All I wanted to do was hand him a gift, and G.O threw me a curve. But let’s back track for second so I can set this up properly.
Let me begin with Tuesday, April 8, 2014 as that was the first day I saw G.O take the stage in Seopyeonje. I admit I was anxious all day long. I kept wondering if I would actually have a ticket at the will call window when I reached the Universal Arts Center in Gwangjin-gu. I checked and re-checked the start time. Checked and re-checked that it was actually G.O performing that evening and not one of the other actors. Check. Check. Check. I did not want to miss this for the world. Some may say that was being obsessive/compulsive. I call it being prepared!
All fears and anxiety were laid to rest once I arrived to the theater.
The Universal Arts Center theater is a grand theater that was opened in 1981 and seats about 1,200 people. The entry hall is lovely complete with marble floors and glistening chandeliers.
The lobby was filled with information, pictures, media, and the like of the musical.
My favorite was the “Today’s Cast Board.” As there were a few roles in the musical that were being shared by actors, the board let us know who would be playing who in that evening’s performance.
Confirmed.
I approached the ticket counter and this is where my Seopyeonje adventure started. The lovely ladies at the ticket counter were concerned with my choice of ticket. I had second row and I thought, it really cannot get much better than that…what could be wrong? The second row is actually the first row and so close to the edge of the stage that the seats actually were set lower than the stage itself which could impede view. They felt I would not get a good view of the actors so they switched out my ticket for something better. They moved me a row back and assured me it would be perfect.
It was. Situated pretty well center, I saw everything perfectly. I saw G.O perfectly. The play opens with a rock number and G.O comes out to the edge of the stage a few times. He was within inches from me. It was amazing.
After the show, I already knew the drill that he would simply exit out of the lower doors of the theater and go to a car waiting for him. That evening, however, things were a little switched around and the car was parked in a different area. And even though I ended up walking right behind him as he made his way to the car, I did not get a chance to say anything or give him the gift. My new Japanese friend, Michiko, who I was walking with, however wasted no time. That woman plainly and without hesitation tapped that man on his arm, and got his attention long enough to pass him a gift. Well done, Michiko….well done!
As the vehicle drove away, Mr. Gracious Fan Service rolled down the window and waved good-bye to us.
Later that night as I made my way back to the apartment I thought to myself….I need to grow some Michiko balls and I need to grow some quick or opportunity will surely pass me by! I also needed a new game plan for the following night.
The second performance I was going to see was on Wednesday, April 9th. Again the ticket agents felt I should have a better seat and upgraded me to a VIP seat. Two rows back this time but situated perfectly, I was in heaven as I sat there watching this amazingly beautiful musical. Also, two nights in a row of G.O on the stage in a nearly 3 hour show. Frankly, this is what fangirl dreams are made of. And Seopyeonje is so very good. I am just going right to the events that occurred following the show because the fangirl dreams becoming reality kept coming!!
Once again, I knew the drill and was going to be prepared this time. And I was.
I was already outside when I saw the entourage approaching the car. G.O, an assistant walking with him, and the sea of fangirls encircling him. He walks at a good pace, but is not hurried. He is always chatting with fans. As he approached the car, the fans were behind him but I was already there so I ended up in front of him.
[Another failed attempt to get a clear shot!! BUT…look how close I was to him!]
As he walked in front of me to make his way to the passenger side of the vehicle, I called out his name. He turned to face me and I simply handed him the gift and said something to the effect of ‘please take this.’ I honestly do not remember because he was inches in front of me and well…it was G.O!!!
He took the bag and thanked me. He kept moving and walking towards the other side of the vehicle and by now more fangirls had made their way around with him. Before he made his way completely around, he turned while still walking somewhat backwards, looked at me and said “where are you from, where are you from?” I answered with a “US”. He did not hear me and gave me a questioned look and I repeated, “USA.”
The fangirls (not a single Westerner among them) all let out a collective “ohhhhhhhh.” I won’t forget the look on G.O’s face at that point either. He seemed shocked by that as well and then smiled and shook his head in satisfaction like…oh yes, USA, nice.
Once he was safely in the car, I stepped back. The fangirls were still surrounding the vehicle. In order to get out it had to do some maneuvering which gave all of us opportunity to wait a bit longer, wave our good byes, etc. But G.O is ever the most gracious. He rolled down the window to wave, say good-bye to us again and offer his soft and so very warm hand. I had a final opportunity to shake that hand and say my good byes to him as the car slowly made its way out to the street.
He is adorable, sweet, gracious, friendly and the most wildly attractive and talented man, ever.♥
I have two more performances to attend and two more opportunities to see him leave the theater. Where are my balls at??! ^.^