Wichita Surprise By Joni Arp

Jackie and I decided we could not let the opportunity of seeing Greg on stage again slip by, so amid sacrifice and secrecy we met in Wichita the day before Opening Night.  We had let the folks at Stage One know we were coming, but didn't let our star know until we got there.  We met up with Greg after the Dress Rehearsal for a moment just long enough to plan to have lunch together the next day.  We didn't get photos of Greg onstage,  but got  lots of other fun shots.

The Century II convention complex, downtown Wichita

When Greg arrived at the hotel to meet us  for lunch he found a bed laden with presents that Jackie had brought all the way from Seattle which included postcards from Jinty and Inge and a "Husky" Angel made by Corey.

Greg was "happy as a clam" over one of his new toys.

We let Greg open his Valentine's Day present  just a few days early

We both got thank you hugs, but I caught Jackie's on film.

Nothing like a reminder of Seattle, even if it does have to be put together.

After opening presents Greg tried to record a message for the Fan Club.  Unfortunately, we had some technical difficulties and it didn't work.

After a fantastic opening night and amid snow, ice and sleet Greg gave us a ride back to the hotel.  We immediately set him to work signing programs for some of his fans  who helped out in showering him with gifts, cards and such.  The Fan Club sent him a fruit basket and telegram for opening night, he also got roses which is another story all together.  Then for closing night he received boxes of fortune cookies from the Fan Club with wishes for a future of good fortune and good friends.

We posed for a few more photos, gave him a few more hugs and sent him off to the opening night party.  We had planned to go with him, but the weather was getting worse and we didn't think it wise to chance it.  The photo below shows the view from our hotel room of the Century II Complex that we saw when we awoke Friday morning.  I was sort of hoping that flights would be cancelled, but they weren't.  Jackie's train didn't leave until the wee hours of Sat. morning so she  got to go to the show Friday night and sit just a couple of rows behind the writing team of the show, Maltby, Shire and Pearson.  She and Greg both say that they seemed to love the show and Greg's portrayal of Nick.  Either way Jackie and I were thrilled to see Greg onstage again and really enjoyed visiting with each other and with Greg.  We're already cooking up surprises for the next show, Greg, so be prepared for almost anything!

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