Mom was vital to inspiring love for theater

I goofed.

Today is Mother's Day and, being new to this column, I didn't really think to plan ahead for the special day.

Many of us have a love of theater because of mom. Whether she loves it herself, sings the songs or gently nudges us toward the stage.

My mom took me to audition for my first musical, "Annie." Somehow, with no stage experience herself, she prepared me for a pretty darned good audition. I sang the requisite "Tomorrow" and was cast as an orphan. What an experience!

It was with a local arts council, so we were responsible for our own costumes. Mom and I went to different thrift stores to look for orphan garb. She muddied up my costume with shoe polish and bought me my orphan bucket.

She drove me to my rehearsals and was there at every show. She even let me stay up late for the cast party, which was at someone's house with a swimming pool.

To this day, Mom (and Dad, but it's not Father's Day yet) has never missed a show. For some productions, she has been there every single night.

Had I planned ahead for this column, I'm sure I would have found a lengthy list of performers who stand on stage every night because they have a great mom who helped them get there.

Perhaps the saying should be: Behind every great performer is a great mom.

Thank you, Mom, I love you.

So, not being one who likes making the same mistake twice, I want to hear from you regarding dear ol' Dad. My mechanic loves "Fiddler on the Roof" because his dad used to dance around the house, arms thrust in the air singing "If I Were a Rich Man."

Do you have a similar story? Please send it to me: ehansen@desnews.com

On to the Great White Way:

Let the awards begin!

Tony Tony Tony: Tony nominations will be announced Tuesday. The funny, Tony- and Emmy-award winning David Hyde Pierce and Tony-winner Sara Ramirez, (former "Spamalot" co-stars) will do the honors live from the Lincoln Center.

Tony Show: Fresh off his appearance with the "Chorus Line" cast on "Dancing With the Stars," Mario Lopez will host a preview concert featuring performances by the 12 eligible musicals. Not to worry, the concert will be taped to be aired some time between May 26 and June 7.