INSTAGRAM CHECK: Broadway Legend Barbara Cook Visits Laura Benanti at SHE LOVES ME

"I am so sorry about last night. It was a nightmare in every way," sings SHE LOVES ME's Amalia Balash as she composes a letter to the mysterious "Dear Friend."

Those words, the opening lyric to the musical's second act soprano showpiece, "Vanilla Ice Cream," are definitely not the ones Broadway star Laura Benanti would use would she compose a letter about the time Broadway legend Barbara Cook came to see her in the role she originated in 1963. (See photo)

Some may say that there are too many revivals on Broadway, but because live theatre lacks the permanence of film, it encourages a culture that passes on its great roles from one generation to another, whether it be on a high school stage, a Broadway theatre or anything in between.

So Ms. Benanti used social media to share the thrill she received performing Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick's American standard before the woman who first sang those words.

"Hey, musical theater nerds out there, she exclaims. "Don't worry about being cool. Just be you. And then one day, you might get to sing in front of YOUR hero!"

Benanti shares the stage with co-stars Zachary Levi, Gavin Creel, Michael McGrath, Jane Krakowski and Byron Jennings. Roundabout's new Broadway production of SHE LOVES ME is directed by Scott Ellis, choreographed byWarren Carlyle with musical direction by Paul Gemignani.

SHE LOVES ME began preview performances February 19, and officially opens on March 17, 2016. This is a limited engagement through July 10, 2016 at Studio 54 on Broadway (254 West 54th Street).