to go. I called my friend Maryanne who I had taken to see Relax, and asked her if she wanted to come with me to see MacArthur Park and hopefully meet Billy. Maryanne said there was no way she would let me go alone.I spent most of Sunday trying not to think about what could be the chance of a lifetime. About 3pm Max called and said she had just spoken with Cyn and Billy on the cell phone from Times Square and I better get myself into Manhattan.
I picked up Maryanne and drove into Manhattan. Since I wasn't sure about ticket availability we went straight into the Virgin Megastore and down to the boxoffice. I kept looking for Cyn but couldn't find her.
Bless Maryanne's smoking habit, she needed a cigarette so we went outside and as I looked right for Cyn she looked left and said, " Hey could that be your guy over there with the long hair?" I turned and saw this preppy looking guy from the back and thought "No way that guy is a kid!"
Than he turned and my heart stopped. I remember saying "Oh my God!" and telling Maryanne "Well here we go".
Billy was standing next to his Mom looking down at his cell phone and we walked over. I said, "Billy" he looked up. "I have regards from Maxine and the fansite and I'm Donna and this is Maryanne." The man's face lit up. We shook hands and I admit I melted a little bit more. He thanked us for coming to the screening and it was nice to meet us. I told him I had been to the Kismet screening in Tribeca. He said "Oh so you must have seen my parents there," and he turned to his mom and introduced us by name. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Wirth, we spoken that night when you gave me directions into the theater."
Mrs. Wirth smiled and expressed her appreciation for us coming and asked if I was one of the fans involved in the birthday marquee. I was floored, ladies that gift left quite an impression.
It seems that Billy sent Mom to Times Square to photograph it and he carries the pictures in his backpack. Mrs. W said it had been up for 10 days. He also commented on this years gifts and how he loves it and it's in his office.
Suddenly I was grabbed from behind by Cyn and as we hugged Billy kept smiling. Cyn was introduced to Mrs. W and we all talked. He pointed out Cyn's MacArthur
Park T-shirt with the fanclub site on the back. He really got a kick out of that. Billy,Cyn, and Maryanne started smoking and Mrs. W got into a conversation with Maryanne about it being 5 years since she had smoked.
Billy answered his cell phone, excused himself and left us to talk and then returned with friends who he introduced to all of us. Suddenly more and more and more friends arrived and when asked about our connection to Billy he kept saying they are with my fanclub site. These people seemed interested in checking us out and Mrs. W says she visits the site from time to time. She has found information she didn't remember and some she had never seen.
The screening was delayed a half hour, Billy had no idea, Cyn had the revised schedule for him. He walked us all into the theater and as we were going pass him I asked if I could impose later for a picture. He said sure.
Maryanne and I wound up seated in front of Mrs. W and behind Melinda and her
husband, but we didn't know that at the time. Melinda overheard Mrs. W introducing us to family friends and she turned around and asked if we were with the site. We talked a bit and then I introduced her to Mrs. W. It's amazing how Billy has brought so many of us together. Since Melinda, Maryanne, and I are all teachers we had something else in common and we spoke as if we had been friends for years.
Billy introduced the film an said there would be a Q&A after. The film is incredible, I hate to think of not seeing Billy in front of the camera but he truly has the talent to be behind the camera.
After the film ended Billy received very positive feedback during the Q&A. Tyrone Atkins family was there and being very supportive. I found Cyn, met Vee and introduced Melinda.
Unfortunately all things have to come to an end. We had to leave the theater and I found myself walking out next to Mrs. W I told her how much I enjoyed the film and how everyone on the site was aware of his dedication and determination to this project. She remarked how proud she was of him and of all her sons. When she saw my camera I said Billy had agreed to pose for me and this sweet woman called him over so I could get my shot. I amazed myself at how calm I was when he put his arm around me. I then took the solo shot of him. When he realzied we were leaving he grabbed us, gave us all hugs and kisses and thanked us again.
I managed to get one more minute alone with him to thank him for being so gracious and for allowing us to be part of the evening.
Cyn, Vee, Maryanne and I walked out to the street, shared some comments and said our goodbyes.
Maryanne still doesn't know how I drove home. She had a great time and is eager to do it again. Her comments were, "He isn't anything like I'd thought he'd be. He is so young looking, so stunning and so unbelievable warm and friendly."
Looks like we have another Billy fan.
Donna Brown 2001
PHOTOS © Donna Brown, Cyndie Greer, ttif
built mm 8/14/2001
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