Meet Bennie, one of the regular theatergoers that was chosen to be a part of the Broadway.com Word of Mouth panel for the 2011-2012 theater season!
How far do you live from Broadway?
I live in New Jersey, about 30 minutes away from Broadway with no traffic!
What do you do for a living?
I'm a middle school student!
Who first exposed you to Broadway?
My parents along with my aunt and uncle took me to see Beauty and the Beast on Broadway when I was five. I've loved Broadway ever since.
Any other special childhood theater memories?
Performing for the first time when I was eight with a local theater group, Stage Right, as Linus in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown.
What do you love about Broadway?
What's not to love?!?!? I especially love that it's live so it's different every night. You could see the same show five times and it could be different every time.
Have you ever acted? Had aspirations of being on Broadway yourself?
Yes, I've been doing theater since I was eight and most DEFINITELY aspire to be on Broadway some day!
Who do you like to go to the theater with and why?
Mom, Dad, my sister Frankie, my friends Abby, Emma and Carolyn, Aunt Nina and Uncle Ed, and Krista and Irene. Oh, and John E Love! They're fun people, but I would go by myself if I could because as long as I'm seeing a show, I don't care who I go with!
What are some of your all-time favorite Broadway shows?
West Side Story, Wicked, In The Heights, Les Miserables, Billy Elliot, Beauty and the Beast, Next to Normal, Memphis and Rent
Why should Broadway.com viewers listen to your opinion?
It is my goal to get kids my age to appreciate Broadway more, and go see more shows.
What was your reaction when you found out you'd been chosen for the panel?
I was on vacation, and when my mom told me I started yelling and running around the house we rented, and called everyone I know to tell them the great news! Then we went to a Chinese buffet to celebrate!!!!