Feb.20, 2004
 My experience of a lifetime began as a result of late night reruns of the Golden Girls and a love for the character Dorothy played by Bea Arthur. No one could or ever will play that part as well as Bea did!
Through Kevin's wonderful website I learned of Ms. Arthur's tours and her CD., Bea Arthur on Broadway!
This all began in June of 2003. After buying her CD and playing it many times
I would find myself staring at the cover in black and yellow. The idea was born
to do a collage! An exact replica but, in squares of 1/8"-1/4". I drew up a format and began with cutting squares from magazines for the background of black. The yellow for "Bea Arthur" followed.
Then the process of gluing them all in place - Wow! It got more involved as
I went but, in all I ended up with it involving around 4.000 squares! Each square
was glued in place using toothpicks. I also took photos of different phases!!
I finally finished in Dec. of 2003. Hence! Another beginning of another path to Bea Arthur.
I again learned in Dec. of 2003 via Kevin's fabulous website, of Bea's upcoming show in Torrance, Calif. I decided to make a dream a reality. My sister called the James Armstrong Theater to get my tickets for me right away, as I was at work. She ended up talking with Dan Watt, the theater Director, who by the way, is an awesome individual. He expressed such interest in the collage to my sister, I decided to take it with me and hope for the chance of giving it to Ms. Arthur personally. Dan secured a fantastic seat for me only 4 rows from the stage and an aisle seat!! I checked out the seating chart over the Internet first myself before I left for L.A.! After all, this was the most exciting thing to happen to me in my life.
Next,. airline tickets and the "art of the deal"! Best price of course - more
$ to spend in L.A.!
That was absolute proof I was going. I didn't think Jan. 30, 2004 would ever get here but, I soon found myself on the runway charging for L.A. and a chance to meet Bea and my collage, framed by now, in tow!!
Dan Watt had set up special room prices with the Marriott, so I went straight there. A beautiful place with flowers growing everywhere and the nicest staff. My room was on the top floor (17th) and had a balcony which you could see the theater from and from which I also enjoyed a beautiful view - including the ocean!
The excitement was almost too much for this gal, so I decided to unpack and imagine the horror when I discovered the glass and frame of the collage had broken in flight! The very next morning (of the concert) found me in a nearby Target trying to find a suitable substitute. I was limited to choice so selected the best one I could make do with. Back to Marriott to change everything out and get ready for my big night!
I have to admit, I looked darn good and was pleased, so next was dinner! I
had the same server, who was a darling and had me seated in his section. Imagine
my surprise and delight when Betty White and friends walked right in front of
my table and were seated across from me with Savann as their server also! This
was almost the "icing on the cake"! I could hear their conversation and was anxious to say hello. My better judgment told me to not intrude on their dinner so I sat there, but I'll always remember Betty saying to Savann, "we're going to see Bea Arthur at the theater".
I knew I'd see her there, which I did!
By chance, Dan Watt also stopped by Betty's table! As he was leaving I stopped him and told him who I was. He said he knew me by my accent. He was very nice and we chatted for a few minutes.
Now Show time!
I was seated and gazed in total awe at what was about to happen. There was Billy's piano, Ms. Arthur's red chair, a table with roses and water. And then there's Bea!
If she ever looked more beautiful, I don't know when. She looked early sisters
to me. She started with a song on New York and carried on with her CD songs.
Oh! She gave a "thumbs up" talk on the Gay Rights Movements and received a thunderous
applause form everyone. What a performer she is and what a show she puts on.
We're talking extraordinary here folks!
There was a short intermission and then more Bea and Billy - a fabulous pair and incredible combined talent. Highly intense energy seemed to create a sense of stillness and awe in everyone there. She received a well deserved standing ovation!
Now the reception! I was ready and in high anticipation of Bea. Unfortunately, that's not what happened at all. Although I did see her, I couldn't get close enough or see over any of the taller people. I hung back just waiting for my chance. My collage was in Dan W.'s office and I sensed all was not right. Dan walked up to me and explained Bea decided to leave early - she wasn't feeling well.
I think I looked like the most forlorn, rejected person to ever walk out of that theater! I comforted myself with the fact that I had and amazing experience just making my dream a reality and the show of a lifetime with my favorite star! What more could I want? Little did I know what would come my way later!
A beautiful handwritten thank you note for the collage! Seems Dan Watt was able to give it to her I believe the next day at her next performance. I have since talked with Dan and learned she wants it hanging in her office!
I'll meet her one day - of that I'm sure and I'm just proud she likes it. A trip of a lifetime and an attitude with gratitude!
Happy Thoughts,
Debbie D.
P.S. "GO BEA!"
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