Back last Christmas time I had the pleasure of attending the Yankee Gala at the Plymouth Church of Christ (or something thereabouts). It was a fun time, and I bid on several things that I haven't since used. But that's neither here nor there. What's relevant (for today at least) is that my co-worker's aunt bid on this comedy club visit. It was billed as a private, black tie members only comedy club, and this was a guest pass for four people. We had no idea what that all meant, but the aunt bid in an attempt to get some other bids going. That failed, and she ended up winning. Fast forward to today. I was invited to go along for the matinee, as some people dropped out at the last minute. We had no idea what to expect, all we knew that that the matinee was not black tie, just semi-formal. That and they closed the doors at 2pm sharp. Well, it turns out that the name of the troupe is the Amateur Comedy Club, a not-for-profit theatre group putting on thrice annual productions continuously since 1884. We had the distinct pleasure of sitting in on the 3,470th performance. And don't let the name fool you, while they may put on an occasional comedy, this is essentially an off-broadway play circuit. We were treated to quite a thrilling drama, Night Watch, by Lucille Fletcher. I shan't ruin the play for you, but it was a very nice thing to have seen. Sadly, I took no photographs, as I didn't want to get kicked out. But it was a nice intimate space, though the sightlines could use more work (this was expected in such an old space). But what was most suprising was the feeling of familiarity it all brought back. Of times when I was but a boy, dealing with all the WASPiness of the Upper East Side. Of the genial comradre of the English Theatre. The close knit space of the backstage. Ahhh, I didn't realize, but I miss it all. And then I went to Whole Foods and bought too much meat. Again.