Well, I totally forgot to check back here for possible meeting areas before I left, next time let's pick a place nearby and try and get there a little early.
As for the show...
What else can be said that hasn't already been said? Amazing, astonishing, incredible, emotional, etc are all simultaneously valid. If I could add a word in there it would have to be "triumphant". Dream Theater has done something that nobody is doing now and that nobody could possibly come close to pulling off and it's also something that hasn't even really been attempted in like 25 years. Talking with James after the show he mentioned that in addition to the great response from the fans that the "industry" seems to be taking notice of this spectacle as well. I also know that JP was talking with a writer after the show so it seems there's going to be a book or something else coming down the pipe.
What *really* sells the show are the visuals. As you've seen in a few photos and videos online there are no video screens with closeups of the guys playing so unless you had binoculars or close seats trying to watch the players was nearly impossible... which pushes your focus to the video screens and the visuals of the story. Personally speaking, I still hadn't figured out the story, I had gaps and a little confusion, but being able to watch the movie play while the guys performed the soundtrack really helped me out.
A heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to JP and JR for spearheading this immense project and also to JL, MM, and JM for stepping up to the plate, especially James. This was a monumental vision that required a monumental effort to put forth and perform consistently and passionately. This was truly a rock opera for the ages.
As usual, whenever DT play Seattle and/or Vancouver, it's great to meet up with some long-time friends and fans that I've only known through DT. It was great seeing Frank, Ben, and Milena along with some newer friends Neil & Erin and William and his kid. I even met some people from Brazil who did the meet&greet.
Great band. Great music. Great fans. Great friends.
TL;DR - Wow, man, wow.