Memory Lane

Memory Lane. I love you so. But why do you leave me so sad?

Memory Lane. The most beautiful street in the world, where roses bloom and happiness reigns. But why do you leave so heavy a heart?

The obscure title thread prompted me to stroll once again down that magical byway, after seeing the quirky titles of those ephemeral little comedies of long ago. How good it was to think about them again!: the anticipation of seeing them; looking at the marquees and pictures outside the theatre; the fun they were to watch; the laughs they prompted; the feelings of happiness, elation, and effervescence they inspired, that persisted long after the curtain fell; the delight in reading the playbill for days after to relive the experience, even down to the credits in tiny print about who provided gloves, hats, and cufflinks to the production! Those feelings were so indelible, so priceless, so precious. How wonderful to relive them! But then, inevitably, the doleful moment of reckoning: they're as long gone as the plays that prompted them. And all we're left to do now is contemplate the distance from there to here, and lament the wreckage.

As our greatest living lyricist (and composer) wrote, "the fizz doesn't fizz too long." I didn't realize then that that would apply --- and so drastically --- to our beloved theatre. But I guess it's just as well that I didn't. I wouldn't have --- actually couldn't have --- enjoyed the fizz any more, and knowing what was to come would only have cast a pall over the whole experience.

Memory Lane. I love you so. But why do you leave me so sad?

After Eight - Beautifully written. I feel the same way about so much in life also. I remember my parents lamenting lost pleasures the same way you are. I've come to realize it has to happen. The youth of today is enjoying their culture as much as we did ours and I'm sure they will lament it when they reach a certain age and don't get the new culture of the day.

I agree with the tern "wreckage" but unfortunately it's just the new and different. ugh.

That was very beautifully written — made me nostalgic for a time I wasn't alive to see.

But, as our greatest living lyricist (and composer) said,

The best of times is now
What's left of Summer
But a faded rose?
The best of times is now
As for tomorrow, well, who knows?
Who knows? Who knows?

So hold this moment fast
And live and love
As hard as you know how
And make this moment last
Because the best of times is now
Is now, is now

Now, not some forgotten yesterday
Now, tomorrow is too far away

So hold this moment fast
And live and love
As hard as you know how
And make this moment last
Because the best of times is now

Well said Whizzer!

To quote Sheridan Whiteside, "I may vomit." There is nothing worse than a bunch of alter kockers wallowing in the past. After Eight, why do you keep going to the theatre if it brings you no pleasure? You hate every contemporary play and musical. Stay home, polish your glass animals and read your old Playbills. I'm convinced your hate is the only thing keeping you alive.

I would love to have lunch with After Eight.

Thanks for bringing a little joy to the board today, After Eight.

"Let us see how they handle the same crap they now throw when it is hurled at them."

Mr. Roxy,

They'll no doubt react the same way they do now: stomp their feet, have a temper tantrum, and spew a lot of four-letter words.

I'm reminded of the lyrics in that wonderful song, "The Other Generation:"

"I hope our grandsons give their fathers hell." "Can't wait to see it."

Oscar Hammerstein: truly something wonderful.

Updated On: 9/16/15 at 04:38 PM

"I would love to have lunch with After Eight."

I agree whole heartedly ... After Eight is a skilled writer. I did not notice anything from him for the last few months until fairly recently.

Welcome back, After Eight. I doubt that I am the only non-senior who is glad you are back. You add a unique and entertaining texture to this board. I wish more of us could offer this board as much as you do.

Updated On: 9/16/15 at 05:00 PM

To JPeterman, and to all those here who offered me kind words:

Thank you very much.

Hogan's Hero said - "I don't think anyone is complaining about old people."

When you refer to them as a bunch of Alter Kockers (spelled incorrectly btw), you sure are complaining about them.

"What I am reading is about that subset of old folks who build a fortress around the past and allow themselves to be deluded into thinking it is somehow better than the present."

I'm one of those old folks and I'm not deluded into thinking anything about anything, thank you. And yes indeed, I think the culture of my day is "somehow" better than the present. Why do you use the term "deluded" in describing the way we feel?

I find your entire post to be pretty offensive.

Updated On: 9/16/15 at 08:45 PM

^^^ Roxy too.

Some people would have you believe that a toxic waste dump is an improvement over the flower-filled garden destroyed to make way for it, and that the fumes emanating therefrom are superior to the perfumes of yore.

Malevolent people.

Then they rage against those who refuse to buy their toxic lies.

They can stew in their own bile.

Updated On: 9/17/15 at 04:03 AM