It's not often a "fan" gets the chance to see in person a celebrity they've admired for over twenty years but for me that lucky day was May 3rd, 2003.   Two weeks earlier, I had learned that Ms Meyers was appearing at the Geva Theater in Rochester New York in the play "Theophilus North" (based on the novel by Thorton Wilder).   She was replacing actress Siobhan Mahoney in the show which had already been in production for about a week.

Play Synopsis: It's the spring of 1926 and young Theophilus embarks on a journey in search of all the world has to offer.   When his car breaks down a mere 180 miles from his home, stranding him in Newport, Rhode Island,   Theophilus realizes it's not the distance that makes the adventure, but the constellation of friends that one discovers along the way.   Ari played the roles of Eloise Fenwick, Diana Bell and other Ensemble parts.

Unlike Theophilus, my adventure was going to be about the distance .... as I live 850 miles away from New York; though I was born and raised there.   My work schedule doesn't allow for many long vacations so I decided to treat myself to a quick trip up north.   I got a good deal on airfare and a hotel so I didn't feel too quilty about the expenditure. This was a once in a lifetime chance and I wasn't about to pass it up. As there were two shows scheduled for that day, I decided to buy tickets to both just in case. With my luck, Ari's understudy might be doing one of the shows or my plane might get in late. Why take chances?

I arrived early and was able to attend a free Prologue the Theatre offers an hour before showtime. This presentation is basically a history lesson about the play and its author. Afterwards I get the opportunity to chat a bit with the Stage Manager, sign their guestbook and take a few pictures for my web site before the Play begins.

It's now 4:00 PM and I'm sitting in the 5th row center as the curtain rises.   I didn't have to wait long to see Ari as she appears on stage within the first minute of the play.   She looks striking in her 1920's outfit and wig, and I immediately see what a great stage presence she has.   As the play progresses, I marvel at the different characters she portrays during the 2 hour performance and the different voices and accents she uses.   I wish I could have taken pictures inside the theatre to share with you but that was not permitted.

Before I know it, the play is coming to an end and Ari receives a great ovation from the packed crowd. As I exit the theater, I spot the stage manager and I ask him for a favor.   I had brought with me a photo to have autographed so I ask him if he could take it backstage and have Ari sign it for me?   I wasn't even sure She was still around as some of the cast members had already left to grab a quick dinner before the evening performance.   He said he'll see what he could do for me and I kept my fingers crossed.

About 10 minutes later, the stage elevator door opens and there's the stage manager still holding my picture in his hand and I could see that it wasn't signed.   Needless to say I was a little disappointed.   He starts walking towards me and then oddly steps to the side to reveal that Ari Meyers was standing right behind him the whole time!   Well I nearly collapsed out of shock as I stood there; seeing her smiling from ear to ear at having successfully surprised me.   Yes she surprised me so well that I nearly fainted.   I was a complete wreck.   The actress I had so long admired and who was my 1st TV Star Crush was standing right in front of me; flashing that million dollar smile of hers in my direction.   Somebody get me a Xanax quick.