On the late afternoon of November 13, 1971, the minor leaguers on Rivington’s roster began gathering at the Smythe, preparing for showtime. The backstage of the theater was shaped like a horseshoe: Artists came out into the spotlight from the wings at stage right; the Bond Brothers’ large dressing room (with sofas, vanities, and platters of cold cuts) took up the bulk of stage left; and in a narrow crossover area between the two sides, the opening acts mingled, made use of the two gendered bathrooms, and warmed up for the biggest show most had ever played.
