"Nothing Like Broadway" (excerpt)

WE WALK UP THROUGH THE LOBBY TO THE LOWER MEZZANINE.
THE USHER HELPS US GET SEATED, AND I’M SAFE IN BETWEEN.
THE FLUTE AND CELLO START TO TUNE,
THAT MEANS THE SHOW IS STARTING SOON.
MY FATHER GETS TO GRINNING, AND I SMILE BACK AT HIM.
HE WHISPERS TO ME A SECRET, AS THE LIGHTS START TO DIM:

     “THERE’S NOTHING LIKE BROADWAY, 
     KID, NOTHING SO GRAND.
     WHERE EACH PURPLE FEATHER IS PERFECTLY FANNED.
     COWGIRLS DANCE, AND ORPHANS LAUGH
     ’TIL THE CURTAIN CALL.
     THERE’S NOTHING LIKE BROADWAY.
     NO, NOTHING AT ALL.”