You never know how what you do can change a life… or lives.
Last week I went to the opening of Plaza Suite starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick. Sitting in front of me was the director/playwright Eric Rosen and his actor husband Claybourne Elder. Eric is the son of one of my dear friends Susan Rosen and it was the first time I had seen him in person in years.
Of course, I immediately reached out to Susan to share this small world moment and she told me something wonderful that I want to share with you.
Fifteen years ago, Claybourne Elder had just come to NYC from Utah to make it as a Broadway actor. Because he didn’t have much money, he bought a standing room only ticket to see "Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
A man and woman came up to him and asked him if he was from out of town. Clay replied, ‘Yeah, I'm just here visiting.' The man handed him $200 and said, 'You looked like you were having more fun than the people in the expensive seats. Go buy yourself a ticket to "Sweeney Todd" tomorrow. It'll change your life.”
The next day Clay bought "a great seat" in the mezzanine. And the star of that show was the legendary Patti LuPone.
Fast forward to today. LuPone is now his co-star in the hit musical "Company" — a twist of fate that goes back to the stranger who gave him the means to watch one of Broadway's biggest productions.
During Covid, Clay decided he wanted to give back to those who couldn’t afford to pay for a Broadway ticket. He started giving away free tickets to his show through social media. When he shared the backstory, people reached out to donate money, giving close to $10,000. Over 850 people have received tickets paid for by a stranger. To follow him on IG @claybourneelder
And to make this even better, he found the stranger who started it all…Mark Howell, who lives in Los Angeles.
Remember that each act of kindness can have a ripple effect. Each one of us has the power to make this world better.
Until next time,
Barbara