Every day is opening night.

Barbara Isenberg

Barbara Isenberg has been writing and reporting on theatre and performing arts since 1976. Her thirty-eight year commitment to the Los Angeles Times as well as her work with other major publications like Time, the Wall Street Journal, Esquire and London's Sunday Times earned her a Distinguished Artist Award from the Los Angeles Music Center. She is the author of the Los Angeles Times' Bestseller Conversations with Frank Gehry and Making It Big: The Diary of a Broadway Musical, which have become staple reads in classrooms around the country. Barbara's most recent contribution to the theatre community is her newest book, TRADITION!: The Highly Improbable, Ultimately Triumphant Broadway-to-Hollywood Story of Fiddler on the Roof, the World's Most Beloved Musical. It's a fascinating account of a classic musical on the Fiddler's 50th Anniversary. This week, we arehonored to have Barbara On the Couch this week!

What do you consider to be your best asset?
Persistence.

What was your proudest moment?
Receiving a Distinguished Artist Award from the Los Angeles Music Center.

What is your favorite drink?
A glass of Malbec.

What is your favorite food?
Peanut butter.

What is your current obsession?
Reading newspapers and magazines while they are still current.

If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Over-scheduling.

What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
A Pulitzer Prize would be nice.

What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Driving—a Los Angeles tribulation.

What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Too many hours sitting in front of my computer.

What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
A sense of humor.

What in the world most thrills you?
Making a difference.

What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Making plans on email rather than the telephone.

What is your favorite place in the world?
Fifth row center at a terrific show on Broadway or the West End.

What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
A sense of humor.

Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Dogs.

What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
A great concert or play, a great meal with friends, a walk on the beach and no deadlines.

What is your personal motto?
Treat others as you wish to be treated.