I Love New York

Since I did my post on South Pacific and Employment Law, I’ve wanted to see the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic again. I’m in New York for a few days and had the chance this past Saturday evening to see South Pacific.

I looked for the employment law lessons I discussed in my previous post, and sure enough, they’re there. The cast was terrific, particularly Kelli O’Hara, who played Nellie Forbush, and Paulo Szot, who played Emile de Becque.

When the cast took their bows, there was deserved applause. When O’Hara and Szot came out, there was a sustained standing ovation. Finally, the applause began to subside, and O’Hara stepped forward.

She said it’s always an honor to perform the musical, but especially so that night. She reminded us of the recent “miracle on the Hudson” and then introduced Capt. Chesley Sullenberger and his family who were in the audience. Sully, as he’s known now to most Americans, received an ovation that nobody wanted to end. The crowd buzzed for quite a while, and few tried to leave.

There are signs that New York has been hit hard by the recession. Hotel rooms are cheaper. Shoppers are few. The restaurant business is down. Shows are closing early. South Pacific was pretty full, but not sold out. And I’m staying clear of Wall Street.

But for a few unexpected moments, I was lucky enough to be in a group of people who were reminded that all is not gloom. We saw the representative of the flight crew who performed their work well under extraordinary conditions. These moments have stayed with me. Like most Americans, I’m still worried about the economy, but I’ve tried to focus on all the Sullys out there who, without fanfare, are performing their jobs with determination and excellence.

1. 

   ACU Frank says:

   February 9, 2009 at 4:34 pm

   Sounds like that was Some Enchanted Evening, John.
2. 

   John Phillips says:

   February 10, 2009 at 10:53 am

   It was indeed, Frank.