Loreena Mckennitt

Tonight Jeanette and I went to see Loreena Mckennitt at the McPherson Theatre. It was an amazing performance. The band comprised of multi talented, multi ethnic players that create a sound that is spell binding, haunting, romantic and energetic.

The down side was the couple sitting behind us. The guy was excited, very excited.... He kept saying how "beautiful"and "magical" it was, over and over. He kept saying that he had waited his whole life for this show and repeated "Salt Spring" over and over. I assume that they are from Salt Spring. His heavy breathing was creepy, borderline nasty, as this was not a graphic, adult only event.

The woman kept kicking my seat. At one point I shhhh'd him. His grown up response was "don't shush me". I had hoped that his girlfriend would realized that the toothless wonder she was with was rude and let him know the behavior was inappropriate. Sadly she was what makes Salt Spring Island hippi chicks look bad.
It is great that he loves her but did he have to say it so often? and tell her how beautiful she was and kiss so loudly, over and over? Ick. Get a room.

I talked to the ushers and eventually she came to talk to the couple. Who said they" were just enjoying the show". When the usher left they told us to "mind our own business" and "let them enjoy the show". I ended up shushing him 2 or 3 times ok maybe 5 all with the same "don't shush me". How very mature. If he stopped talking I would not have had to burst his bubble.

Apparently no one ever told them that, when in a theatre with plush seats, red velvet curtains, live talent on stage and people dressed to the nines, one is expected to be QUIET and definitely leave the E at home.

At the intermission another, bigger, usher took the couple aside to discuss the situation. As the couple walked away, she said we should "relax" and "live a little". It was the rudest, most selfish, immature and plain white trash behavior I have ever seen in a theatre.

I asked the lady sitting beside the couple, who was leaning as far away from them as possible, if they were bothering her. She said they made her "nervous". I asked the people around us and 13 others said the couple was "distracting", "annoying" and "disruptive".

One distinguished gentleman came over and told the usher that there were 15 people who would raise holy hell and walk out if the couple came back. It was great to have the support of strangers.

The second half was haunting, relaxing and exciting. Wow!

If you have a chance to see Loreena Mckennitt live, GO! It is a show you definialty do not need drugs to be transported into another reality.