So, I had and incredible experience yesterday. Sheldon Harnick (lyricist for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, TENDERLOIN, SHE LOVES ME, etc.) came to Cleveland to do a concert with my mom and Bill Rudman. I got to spend all day yesterday with him - watching him give a masterclass to the BWMT kids, eating lunch with him, and watching a production of his show "THE APPLE TREE - THE DIARY OF ADAM AND EVE" with him. He signed a copy of a song by him that I sing called "Will he Like Me?" and he wrote "Hannah - when you sing 'Will He Like Me' I'm sure he will! -Sheldon Harnick". I smiled for like 10 minutes. I got to watch him sing some of his own music, and even at 88, he has more honesty and character than most college students. He is a brilliant lyricist and I will never forget seeing him perform. His wife Margery came to Cleveland with him, and they are absolutely precious. One of the BW kids asked him who he showed his lyrics to before taking them to the composer/director, and he said "Oh, I always show them to Margie. If she doesn't like them or doesn't understand something, I change it right away." At the end of the masterclass, he received a very well deserved standing ovation and Margie looked so proud and went up and kissed him. Every person in the audience "aww-ed. " During the "APPLE TREE" production, Sheldon was so moved than he began to cry. Margie simply rubbed his back and put her head on his shoulder. They are absolutely precious. The two of them just publised a book together called "The Outdoor Museum". It's a collection of Margie's photography and Sheldon's poetry. It's a gorgeous book. They are inseparable and it's adorable.
Sheldon and Margery Harnick
I had the experience of a lifetime yesterday - one every theatre lover wants to have. Look up Sheldon's lyrics and poems. There are so many beautiful ones. He shared a special poem called 'On Working in the Theatre" and nearly everyone cried. I can't find it online, but as soon as I have a copy, I'll post it.
God bless and have a great day!
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