Elaine Stritch

Hey Neighbor!

Welcome back to THE NEIGHBORHOOD!  This week’s story is about one of my favorite Broadway divas, Elaine Stritch!  

I remember this day like it was yesterday.  It’s Spring Break during my senior year of college.  My class is getting ready to open our production of Charlotte’s Web. 

We end up being able to take a few days off during our break, so I head up to New York City to prep for my eventual move after graduation.  I have an interview and I am going to stay with family friends and try to see a show. 

I’m excited to be in New York and pretend I live there before I actually do. 

While I’m waiting for the Bieber bus, I see a van drive by and I swear it’s the head of my Performing Arts Department, John Bell. Sure enough it is!  He walks up to the bus stop and we both have a “what are you doing here” moment.  We chat the entire 90 minute bus ride about our upcoming adventures in the city.  I have a job interview and plan on seeing a show.  John’s plan is way more exciting.  

He’s going to New York to interview Elaine Stritch! 

The story is crazy. 

You see, he’s writing a piece for The Sondheim Review and Elaine is one of Sondheim’s leading ladies, so she must be included.  Well, as my sweet professor tried to get in touch with her for the interview, Elaine would say,

“Who’s calling?  Oh, John, call me in two weeks, my schedule is crazy with 30 Rock filming!” 

When he calls again, she barks, “John!  Please call me tomorrow, but after the 11o’clock news!” 

Finally, he gets a hold of her and she agrees to meet him, which is the purpose of this trip.  I am riveted by this story.  Elaine has always been one of my favorite performers and we both can’t believe that he’s going to meet her!  As we get off the bus, John tells me that once we are back at school, we will have to meet to share stories about our time in the city.  

The next week, I have a meeting with John and we talk briefly about my interview and the production of Sunday in the Park With George that I saw at Roundabout.

But enough of that!  I need to hear more about Elaine!

He tells me that she agreed to come to campus to do a masterclass next year.  John promises that he will call to let me know when the date is set.  Well, whaddaya know!

I graduate, do a few gigs in Pennsylvania, and eventually move to New York in the fall.

  I finally live here.

One day, I’m in the old Pax right next Ripley Grier when John Bell calls me to invite me to see Elaine when she comes to campus in January.  I can’t wait.  

The event is just magical. 

Elaine comes dressed in head to toe ivory, complete with a signature hat.  She performs one of the most beautiful renditions of 50 Percent  that I have ever heard. 

Her set is a love letter to musical theatre and I am in Heaven. 

Her ability to hold an audience in the palm of her hand and make them laugh and then cry is extraordinary. 

It is one of my favorite memories sitting in a theatre. 

I got to watch this whole thing unfold before me.  Well whaddaya know.  Sometimes the Bieber bus isn’t so bad.  

Okay, Neighbor, it’s your turn.  What was your favorite moment in a theatre?  Or a concert hall? Or stadium?  Why does that moment stick with

I look forward to hearing your stories.  

I’ve Got You in My Pocket,

Jackie Ostick 


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