The stage.

Even this empty stage, blue-lit and breathless, before Rufus Wainwright has come out, is thrilling. More thrilling than many, many things.

Post-concert update: It was beautiful. It was sublime. He played alone--accompanying himself on piano and guitar. He sang "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk," "California," "Grey Gardens," "Going to a Town," "Nobody's Off the Hook," "Sanssouci," "Little Sister," and "Gay Messiah," "Beauty Mark, and "Matinee Idol," with "The Art Teacher" and "Hallelujah" as encores. The venue was perfect and he was perfect. I love his voice, with its edges and resonance, and how wholeheartedly he sings. Not one single disappointment about this concert.