52 years in the making. I thought I was prepared for the fun of a Donny reunion. I had arranged for tickets to Donny’s Harrah’s show and the VIP Experience. As common as this was for me back in the day, this seemed different. I truly did not know what to expect.
Everyone told me “Donny will remember you,” but I had my doubts. Just take a moment and think of the thousands of people – both professional acquaintances and fans around the world that Donny holds in his brain. Would a 52-year flashback jog his memory. I wasn’t sure. To me, it seemed like a monumental ask.
I had posted two “Reels” at the airport (Phoenix to Las Vegas) and just before we went into the VIP experience. You shared my butterflies! I so appreciated all your comments and the encouragement that this would be grand.
There was one seat left in the front row and I snagged it. The room was filled with a buzz of anticipation. I knew everyone there was feeling the suspense. Then Donny entered stage right and my hand was the first he shook, as he began shaking hands with all 22 guests. I could tell he did not recognize me, as I’m sure he does this at every VIP. I’m not saying he was mechanically greeting everyone. He looked each person in the eye and firmly shook hands. Was I disappointed? Of course not! This is what I expected.
I was in awe as Donny conducted his VIP Experience meet and greet. I immediately noticed how comfortable he was and how genuine (just as he had been all those years ago). He asked if anyone had a birthday they were celebrating and two of the ladies raised their hands. But there wasn’t the usual “happy birthday to you.” Each of them got Donny’s “birthday song” with their name as part of the song. As he sang to them, on the screen behind was Donny and his dancers dancing to the beat as he sang them personalized birthday wishes. It was SO cool!
The banter continued with Donny recounting stories and opening our experience to questions. One woman had brought along her ticket to an Osmond concert from the early 70s. Donny said he had to take a photo for his memory collection, then he stepped off the stage and took a selfie with the ticket holder. And to add to the fun, he had the audience guess what the cost of the ticket was. Turned out to be $6.50!
Next a lady told Donny she had been at one of his concerts when she was five years old! And she still had the tee shirt her parents bought for her. She asked Donny if he would sign her shirt and naturally he told her “of course, when we’re taking pictures after the VIP.” Not only were all of us excited for her, but so very anxious to see this child-size shirt from the past.
I was buoyed by Donny’s reactions to questions and stories from the audience. In that vein, I raised my hand and when Donny called on me, I said “I’ve brought along a few memory pictures like one of you on your 14th birthday party at my house in Hollywood.” Donny stepped down from the stage and stood in front of me with a quizzical look on his face. He looked at me and said “ANN! She was the editor of Tiger Beat! I can’t believe it! I can’t believe it!” as he hugged me. I’m hard pressed to explain just how I felt in that moment. He DID remember me and the fondness in his voice almost had me in tears!
Of course there’s more, and I’m saving the video shot by my BFF, Robrt Pela and photos shot by my husband, Tony – for one more day. And I’ll share all my impressions of Donny’s remarkable show and our visit in his dressing room after the show in the upcoming days. Suffice it to say, our reunion was more precious to me than I could have ever dreamed!
See you tomorrow on facebook.com/annmoses and https://www.instagram.com/annmosestigerbeat!
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