Topic 1984 Story from the Fan Experiences forum.
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Anonymous
Anonymous Poster
From Internet Network:
24.205.84.x | posted: 6/10/2003 at 4:19:34 PM ET
Just found this site while looking for info on whether or not the new "Gypsy" cast has a soundtrack yet or not. Thought I'd share this story with fellow admirers... In 1984 (when I was 23 and a young wanna-be actor), I went to New York to stay with a friend and see if I liked it enough to live there (I did, but affording it was another story). We saw several shows while I was there, including "Sunday in the Park...". I missed Mandy Patinking by two days, but Bernadette was still in the cast. Enjoyed the show alot...Had always liked her from early days of seeing her guest star on the Carol Burnett Show. The next day I was in the theatre district checking things out when I got an idea. I bought a nice card and wrote a note to Bernadette telling her my story (young actor, saw her show, etc.) and asking if she had some words of advice to an aspiring musical actor. I mentioned that I knew she was busy and I wasn't interested in pictures or autographs, just a few minutes of her time and that if she couldn't, I understood completely. I took the card to the stage door entrance and gave it to the doorman. There was a matinee that day as well as an evening performance. He said to come back sometime after the show started and he would let me know whether or not she might see me. I went back at about 2:15 and he (old guy, really nice) said her assistant had given her the card and she had said to come back after the show and she would be glad to spend some time with me. I was floored! The doorman asked me to stay and watch a baseball game on TV with him (and listen to the show from backstage). Actors would come by to say hi and he would introduce me. Got to meet Brent Spiner, Barbara Bryne, Chris Groenendal, Robert Westenburg, Charles Kimbrough and a whole host of others. All were as nice as can be. After the show, Bernadette's assistant came down and got me and took me upstairs to her dressing room. Okay, I was only 23 and she was 36 at the time, but I was stunned by how much prettier she was in person than on film, even though I'd just seen her onstage the night before. She was sweet and gracious and gave me some wonderful advice. Basically, she said that unless you want this more than anything in the world, find another line of work, but if it makes you happy, do it. (That's a 30 minute conversation in one sentence, mind you) She was right. I had some success as an actor in musicals on a professional level, but my heart was never in it as far as it needed to be, so I went into another line of work in the entertainment industry that fulfills me, but am still a huge musical theatre "geek" (to quote Matthew and Sarah) and proud of it. And I really owe a lot of that to Bernadette Peters and her kindness, frankness, and willingness to speak to someone she didn't know. Of course, this was way back before stalkers and crazy fans, but from what I can tell, she's still just as wonderful. In April, I took my wife to NYC for her 40th birthday and we saw tons of shows. Wish I'd known "Gypsy" was opening for previews while we were there, but I didn't. However, I came out of a show one night just in time to see Bernadette and Tammy Blanchard coming out of the stage door to a loving crowd. She's still as beautiful as ever and watching her with fans, I can tell she's still as sweet. Hope this didn't ramble on too long... Haven't told this story to too many people, but this seemed like the perfect forum... Hope you enjoyed it... Scott R.
| Anonymous
Anonymous Poster
From Internet Network:
24.205.84.x | posted: 6/10/2003 at 4:20:56 PM ET
Oops, I meant Mandy Patinkin (spelled it wrong by accident)
|  moljul
Registered User
Registered:
4/2/2001
From:
New York
Fav. BP CD: I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
Fav. BP Song: Dublin Lady
| posted: 6/10/2003 at 4:29:11 PM ET
Great Story. Thanks for sharing.
| Anonymous
Anonymous Poster
From Internet Network:
63.162.21.x | posted: 7/30/2003 at 2:52:22 PM ET
I'm a theater geek as well
|  UCFGuardgirl
Registered User
Registered:
6/15/2003
From:
New York City | posted: 7/30/2003 at 11:55:14 PM ET
That's a terrific story. Really very beautiful.  Which is why we all love Bernadette. I have rarely seen a celebrity like her who has had so much interaction with fans. And all the stories you hear? Very positive.
***************
"I'm not good I'm not bad I'm just right. I'm the witch; you're the world. I'm the hitch; I'm what no one believes, I'm the witch. You're all liars and thieves...oh, why bother?"
-- Into the Woods
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