Johnny and We

Last night Kayla and I went to The State Theatre in New Brunswick, North Jersey to see Johnny Mathis. Before going in the theatre we stood outside to take pictures and were tickled to see a much older couple (late 70s/early 80s) with thick Russian accents taking photos of Johnny's name in lights. Then the wife started to video tape her husband, who was all smiles, speaking in Russian and holding up a 10 inch album of Johnny's. Clearly he was recording this to share with the folks back home. 

Finally we were allowed in at 7pm and took bathroom selfies and purchased t-shirts. We sat and admired the theatre, especially the gorgeous ceiling. By 8pm Johnny hit the stage and the excitement was palpable. Let me tell you, that man's voice is completely unchanged and is as lush as ever. Like Tony Bennett, he sang parts of his best songs rather than the entire piece. This was great because it allowed us, his fans, to hear so many of his classics. Kay was definitely the youngest person there and we both agreed that it was so nice to be surrounded by adults. No one was loud or obnoxious. The couple in front of us were holding hands during several songs and you could see this was truly an experience for so many; a step back to their early days of courtship where they necked on the couch to Mathis or swayed together to his music at dance halls.

Johnny was very light-hearted and chatted with the audience a bit in between a few songs. He had everyone in stitches when he revealed that his pants were too big and they were falling down. He then proceeded to hike them up and double over giggling. All in all, we both had a fabulous time and were so pleased that he sang our favourite - It's Not for Me to Say. We both actually oooo-ed out loud when the song began. Oh, it was such a great, great night. Dare I say? Wonderful, wonderful. Anyways, here's the setlist from last night's performance. I may have skipped a song or two but this is pretty close.

When I Fall in Love
It's Not for Me to Say
Chances Are
Gina
I'm On the Outside Looking In
Wild is the Wind
Shenandoah
Let It Be Me
Let Go
Mancini songs:
It Had Better Be Tonight
Two for the Road
Charade
Days of Wine and Roses
Moment to Moment
Moon River
-intermission-
Like Someone in Love
All Alone Am I
Certain Smile
Baubles, Bangles, and Beads
Stranger in Paradise
Secret Love
Wonderful, Wonderful
Betcha By Golly Wow
Misty
Yesterday
You and Me Against the World
My Foolish Heart
99 Miles from L.A.
The Twelfth of Never
Mas Que Nada / Manhã de Carnaval
Brazil
-applause and receives at least five bunches of flowers from ladies in the front row plus little gift bags!-
-encores-
How Do You Keep the Music Playing
Let the Good Times Roll

(sixth and tenth photos taken by Kayla)