A funny thing happened to me on the way to the theatre. Well, actually it was when I got to the theatre. 
I had gotten there a little early so I could go over my blocking notes before the cast got there.
It was quiet which was just what I needed so I could concentrate.

I had been there a few minutes when I heard someone say "Hello Lee." Startled, I looked around and
said, "Who's there" but I didn't see anyone. "I figured I was just tired and imagining things and went back 
to my notes.  But then there it was again, "Hello Lee." This time I knew I was not imagining things. 
I jumped up and headed for the side door. I was scared, and I wasn't going to wait to see who it was.

But then I heard that voice again, "What are you afraid of, it's only me."

I stopped because that voice was so familiar, it sounded like......it sounded like. "George is that you?"

"Yes, it's me."

"But it can't be you! You're..." and I pointed upwards, "you're up there."

"Are you sure you're pointing in the right direction?"

"George! What are you saying? You can't be down there."

Loud laughter filled the auditorium. "Gotcha didn't I! I just couldn't resist a little kidding." 

"I'm not surprised, I never will forget that twinkle in your eyes. Like a little boy who is full of mischief. 
I bet when you were in school you were one of the kids that loved to throw a spit ball and then look around 
like you didn't know where it came from.  No matter how old you were, I could still see that mischief 
when I looked in your eyes."                 

"But, tell me what's it like up there?  Are you wearing a long white robe?  Have you learned to play a harp? 
And what about your cane, have you thrown it away?"

"The answers to the questions are: "none of your business, no, and no."

"You mean you still use your cane?"

"Not the way I used to, but have you ever seen an angel trip? Now don't get excited! It doesn't hurt when 
you fall on this soft, white, fluffy stuff. And besides .......

"Yes, I know, someone has to liven things up! Ha! Ha! Ha! Well, don't, you get it? LIVEN things up!"

"Yes, I get it, I think that's pretty corny to say the least."

"Well, what about the long white robe, somehow I just can't picture you in that."

"Next question please."

"OK, OK! What about the harp?"

"Well I've had a few lessons so far, but there's no hurry. I've got plenty of time."

A loud booming voice asked "Yes, George, have you seen any old friends?"

That deep baritone voice!  It could only be..."Warren, is that you?"

"You're right, Lee.  Warren McDaniel, in person.  Well, not exactly."

A scolding voice said: "If someone doesn't take that cane away from him, he's not going to have any friends
left at all."

"That voice was unmistakable!  It was...It was Miss B!"

"Don't worry Ethelynd!  I've taken care of that cane.  He'll never find it."

"Thank you, Warren, I knew I could depend on you."

"Don't let him fool you, Ethelynd," George said: "He just wants to be teacher's pet.  Who do you think put
that 'Kick Me' sign on that last new angel?"

"Why am I not surprised?" I thought.  "But anyway, Miss B, how do you spend your time when George and Warren
are not getting into mischief?"

"We're thinking about starting a little theatre," she said, "and I'm getting a directors group started."
Warren chimed in: "Yes, there are several plays I've always wanted to direct.  In a dramatic voice, George added: 
"And I've always dreamed of playing Hamlet." "Well," Warren said, "You've got the first part right."
Miss B contained and laugh and said: "Now, Warren, you behave."
"I have to admit I never would have imagined a little theatre...up there".
I don't know why, but we're thinking of calling it "The Pearly Gates Theatre," Miss B said with great
certainty.

"That sounds great, Miss B. I know if you have anything to do with it, it will be a success. One thing for sure, 
you won't have to worry about special effects.

"It just occurred to me I've been asking all the questions and I haven't asked you the most important one. 
Why have you all decided to talk to me?"

"We thought you'd never ask."

"Well, why did you?"

"Well, we wanted a little update on how things are going these days."

"Things are going real well!  The renovations are completed and it's just wonderful. We're handicap
accessible now, backstage has been remodeled and has new carpeting, and we're still not through.
We have a lot of new people who are helping to keep GLT growing bigger and better."

"How about the Baxley-McDaniel Youth Scholarship?"

"I'm glad you asked, Warren.  It's going fine.  This was our fourth year and the thousand-dollar award
went to a very deserving student."

"Miss B said: "That is wonderful and appropriate that GLT should support our young people in their
theatrical academic endeavors."

About then, Warren said: "George, Ethelynd, it's time to leave."

"Oh my goodness, you're right, I have a Director's Group meeting in just a few minutes."

"And I've got to see where Warren hid my cane."

"By the way, Warren added, "we had to get special permission from the Number One Director to pay you
this little visit.  So tell everyone hello and we hope to see you soon. Well, not TOO soon!"

Then they all joined in and said: "Take care and break a leg!"

"Wait, don't go yet!" I called out.  "I haven't told you how much we appreciate all you have done for
Gulfport Little Theatre, all your hard work, your loyalty and dedication."

But there was no answer and then I felt someone touch me on my shoulder. I looked up and it one of the kids.

He said, "Ms Lee, were you asleep?"

I said, "Of course not, I'm studying my notes."

So that's it.  That's the funny thing that happened at the theatre.  But, I know, I know, I just
fell asleep. Or did I?  

As a matter of fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Ethelynd, George and Warren are watching over us.
I can only hope we can live up to their expectations.

Thinking back on their lifetimes, we can only say: "Bravo! Bravo! Good Show!"