So I went to Louisville for the concert with every intention of doing the most horribly embarrassing things to get Idina Menzel’s attention. But in the end- fate was on my side and seemed to cut me a break. Within being in the city for 5 minutes, my friend and I found a cute little Mexican restaurant across the street from the theatre. We had some time to kill and some margaritas sounded pretty damn good. We batted our eyelashes at the nice busboy who pulled a table outside for us to eat on the sidewalk. We get our margaritas and agree that life pretty much couldn’t get much better…. until Idina Menzel herself comes strolling past my table. 

I let out a GASP. I wasn’t prepared. I didn’t have my pumpkin! I didn’t want to chase her down the street… so she said “Hi” and I managed to stumble out a “hi” back. But then she walked away. I got no picture! I didn’t give her my pumpkin which was still sitting in my car in the parking garage around the corner!!!! DAMNIT! I proceeded to call every member of my family, Boyfriend, friend of family, everyone. I just let my idol walk past me and I didn’t get to actually meet her! So I turn to friend M- “M, you think she’ll come back? Maybe I should go get the pumpkin… you know just in case?” M- “Yes- definitely… just in case.” I take off running. I ran as fast as my 4 inch heels would allow. Luckily the car was close and I got my pumpkin and ran back. I sat down and starting drinking my delicious margarita. Another few minutes passed and I nearly strained my neck craning it looking for another glimpse of the amazing Idina. And then she came back! Walking back to the theatre and I wasn’t about to let this chance pass for a second time. 

I shot out of my seat and scooped up the not small pumpkin and ran to the corner she was about to step off to cross the street.

MsCatalysta- “Idina!!! Hi. I’m a huge fan. Huge. You don’t even know! I’ve been a fan for years!!!” 
Idina Menzel- “Hi. Oh thank you that’s so sweet.”
MsCatalysta- “Umm so I got you a pumpkin. Because it’s Halloween… and it has green on it… you know because you were green and it’s green… here” (Shoves pumpkin into Idina’s hands.)
Idina Menzel- “That’s so nice, thank you! What’s your name?”  
MsCatalysta- “I’m Megan…. and this is my friend, M.” 
Idina Menzel- “So nice to meet you… look I don’t really want to take pictures right now… but ask for my tour manager, Deb, at the end of the concert and we’ll make sure we get some later.”
MsCatalysta- “Seriously? Oh my god, thank you so much! Really… thank you!” 

And so I got a personal invite backstage from Idina, herself. I watched an unbelievable show where she had my pumpkin onstage!!!!! (See picture at right and my pumpkin is on the left). She even thanked me for the pumpkin giving me a shout out while she was onstage. Pretty awesome. I was like a little kid on Christmas. Or maybe Halloween? She was even wearing a cute little outfit for the holiday! She is freaking awesome. She did all her new songs and even a few covers. Then my all time favorite- her cover of “No Day But Today” from RENT and her remix of “Defying Gravity” from WICKED. 

Then I got to go backstage and meet her again. She signed my shirt and a program for some little girls that I know who idolize her as well- no thanks to me, I’m sure. She took pictures with everyone and spent time with each person and was so incredibly nice. 

I didn’t wear the witch hat… and I didn’t burst into song. (Though I was close.) But I did get to meet my idol. A person whose songs have influenced my life so much that it was impossible to convey to her in my whole 5 minutes spent in her presence. This is a person whose songs take me out of my awful days and a person whose songs help me get higher on my best days. It was such an honor to shake her hand, have her know my name, and be in her own words, “the only person to ever chase her down on a street with a pumpkin.” 

All in all… I think I managed to maintain at least a little bit of dignity but more importantly… mission accomplished! Thank you Idina!!!!