Are You There, God?

“I’ve heard good things about you,” Abby Ryder Fortson says as Margaret near the beginning of the movie Are you There, God? It’s Me, Margaret.

The movie is wonderful. I saw it April 24 at an advanced screening at the 92nd Street Y. Before the lights dimmed, Judy Blume spoke. Thirty some years ago, as a guest in my New School writing class, she was totally terrific, took me to dinner after, had read several of my essays at her request, and said she loved them. I love Judy Blume. In print. In person. Now with her movie. Talk about talent, understanding our common humanity, kindness, and generosity. I’m rereading Tiger Eyes now.

Two other recommendations: the Museum of Broadway-Jonathan and I spent 3 hours there on Friday. The composers, playwrights, actors, sheet music, scenery, and costumes are such turn-ons. Irving Berlin playing piano and Ethel Merman in Annie Get Your Gun inspired me to get out my Annie Oakley

costume which I got at age 6 for Halloween and wore all the time listening to the album and singing along.

Rodgers and Hammerstein inspired me to play the songs from their shows on my piano last weekend.

There’s a bright golden haze on the meadow

(The cornfields in Oklahoma are taller than my husband)

The museum has costumes from most of the shows. These are from Hamilton

After the museum, we saw Summer, 1976 starring Jessica Hecht and Laura Linney.

Talk about great acting, writing, and directing.

I’m with Margaret. I’ve heard good things about you, God.

Oh What a Beautiful Day!