Editor’s Note: As a kid, Diane Judge’s mom spoiled her with trips across the Hudson to see Broadway shows, starting with “Cabin in the Sky,” starring Ethel Water. Many years later, she became a Broadway ATPAM press agent working on fabulous shows from the original “Gypsy” to “Dreamgirls.” For the past few decades, she has been practicing to have and keep Liz Smith as her dear boss. So far, it’s working.

Dear Boss,

WOW! How long has it been since I called you that? Back when I was your gal Friday, I guess. Anyhow, this morning as I was walking on Sixth Avenue and 58th Street to catch the bus to the office, I was bumped into by a lovely young woman who immediately looked up and commented on my hat. My hat was what your darling younger brother Bobbie used to call a "gimme hat," because the guys went into a store and said, "Hey, gimme a hat."

Mine is a black cap that was given to me at an Equity Fights AIDS benefit a few years back. It is emblazoned with all the names and motifs of the then current Broadway shows. She stared and then asked, "Have you seen all those shows?" "Yes," I answered, "In fact, at the moment I have seen every show currently on Broadway." "Wow! What do you recommend?" she asked. “Well,” I answered, “I would recommend one see everything on Broadway and Off Broadway, but for the record I have seen ‘Mamma Mia!’ seven times and ‘Chicago’ four times.” I suddenly thought to myself, what’s happening here? Why am I telling this stranger these thoughts? "What else do you recommend?” asked my now devoted fan. “Oh, you must see the revival of ‘Gypsy’ with Patti LuPone and ‘South Pacific’ with Kelli O’Hara. And ‘Boeing-Boeing’ is one of the funniest shows I have ever seen,” says I, leaning on my cane. "How come you see all these shows? Are you an actress?" asks my new best friend. "No, I work with the columnist Liz Smith." "Oh, really!" exudes the lady. "I love her. She is so bright and wonderful and so human. Her work with that wonderful charity … Literacy Partners – wow! You are the luckiest person in the city. Thanks for being here. Bye, now." And, off she went. I stood startled and delighted by this confrontation that is so typical of The Big Apple. And it could only happen because of you, Dear Boss.

Diane Judge