That experience is what I wished for growing up. I saw a lot of community theater--various relatives were involved, and we were always going to see shows that they were in. I saw one first cousin once removed in the Clarence Darrow role in Inherit the Wind and another as Mrs. Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank.

But no professional theater. The first professional show I saw was A Chorus Line when I was 14 and very sheltered. Mom spent most of the ride home asking me if I had any questions. And I didn't, because a lot of it went right over my head. But I loved the dancing, and wanted to come to NYC and be a Broadway Dancer! I wanted to go to the Fame school!

Yeah, that didn't happen. It wasn't until I came to New York for college that I had the opportunity to see professional theater for student prices on a regular basis. It is still one of my favorite things to do.

So I envy a little bit that part of your childhood, for getting to be *here* and not in the suburbs. For getting to see Jerry Orbach on stage. For being close enough that a trip to see professional theater didn't involve planning a trip to Boston that was nearly as complex as plotting the invasion of Normandy.

Thank you for writing this. Even if I didn't live here then, I'm here now, and have the chance to do and see all sorts of shows.