I’m not typically driven to indulge in fan “events”. I’ll enjoy bands and musicians but rarely pursue tickets to a concert. I’d rather watch a TOTALLY NOT TORRENTED movie on my laptop over lining up at a cinema on opening weekend. You probably won’t catch me at a fan convention either. That’s mostly to do with me being a Frugal Frannie who would rather spend money on food than life experiences, but ultimately, I’m content with purging all my fanaticism online… under anonymous accounts.
So TATINOF was kind of my first experience going to something alone, solely because I am a fan of the thing and I wanted to be a part of a thing other fans were doing. I didn’t go into it expecting to be wowed by an amazing production. Instead, I wanted to see what the hype was about. I figured I’d eventually regret not going if I let the opportunity pass.
Entering the De Anza College campus, it first hit me that this was happening when I saw
the buses parked beside the theater. These fucking buses have had me combing through the internet for layouts and virtual tours. Had me pausing twitter videos frame by frame just to catch a glimpse of their interior… and there they were, right in front of me. A n1gga was starstruck. Oh, and there are 3 buses. One of them appeared to be burgundy with silvery white swirls, one was just black, and then there was the black and gold star coach. They also have the blue and white truck.
As I neared the theater, I began to see flower crowns and anime shirts … and cat whiskers. Bihhh, I even seent a few kids wearing onesies in this motherfucking California heat! Now that’s commitment. RIP to them.
I spent most of the wait-time stressing over how to submit my “artwork” to Crafty Corner.
I didn’t want to be seen. I didn’t want to be spoken to. So the second I approached the table, I wedged the paper between two crafts and powerwalked the fuck outta there. I probably just drew more attention to myself by doing that lol.
Spoiler alert: they didn’t use it. I’m not trying to toot my own horn, but my Danye was more exciting than anything they did choose for the show. I’m just going to say that they choose whatever is easiest to comment on while staying in character and keeping things relatively PG. I’d like to think Dan folded it up and stuffed it in his pocket for later.
But honestly, I should’ve stayed in that lobby, because waiting in my seat was nearly torturous. These heffas behind me were doing
the most. They said “fuck your eardrums, manged, we will belt it out to every gotdamn song on this playlist, and you’re gonna deal with it”. And they were right. I dealt with it. I sat my ass there and silently side-eyed them for 45 minutes.
So the show itself? I wish I could say I laughed so hard I peed or was completely blown away by x,y, and z. Truth is, I thought it was a cute little show and my fondness for them tripled by the end. Dan and Phil do white male mediocrity right! They aren’t incredible singers or dancers. Their delivery is so cheesy and over-the-top, as if to assure themselves that we all know this is scripted as hell. The story, while cute and creative, wasn’t cutting-edge. But they’ve found a way to win us over by just being endearing. Maybe that in itself is an extraordinary skill and talent.
I can’t even count how many times I physically smh’ed. I think I was a way too cynical for the wink
x2-nudge
x2 inside jokes and the heartfelt moments that were scripted into the show- like I was so unmoved during the Dil scene. There were two moments where I was compelled to say anything aloud: one was where Dan said “ frickin zazzed”, to which I muttered “shut up” under my breath. Second was the part during the song and dance where they held eye contact for 43 years. I
think I said “fuck off”, but I couldn’t really hear myself over everyone's sobbing, so who knows.
Meanwhile, #TeamTooMuch behind me were having a fucking blast. They couldn’t wait for the chance to toss out some bantz of their own or scream at literally anything. Maybe I would’ve done the same had I been with a group of friends (and/or zooted out of my fucking mind.) Being there alone was kind of awkward ngl.
Now that it’s ended, I feel a bit… numb, I guess. Possibly brought on by seeing them in person, being as close to them as I will probably ever be, and yet being so far and disconnected from them- just another face in the crowd smiling fondly up at two guys who have affected their lives so much. It made me wish I’d gone for better seats. Sure, I had a decent view of the whole stage, but I would’ve loved to see their faces a bit closer, just so it could’ve felt a bit more “real”. So now, I’m left with some weird emptiness (that can only be filled with a new gaming video or a tour ditl ahem). Ugh, I’m so lame. I’m sure people who are used to fan-star interactions are better at coping with this.
But on a slightly less (or possibly more) pathetic note, it made me realize just how much I ~love~ them. I might’ve been rolling my eyes for most of the show, but do note that they were heart eyes at the same time. Whether you’re trying not to puke at a corny reference or shouting “DAN’S SUCH A MEME” at the stage, it all comes from a similar appreciation for them.
I’m sure I’ll go back to hating them within a week’s time.
We wait for the reviews 
Dan 
Phil 
