First of all, I want to thank everyone for your patience. I have been reeling since Friday night! The story of the delivery of Vincent's binder is as follows:
My husband (who apparently will do anything for me – as I would for him!) and I arrived at Joe’s Pub at about 10:30PM Friday night. We went directly to the Box Office to pick up our tickets and the bouncer inquired as to what was in the box, which was rather large and clumsy to carry. I replied “It’s a gift for Mr. D’Onofrio.” After we received our tickets, we returned outside to wait in line for the doors to open for the show.
We noticed the bouncer talking to a few employees and directing their gaze to us. Then he came outside and spoke with one of the actresses in the movie, motioning with his hands toward us. My husband said “Uh oh. They’re having a problem with the box.” (I was prepared to have the box inspected as we
were in NYC and I assumed there might be a perceived threat.) Next the bouncer came over to us and said “About the gift…” I interrupted him and said, “If you’re concerned, you have my permission to inspect the box.” He replied “No, it’s not that. I’m trying to figure how you are going to get it to him. I spoke with an actress in the movie, and she agreed to deliver it to him backstage.” I was disappointed. “You mean you don’t think I’ll have a chance to give it to him myself?” “No, that’s not an option” he answered, “but heck, I’ll deliver it to him myself right now.” Again, I asked “This is my only option?” “If you want to be sure he gets it” he replied. So I handed it over to him and thanked him. Moments later he returned saying “Oh he really loved it! Just loved it!” We were thrilled.
A few minutes later, a man who at first I thought might be the pub manager, but later thought was Vincent’s bodyguard, came over to us and said “Oh God, he really loves that gift. Really. He wants to meet you after the show. Are you staying for the show?” “Oh yes! Yes, we are!” we enthusiastically replied. “Okay then, I’ll come and get you after the show” stated the (wonderfully nice) man. We were stunned! Happily stunned…but stunned none the less.
Once inside Joe’s Pub, we were seated at a table in the front row! I was so excited! My husband spotted Vincent backstage and we gawked for a few minutes until the show began. Then Vincent came out on stage to introduce his movie. He was funny and witty and he unnecessarily directed us to all have fun. The movie was intense and, as expected, gory; and the music…the music was great! The actors did a good job acting and a fabulous job performing Sam Bisbee’s music. The story had a jaw dropping conclusion, with Mr. D’Onofrio’s mark all over it! (And Eric Bogosian’s face in it!)
Next we were treated to a live performance of the music in the movie by the actors in the movie, accompanied by Sam Bisbee, the composer, on piano/guitar. A surprise visit from George Geronimo Gerkie, who sang, in his GGG way, “I’m in Love with a Man”, was a highlight in the show. In my opinion, Mr. D’Onofrio’s character spoke (sang) his piece on the repeal of the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy of the US Military. Afterward the show continued with the wonderful music of the movie performed by the cast and Mr. Bisbee. Rousing cheers and applause were heard at the end of the whole thrilling experience!
As people began to leave, I sat down hoping that Vincent’s bodyguard would come out to get us as promised. But my husband saw the worried look on my face and decided to take action immediately. He went backstage, found the bodyguard and then summoned me to join them. Shaking, I did so. We were guided to a room where the cast and crew and their friends were all gathered chatting excitedly about the show. Towering above them all was the gorgeous Vincent D’Onofrio, dressed in a black shirt and black jeans (shocking, I know!) engaged in animated conversation with a group of people. We stepped to the side and waited as the bodyguard went over to Vincent. He spoke to Vincent and I expected him to then wave us over, but instead, Vincent wrapped up his conversation and came over to us! I was floored!
“Thank you. Thank you for the gift”, he said. I asked him if he liked it. He answered “Yes, very much.” He asked us where we were from and thanked us for coming to the show, especially at that late hour. My husband jokingly complained to Vincent about having to carry that box around all day. Vincent laughed. My husband then asked Vincent “Can I get a picture of you with my wife?” (Moi!) “Sure” said Vincent. While the photograph was being taken, all I could think was “Oh my God!”, but I was finally able to utter a question, “Would you mind signing a few autographs for the girls who couldn’t be here tonight?” “How many?” he inquired. (He must’ve thought I meant the many women who wrote the letters in the binder! LOL!) “Five – including one for me” I answered. “Oh sure” he said. Then he walked over to a chair, sat down, and began signing the pictures I’d printed up for the Binder Project Crew.
And, just like that woman in the Archival Library in the LOCI episode “Undaunted Mettle”, I hovered. I explained who each one was for “This one is for Suzanne. She’s from Canada and she ran this whole project.” He smiled at the “Goren and Eames ARE Criminal Intent” postcard that Suzanne had designed. I laughed to myself as I said “This one is for Antje. She’s from Berlin.” “Oh” he commented with raised eyebrows and a nod. This patient, cordial, and incredibly handsome man continued signing, while I babbled on about Barbi from Virginia and Hannah from Austria, and how the letters for him in the binder came from all over the world including Peru, Sweden, and Australia, and how much we love him and miss him, but also look forward to all his new stuff.
When he was finished signing, and I have no idea where this came from, (my heart I guess!) I asked him “Can I give you a kiss?” (I am such a hussy – as Suzanne says!) He smiled and graciously obliged me. He returned the kiss on my cheek and gave me a hug. I hugged right back! He thanked us again for coming and we thanked him for everything.
And that’s what it means to have a dream come true.
Thank you all for your participation in this project. It was fun and hard work to put it together, but the Binder Project Crew found it to be a labor of love. Kathryn’s and Eric’s binders are ready to be shipped to their agents, and will be sent out as soon as possible. Again, many thanks to you all who made this project a huge success.
Sincerely,
Susan, Suzanne, Barbi, Hannah and Antje (The CI Binder Project Crew)
