JUST another summer show opening in central Dublin? Well, not quite. Last night at the Andrew's Lane Theatre, American singer Carole King was appearing on stage in an acting role, taking one of the leads in a production of Neil Simon's comedy Brighton Beach Memoirs, directed by Peter Sheridan. The presence of Ms King, a legendary figure in rock music since the appearance of her album Tapestry 25 years ago, helped explain why there was such keen interest in attending this performance.
But in addition, a rumour had circulated around the city that Jon Bon Jovi, seemingly a friend of, Carole King, would be in the audience last night, which is why there was more than the usual numbers of photographers standing outside the theatre, anxiously peering through the windows of each car that drove up the narrow laneway.
"You're obviously waiting for someone really famous," commented one Irish soap opera star as her own arrival failed to spark so much as a single lightbulb.
ONCE she managed to struggle into the foyer, consolation awaited in the shape of all those other invitees who had suddenly discovered that they weren't quite so important after all. Among the first guests to turn up was drama teacher Ann Kavanagh with two of her current crop of students in tow. Brighton Beach Memoirs's cast includes a couple of her graduates, "but neither of them is Carole King".
Other familiar first night faces in the crowd included writers Shane Connaughton and Bernard Farrell, disc jockey Larry Gogan and artist Gerald Davis. Jim Sheridan came along to support his brother, and costume designer Joan Bergin, who has worked in the past with the Sheridans, arrived fresh from working with Brad Pitt in recent weeks. Since Mr Pitt has left the country, there was absolutely no chance of his putting in a surprise appearance.
Back outside the theatre, however, the ranks of expectant photographers had been swelled by amateur celebrity spotters and a gaggle of tourists who all clutched paper and pen in the hope of securing an autograph. Still there was no sign of the elusive Jon Bon Jovi, who, it was hinted, was not quite such a good pal of Carole King after all.
As the minutes to curtain up ticked away, a group believed to be associated with Bon Jovi (exactly how was never explained) materialised on the pavement. Among this set were Eric Bazilian of The Hooters and songwriter Desmond Child; they were subsequently joined by Irish singer Eleanor McEvoy and this trio was photographed on the threshold of the building. Ten minutes after it was supposed to begin, the play actually started and doors were firmly closed. Once more the focus of attention returned to Carole King and Jon Bon Jovi's fans began to drift away. "Even if he did turn up now," it was explained to those reluctant to leave, "he wouldn't be able to get in because all the seats have now been taken."
