Under The Marquee With Stephen Sondheim

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Under The Marquee With Stephen Sondheim

“Psst, Bette.”

“Yes, John.”

“Stephen Sondheim is behind you.”

“No way!”, whispered wide-eyed Bette.

“Yes, way. Turn...slowly.”

After turning slowly and then turning slowly back to John, Bette whispered with a cupped hand over her mouth, “Oh My God!”

John and Bette huddled.

“Bette, should we ask for his autograph?”

“I don't know, John. But, after all, he is a living legend. We would be fools, not too.”

“I'd say so, Bette.”

“Right and if it appears gauche, who gives a damn!

“Right on, Bette. You go, I'll follow.”

“John, should I ask for his autograph and that's it?”

“Well, Bette, I would, also, say how much we love his music and lyrics. Don't forget to say the lyrics. Stephen has such a command of words.”

“Oh yes, he sure does. Should we think of something clever to say, Bette?”

“Good idea, John. Now, what to say, what to say.”

“I'm thinking too, Bette.”

“Yes, John...I got it, John! I'll say his lyrics are beautiful, tasty frosting to his sumptuous music of a cake.”

“I love it, Bette.”

“Okay, John, here goes.”

*

“Excuse us, Mr Sondheim.”

“Yes, oh, hi down there.”, said Stephen with a warm smile.

“Would you mind a sign, Mr. Sondheim?”. Bette handed the Playbill to Stephen

“I like the rhyme and to sign would be fine.”, said Stephen with a warm smile.

“Oh, that's good too, Stephen. Thank you”

“And your name is?”

“Bette and this is my husband John.”

“Huge fans, Mr Sondheim.”

“Thank you, John.”

“Now, Bette, with an 'e' or 'y'?”

“'e'.”

“I prefer Bette with an 'e', don't ask me why, Bette.”

“Oh, I like that, Stephen.”

“Thank you, Bette. How tall are you, may I ask?”

“You may, I am four foot ten inches.”

“There we are, Bette, short and sweet.”

“Thank you, Stephen, what a nice thing to say.”

“You're welcome, Bette. So, are you enjoying the show?”

“Wonderful!”

“Great to hear, bye.”

“Oh, Stephen.”

“Yes, Bette.”

“That's my Maiden name.”

“What's your Maiden name, Bette?”

“I'll spell it, B...a...j..., it's Polish.”

“And pronounced 'bye' as in goodbye, Bette?”

“That's right.”

“Well, Bette, do I have your permission to give your name to a future character, I could have fun with that.”

“Oh, Stephen that would mean the world to me...to us. I'd be honored.”

“Well then bye Bette Baj, and bye to you John.”

“Bye, Mr. Sondheim.”

“Bye, Stephen.”

*

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