16 Comments
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meta mendel-reyes's avatar

I just love this, Tanya, especially the journey from summer stock prostitutes to feminist, self-authored solo performances!

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Tanya Shaffer's avatar

Thanks so much, Meta! ❤️

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Samia Mounts's avatar

I love this so much, Tanya! Thank you for sharing these stories. It's fascinating hearing the winding paths of other multi-hyphenate creatives, not to mention inspiring and encouraging. :)

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Tanya Shaffer's avatar

Thanks so much, Samia. Im so glad it feels meaningful to your journey! ❤️

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Jeff Greenwald's avatar

Though I'm a big fan of your more "recent" stage work and writing, I always relish getting to know you better through these wonderful autobiographical sketches! And the photos are fun, too.

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Tanya Shaffer's avatar

Thank you so much, dear Jeff! It's fun (and strange) looking back at the photos too! Feels like they were taken in another lifetime ...

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Laia's avatar

Tanya I am enjoying your writing about your father so much. Thank you 🙏🏼

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Tanya Shaffer's avatar

Laia, thank you so much. I'm so glad you're enjoying them. Big hugs to you.

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kristinoel ludwig's avatar

Obie, are ya? A music college also, i understand. My gardening activist buddy Ellen is a grad of 1969, along with her hubby Laird. His old man was a lecturer in economics at Columbia...even in the throes of Alzheimer's, when he spoke, he pontificated...The fotos of your history add a touch of glamour and wit to the evolution of your budding stardom. I like learning about your life and learnings!

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Tanya Shaffer's avatar

Thanks so much, Kristinoel! Yes, indeed—Oberlin has an amazing music conservatory. So glad you enjoyed the piece! ❤️

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Jean Schiffman's avatar

Loved reading this!

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Tanya Shaffer's avatar

Thanks so much, Jean! ❤️

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Barb's avatar

Loved this story and your papa's encouragement. You are a creative writer of plays and stories, but also a great teacher to others, and performance may now be squeezed in at the moment, but how you have time for all you do is beyond me. Now, travel in learning courses on writing. Geez!

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Tanya Shaffer's avatar

Thanks so much, Barb! I always feel like I'm not doing nearly enough, but I suppose we all feel that way!

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Daniel Ford's avatar

Definitely a star. Although I may have had one up on you in the mullet department. Thank you as always, for sharing! ;-)

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Tanya Shaffer's avatar

Thanks so much!! Haha, I'd like to see that mullet pic! 😀

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