Darren Criss’ closing night speech, January 22nd, HD Quality.
(It’s taken me two days to upload this, so sorry for the wait. And by all means, gif it or whatever! Just leave me credit and link me to it so I can see!)
Darren:
Good God! They said yesterday that I had to say a couple of words after the show, so... Frankly, I'm speechless. It's been--It's been such a whirlwind, this whole ride for me, it's been, uh, crazy. So I just wanted to say a couple of "Thank yous" before I go, since this is my last show. Um, thank you to, obviously, the wonderful producers who believed in me to let me do this and be a part of this wonderful project. To our esteemed director, Mr. Rob Ashford, thank you for believing in me as well.
Audience:
*Applauds*
Darren:
To our genius conductor Mr. David Chase as well.
Audience:
*Applauds*
Darren:
And of course, to this wonderful group of people onstage and behind the stage, the "Brotherhood" of the world wide wicked family, this is not only my last show, but the wonderful Cameron Adams and Christopher Hanke.
Audience:
*Cheers and applauds*
Darren:
And it's been short but sweet but now, I think it's time that I, uh, I think it's about time because--This firm's been pretty good to me, and I think it's time that I went back to my--I resigned, and I took the blame for what I did, and I went back to doing what I did before I came here.
Beau Bridges:
What did you do?
Darren:
Well, sir, I was on Glee!
Audience:
Laughs and applauds*
Darren:
That wasn't the point! Only because I'm a sucker for musical jokes, Dave [Chase], give me that again!
Audience member:
I LOVE YOU DARREN!!
Darren:
*Laughs* There it is. Just pretend this happened! Because I planned this. . . *Repeats more cheerfully* Well, sir, I was on Glee! *Waits for a musical cue then waves hand when it doesn't come * [Garbled] Anyway, I wanna get out of here, so thank you so much. You know, life--I always say life is only as good as those you get to share it with, and it has been an absolute pleasure sharing it with these wonderful individuals up here, and with all of you.
Audience:
*Applauds*
Darren:
I wanna make this quick, I want to get out of here, so please let me finish. So, about, like, ten years ago when I was growing up in musical theatre I did a musical called "Do I Hear a Waltz," and there's a wonderful line at the end of that show where, uh, the female character says, "Thank you so much for something between ridiculous and sublime," and it's been beautiful sharing it with all of you and with my beautiful family *voice cracks* who is here and who's been here [this whole time (?)].
Audience:
Aw!!
Darren:
Thank you from the bottom of my heart! And we will see you next time on Broadway!