This powerful image shows you how close Amazon’s ‘Danger and Eggs’ creator and WOWlebrity Shadi Petosky was to Beyoncé last night at LA’s sold out ‘Formation Tour’ at the Dodger Stadium. I too, was one of thousands of Bey-crazy fans in attendance (my seat was like, MUCH further back than Shadi’s). I was able to sit down with the busy show runner about being literally feet from King Bey and her experience at the concert. Brace yourself, I don’t think either of us have recovered from last night.
Check it out:
[Photos courtesy of Shadi’s Instagram]
WOW: Hey Shadi! Have you recovered from last night? Bey is like, the closest thing to a religious experience.
Shadi: Bey says “God is God and I am not” — that’s one thing I disagree with Beyoncé about — but that was CHURCH.
WOW: You were SO close to the front of the stage. Did you get splashed during ‘Freedom?’ It’s my dream to have Bey kick water in my face.
Shadi: I was behind Bey stage where that happened. Talk to Amy Schumer though, wait — is this interview for Amy Schumer? I have a lot of Beyoncé dreams.
[Photos courtesy of Shadi’s Instagram]
WOW: How did you snag such good seats? How much is too much when purchasing Bey tickets? Is there a limit?
Shadi: I bought it from a person. I put a limit at $700 when she came through the first time and there was nothing close for that — I thought about traveling to a different city but have a show to run. This time though — writing the show is done — I wanted to treat myself and upped that limit. No regrets.
WOW: What was your favorite song she performed?
Shadi: WHO CAN ANSWER THAT?! Performance wise I liked the stomps of Hold up and that transition into countdown. That is when I took that photo but Halo was just incredible and I have weird sad transy associations with that song.
WOW: I know, I know. You’re right, that question wasn’t really fair. “Running” always tears me up. From soft weep to messy, full-blown ugly crying. Like the American Idol girl. What surprised you most about her live?
Shadi: How intimate she was with the audience. She stops. She says I love you back. I took this video where she turns and looks like she checked me out and approved of me. 500 people around me, including half the celebrities in Hollywood, felt like Beyonce looked at them and gave them that moment. If feels like she really wants to be there and is there for you and herself. Also, how much did you cry during the family photos and videos? All of that connection with her around her motherhood, family, womanhood, blackness. Beyoncé isn’t performing she’s sharing her lived experience and we gladly hold space.
[Shadi in October’s OUT MAGAZINE]
WOW: You’re super busy with Amazon’s “Danger And Eggs.” When can we expect to see the project out for fans/audiences? And what’s next for you?
Shadi: UMMM Like summer 2107. It’s all traditionally animated, super labor intensive. It looks good though. Right off of Danger & Eggs I am producing a Paul Hornschemeier short film with Paul Giamatti, Kate McKinnon, and Jason Mantzoukas. I also have a bunch of queer live action stuff I’m working on and am making a mobile game that I’ll release if it’s fun to play. We juts got the first demos in.
WOW: Are you watching ‘All Stars 2’? If so, who are you rooting for?
Shadi: Agh, caught me. I am making shows with no time to watch them but you know I love Detox and Alaska. Though Ginger was more my personal style.
WOW: Leaving the venue is like Mad Max meets the ninth circle of hell. Do you have any tips for future ‘Formation’ tour attendees?
Shadi: Make friends with someone who lives in the hills of Echo Park. We all joked, sang, danced, and walked back to their place and had baked figs. Walk in and out. How about that cool night air that Beyonce was also breathing?
Follow Shadi’s Instagram to see more of her adventures!
