For our newly-launched series of photo essays, we stop strangers outside our favorite theatres and unearth their connection to the theatre world. From audience members to local residents, from chefs who serve the stars to employees of the theatre district—every New Yorker has a fascinating story to tell.
Who: Howard and Anne E. Voss-Altman from Providence, Rhode Island
Snapped: On 45th Street outside the Music Box Theatre
What show did you just see?
Both: King Charles III
What are your post-show plans?
Anne: We're going out to dinner to celebrate my birthday, and we'll probably spend the evening talking about the play. We're going to Nirvana, which is a restaurant we used to go to when we were dating.
Howard: We haven't been to Nirvana in about 25 years. The last time we went we were just engaged.
You got engaged at Nirvana?
Anne: He proposed after, at the Rockefeller Center Rainbow Room. It'll be nice to go back and revisit the memory.
Were you expecting the proposal?
Anne: Yes, kind of. He warned me in the morning—just in case I would say no!
How long have you been married?
Both: 24 years.
Have you always lived in New York?
Anne: We lived in London for some time. Howard, who is a Rabbi, was doing research on a Polish resistance fighter during WWII who lived there. We've also lived in Calgary, Canada and theatre is one of the things that brought us back to New York.
What do you love about the theatre?
Howard: Theatre brings ideas, intellectual energy, thought, creativity and magic.
What is the next show you're planning on seeing?
Howard: We've just bought tickets for Hamilton, and in the spring we're going to see The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time with our children.