Why hello there, BroadwayWorld. Might I introduce myself? My name is BroadwayGirlNYC.
One year ago today - on March 14, 2009 - I created a twitter account and a blog, to report and dish about my theatre-infused life in New York City.
It seemed like everywhere I went, I was having Broadway-related encounters. I'd see the cast of Spring Awakening shopping together at Duane Reed. I happened into seats directly behind Patti LuPone at, of all things, a Counting Crows concert (she sang along the whole time and knew all the words). I used to spot George Wendt out jogging on 8th Avenue all the time while he was playing Edna in Hairspray. Hugh Jackman was in my row the day I saw Grey Gardens. And the list goes on and on...
Every day, it seemed, I had some sort of new Broadway story to tell. Whether it was a sighting like the ones above, or my thoughts on a newly opened show, or excitement over a music mix I'd put together using only showtunes, or a fabulous theatre podcast I'd discovered that had inspired me in some way - my brain overflowed with theatrical thoughts. Twitter became the ideal outlet - a place where I could channel my geekdom into the ether, 140 characters at a time. And very shortly, I found that people were listening.
And, I listened back. The conversations I've had on Twitter have taught me as much as I've put out there, for certain. That's why I eschew the word "followers" for those who keep in touch with me online, and instead call them "my lovelies" - because the people with whom I connect are full of charm, wit, candor and kindness. I couldn't be more thrilled, or more fulfilled, with the exchange of passion that occurs every day.
As the year has gone by, I've gotten more and more excited about tracking down gossip and inside scoops, consolidating reviews and sharing advice for the best ways to get discounts on tickets. I break exclusive news stories; I advise tourists on the first New York shows they'll ever see; I share my Playbill collection; I travel to locales like Houston and Berkeley to see shows that may be the future of Broadway.
I visit Hells Kitchen haunts and peek around corners to spot Broadway stars at play. I smile at the ushers, the box office staff, and the union guys who hang the lights. Everywhere I go, I keep my eyes peeled, my ears perked up, and my heart wide open, propelled by the love for this medium - this locale - this community we call Broadway.
Over the last twelve months I've realized that I exist in a tiny, unique slice of the world where stars and mortals intermingle. One night I'll cheer on a woman who is larger than life, lit up and belting with a superhuman voice - and the next morning I'll see her on the subway chatting with her friends, as if she was just like me. This is not Hollywood, y'all; this is Broadway. It's magical. And there is nowhere in the world I'd rather be.
At the Stage Door with @BroadwayGirlNYC" will appear on BroadwayWorld.com every Thursday. Tweets 24/7 at twitter.com/broadwaygirlnyc and even more Broadway love at www.broadwaygirlnyc.com.
