| Ladies and gents,
With Thanksgiving just barely in the rearview mirror, all of my blessings are still fresh in my mind. At least until next week, when I’ll start taking everything for granted again.
First, I’m thankful for my fellow audience members—the brave, adventurous souls who keep showing up, rain or shine, pandemic or political turmoil, to fill theaters with their laughter, tears, and applause. Without us, there would be no show.
Thank goodness for the simple beauty of two-handers, like The Roommate! Just two actors, a script, and the intimacy of storytelling that reminds us why we first fell in love with theater.
I’m grateful for artistic audacity, evidenced by shows like Swept Away, which take risks, challenge conventions, and leave us breathless. Here’s to those who push boundaries!
Speaking of risk-takers, bless our talented actors, those fearless creatures who bare their souls eight times a week. And let’s not forget the brilliant composers crafting the melodies we hum for decades, or the countless other theater workers who make the magic happen from behind the curtain.
Cheers to the spark of the new—new musicals and plays that breathe fresh air into our beloved theaters.
And, no Turkey Day would be complete without my annual paean to Marsha Mason, who continues to remind us why we fell for her in the first place. With four Oscar nods, unforgettable stage performances, and a career that spans everything from Neil Simon classics to juicy TV roles, Marsha’s proof that talent, grit, and glam only get better with age.
I’d be remiss not to mention the life-changing work of organizations like The Entertainment Community Fund and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, who remind us that Broadway is more than a place—it’s a family.
And, of course, a toast to that sacred artifact, the Playbill you hold in your hand, a time capsule of your night at the theater. If you’re anything like me, your collection could be the basis for an entire episode of “Hoarders.”
Thank you, New York City, for being the messy, magical muse we can’t quit. You’re expensive, you’re grimy, and you’re maddening – but you ain’t Florida and for that I’ll always be grateful.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to our community—the theater-makers, the dreamers, and everyone who believes in the power of storytelling. Let’s be kind to one another, even when the reviews are mixed and the seats are cramped. How lucky we are to be part of something so grand!
Tidbits from around town…
Spotted Sarah Paulson shopping the Black Friday deals at Williams-Sonoma. Looks like Santa is bringing someone a new espresso machine!
Caught Keri Russel graciously posing with a fan for a selfie at Pastis.
Overheard SNL alum Melanie Hutsell joking that she’s been “avoiding Rob Schneider’s phone calls for years.”
As always, a toast of something sparkling to you and yours!
Kisses,
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