In response to questions below, the comp tickets for Perfection Unspeakable are available on a first-come, first-served basis (through Sunday's matinee) — but come on down, we've got seats a-plenty.
You won't need a password, but if you like, you can tell 'em slacktivist sent you. Or just say, "I'm with Reese." (You know how on Law & Order there's always that uniformed officer on the scene when Jerry Orbach and Chris Noth arrive? That's Reese. Thus when people ask me what the play is about, I say, "It's about this young police officer named 'Reese.'")
I'm looking forward to meeting anybody who can make it there. On further reflection, though, I realize I may be putting you on the spot. I'm confident that you'll like the play and the production, but what if you don't?
I've had some experience with such situations. You're standing outside the theater after a friend's performance, wishing you could have the last hours of your life back. Then here comes your friend. You're going to have to say something.
It isn't necessary to lie in such a position. The trick is to offer a broad smile while enthusiastically saying something nonresponsive that can be interpreted positively.
I've found all of the following strategies to be effective.
Ambiguous: "That was really something." "I've never seen anything like it before."
Discuss the play, not the performance: "Boy, that [Shakespeare/Neil Simon] is really something." "They just don't write 'em like that anymore."
Discuss other recent productions: "I've seen six other productions of 'Harvey,' yet here I am coming back for more." "Wow, 'Annie Get Your Gun' sure is a big change of pace from 'Titus Andronicus,' huh?"
Find some detail you can compliment sincerely: "I loved the shoes the Hot Box Girls wore." "Your follow-spot operator was excellent!"
Change the subject: "I found the best parking space! Right out front — I couldn't believe it!" "Up for a drink to celebrate?"
When all else fails: "It looked like you were having fun up there."
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