Ilana Day?
Ilana on "Ilana Day", May 30, 1999
Often I'm asked "What in the world was this Ilana day you keep referring to?". Well, here's the background.
I (Shannon) spent Memorial Day weekend at Sammy's house, and we had plans to see Charlie Brown both days. After Saturday's show, we asked Ilana if we could get a picture with her. She of course knew Sammy was Kristin Chenoweth's fan club president and jokingly said "Why would you want a pic with me? You always cheer for Sally!"
Well, we knew Ilana was kidding, of course, but we realized that it was true-EVRYONE cheered for Sally and Snoopy and Charlie, but Lucy did NOT get nearly as much applause as she deserved. So we came up with an idea...
Back in New Jersey that night, we located a Lucy PEZ dispenser, some poster board, tin foil, Lucy stickers, and a card with Lucy on it. Sammy set to work writing out the lyrics we had devised to the tune of "Beethoven Day" so we wouldn't forget them while I made a crown out of posterboard and covered it with tin foil. Then Sammy decorated the crown with Lucy stickers while I made posters.
The next day, we waited for Ilana to come from 8th Ave as usual, waiting away from the crowds so we could have some privacy. Finally she came. We flagged her down and sang our song for her, and on the last line Sammy stepped up and put the crown on her head. I swear, we all about started crying right there.
Ilana dragged us over to the stage door and had us sing the song again for Kristin, some of the techies, and the few fans who were there.
During "Beethoven Day", Ilana kept winking at me and Sammy, who were in the front row. During the bows/curtain call, me and Sammy held up signs that said "Happy Ilana Day!"
After the show, we ran into Kirsten Wyatt who told us Ilana was so proud backstage and showing the crown to everyone, that we really made her day.
It's good to know we accomplished our mission! :)
"Ilana Day"
To the tune of "Beethoven Day"
C. May 30, 1999, Shannon Donnelly and Samantha Gutterman
Call the critics and hand them the news
We've got a Broadway star that they can't refuse
A day of crabbiness
A day of queenship
Ilana Levine Day!
Ilana Day?
She's not really crabby!
Ilana Day?
She's really fabby!!
No more are we the only fans to stand up and say....
HORRAY ILANA HORRAY!!!
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