The Aluminum Show and the best seat in the house

When things are free you more often than not get what you pay for, this was certainly true last night. The Mrs. and I have been members of our local theaters young professionals group off and on for a few years, In that time the ranks of this organization have swelled considerably. And not to sound like a total jerk but the quality of people has not followed the same upward trend. I understand that when things are free it tends to have this affect, but it has become just another singles meat market as far as I can tell. We met some friends at the event and to none of our surprise it was a disaster area. We graciously accepted our free tickets, sucked down some free food, and looked for our escape route.

The brilliant plan was hatched to head across the street to Ratcliffe on the Green to kill the 45 minuets until showtime. For those unfamiliar with Ratcliffe it is one of our cities finest dining establishments inhabiting one of the oldest buildings left in the city. The location is a former floral shop and comes complete with original Tifanny windows and a bay window that has become the best seat in Charlotte. We meandered over and eyed the rather large crowd at the bar. Upon entering we were informed that the bar had been closed for a private function. Reading the disappointment on our face, the maitre'd, asked if we would like a table. With no where else to go and 45 min to kill we accepted. At that point we were escorted through the entire restaurant and seated in the bay window like royalty. It was marvelous as we all sat there beaming and watching the world go by. I had a lovely glass of Bushmills straight up and a cava for the Mrs. After our drinks and some catching up in an atmosphere more conducive to conversation we hiked back to the theater for the nights entertainment.

I just want to stop here and mention when you are in theater with a group of adults you should not have to tell them to shut up as the show is starting. Seriously, shut up. I'm better now. So what was the show like....?

I'm not sure what I was expecting from "The Aluminum Show" but I'm pretty sure I got it. You have no idea how many different sizes of dryer tube there are available. And, thats pretty much the whole show. Attractive women, a couple of dudes and dryer tubes. All in a vaguely "futuristic" setting. It was pretty much Mad Max goes to a rave. Then there was the not so subtly disguised sex metaphor; Which they did try and address by going for the cheap joke right at the beginning but when you have gyrating girls and dryer tubes what else is it going to be. Then they through crap at you. And, of coarse, the finale is confetti canons; was there any doubt thats how it would end; completing the sex metaphor in a very disco fashion. On the plus side, it was our chance to see the new Knight Theater which was quite beautiful. I hope next time I will be able to enjoy it more.

So that was it.