West Side Memories

Bert Micheals Is one of the most talented men I have ever known but that nothing to do with why I love him and his wife Pat the day before I auditioned for a performing arts high school in Long island (I had no idea I would be auditioning for Bert) I watched West Side and at that point in my life I was easy to succumb to even the slightest bits of star worship But I loved all the jets and the sharks I wanted to be one of those guys and Bert helped me to realize that dream. He helped me ring every last bit of talent out of my body and showed me how to use it to its fullest and helped me to do so without me ever having to sacrifice one bit of my "inner self". His wife (a lovely vision of pure DIRECT talent and heart) was equally influential in me having a strong personal and professional base) I will be 41 on my next birthday and have worked closely with Debbie Allen, Steven Spielberg, Twyla Tharpe, Alvin Ailey, Elton John, Lionel Rithie (i really could go on) but I have remembered Bert and Pat almost every day. So though I do Not get to see them or speak to them I want every one to know how important they have been and that they will always have my thanks and love oh and WEST SIDE IS THE BEST COLLECTION OF TALENT EVER ASSEMLED UNDER ONE CAMERA Glenn Ford