Category Archives: Language Arts

DrSue Passover Comedy

DrSue Passover Comedy

DrSue Passover Comedy

Dr. Sue Singer-Songwriter-Comedian-Puppeteer!

Susan “Dr. Sue” Horowitz Sings her funny original song: “Matzo Ball Romance” Teddly Bear Puppet plays Matzo Box Tambourine!

(Positive Humor & Songs)

Susan Horowitz is a Speaker and Author of “Queens of Comedy” (Interviews with Comedy Legends: Lucille Ball, Joan Rivers, Carol Burnett, Phyllis Diller)!

Susan “Dr. Sue” Horowitz Sings Funny Original Passover Song “Matzo Ball Romance”

Susan “Dr. Sue” Horowitz Sings Funny Original Passover Song “Matzo Ball Romance”

DrSue Passover Comedy! Here’s the link to DrSue performance of “Matzoh Ball Romance” at the legendary @Don’t Tell Mama Cabaret in New York City! (“Matzo” and “matzoh” are alternative spellings.)

Please scroll down for lyrics and Dr. Sue’s Contact information!

Dr. Sue Sings “Matzoh Ball Romance”

Dr. Sue Sings “Matzoh Ball Romance” @ Don’t Tell Mama Cabaret

Dr. Sue Sings “Matzoh Ball Romance”
"Matzo Ball Romance"  by Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz 
I was sittin' at a seder 
In a temple of worship 
When a cute guy sat right next to me 
He said, "I am single, and I am a doctor 
I have an Ivy degree."  

My Mama said, "Girl, meet a man at a temple 
It's better than a barroom or dance. 
Don't keep your heart locked or 
Miss out on a doctor 
A beautiful Matzo Ball Romance."  

I was lookin' at my cell phone  
When I saw a text message 
From my romance so kosher and nice 
He said, "I am lonely, visit my office 
I'll give you a discounted price."  

My Mama said, "Girl, when you go to a temple 
Keep your eye out for someone in pants." 
Don't know what to call it: 
His eye on my wallet 
Not a beautiful Matzo Ball Romance." 

Yeah, I went back to the temple. 
He saw me but he ran away  (Like a chicken)  
So I looked 'round the room I made a new friend.  
There's something that I'd like to say:   

"Fellas and girls, when you go to a temple 
Don't be afraid, take a chance 
Some folks are chicken 
But true friends are rib-stickin' 
Like a beautiful Matzo Ball Romance. 

Music and Lyrics 
by  Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz 
copyright 2022

Enjoy “Songwriting Sisters” Dr. Sue’s Solo Show of Songs & Comedy

Enjoy “Switch the Musical” Show and Story Concert by Dr. Sue

“Switch the Musical”: www.switchthemusical.com

Enjoy “Queens of Comedy” & More Books by Susan Horowitz

“Queens of Comedy” by Susan Horowitz (Dr. Sue)

Contact Form on this Website: www.drsue.com

Or E-mail: drsue at drsue dot com

Dr. Sue Logo


Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

Dr. Sue Sings Funny Thanksgiving Song

DrSue Sings Funny Original Thanksgiving Song

DrSue Sings Funny Original Thanksgiving Song

Dr. Sue Sings Funny Thanksgiving Song

“Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy”

DrSue Sings Funny Original Thanksgiving song “Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy: Tale of a Turkey-Pilgrim Dinner Date!” (Scroll down for Lyric, Thoughts about Self-Esteem, Diversity, Inclusion, American History, and my Life In-and-Out of the Performing Arts!)

My Song-Video Performance was recorded at Church Street School for Music and Art, 41 White Street New York City. Here’s their website: https://churchstreetschool.org/

Photo is from my performance at Singers Space, presented by D’Ambrose Boyd, BarThalia, Symphony Space New York City https://www.facebook.com/groups/143560185778318





Video DrSue Singer-Songwriter @Church Street School Music Party

Susan Horowitz/DrSue Sings her Original Funny Thanksgiving Song!

“Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy” – Song Lyric by Susan Horowitz/DrSue

Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy                                                                       Words and Music by Susan Horowitz/DrSue Copyright 2021

This is a tale of a turkey bird
Who went to a turkey trot
When anyone said, "May I have this dance?"
She answered, "You may not.

I'll only dance with a gentleman
Who makes our country great
If he's got money, then he'll be my honey
And I will be his date!"

Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy
Saucy and surprising
Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy
Very appetizing!

Suddenly somebody stepped on in
Who came from Pilgrim stock 
He said, "I'll be candid 
My boat has landed here on Plymouth Rock.

Turkeys are dumb, but drumsticks are yum
And you look mighty fine
Please do not stall, my Butterball 
Come with me to dine!"

Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy
Saucy and surprising
Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy
Very appetizing! 

They went to a fabulous restaurant
She was his dinner date
But when they got there the table was bare 
Except for an empty plate

The rest of the story is terribly gory
I'll leave out the end
Let me just say have a fine Turkey day
And share it with a friend.

Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy
Saucy and surprising
Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy
Very appetizing! 

Contact Susan Horowitz/DrSue Social Media (Website Upper Right)

Hope you enjoyed my original song “Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy: Tale of a Turkey/Pilgrim Dinner Date.” (Lyric is slightly revised to my latest version.) As you can see, the song is designed for fun, with a catchy, easy-to-sing melody and a sing-along chorus that includes the audience. The story (told in the verses) has two main characters: the Turkey Bird and the Pilgrim, who interact with dialogue and action, and the other turkeys, who don’t get to dance with the Turkey Bird.

The story also has a Narrator, the Singer (in this case, myself, the Singer Songwriter) who tells the story and articulates the theme in a humorous, ironic chorus. I encourage the audience to sing the chorus with me, and in fact, they do!

Why does my audience sing along? Because I give them an easy, catchy melody, with a repetitive refrain “Life Is Just a Bowl of Gravy” which probably reminds many audience members of the optimistic, popular song “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries.” But cherries have pits, and life has pitfalls – especially for snobbish birds.

“Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy” sounds cheerful, but in fact, it’s a cynical (though perky) comment on the demise of the Turkey Bird! The self-deluding bird rejects her real friends, misunderstands her real situation, and will only dance with a rich “Pilgrim” who (like Donald Trump) promises to “make our country great.” The “Pilgrim” views the Turkey as an appetizing fool suitable for his main course. The story spares the listener the gory details, but ends with a bit of advice – enjoy Thanksgiving (“Turkey day”) and share it with a friend.

The advice – know who you are, don’t try to be who you are not, and value and enjoy your life – applies to many situations. The word “turkey” has become slang for an inept loser, a bird who can’t fly like the eagle. But in fact, the wild turkey (unlike its domesticated cousin, bred for the dinner table) is a native American bird, who can fly and run fast and is traditionally prized by Native Americans, whose own story is part of the real history of Thanksgiving

“Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy” is an original song rooted in a few song genres, including traditional story songs. The ongoing narrative is told in the verses, and the theme shows up in the chorus. The form is verse-chorus, and the repeating chorus makes it easy to learn and sing along.

I also draw inspiration from theatre/revue songs, which often became popular standards. “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries” by Ray Henderson/Lew Brown (published in 1931) comes from a Broadway revue (George White’s Scandals, modeled after the Ziegfeld Follies). The easy-to-remember, positive refrain and catchy tune made it a song standard with many recordings. You can learn and enjoy more great song standards by visiting the American Popular Song Society American Popular Song Society (apssinc.org)

Some songwriters and musical theatre writers experiment and challenge traditional song forms. But even the most radical do well to learn their craft and tradition – even if what they want to do is rebel against it.

My life in-and-out of the Performing Arts reflects who I am as a Singer-Songwriter, Musical Theatre Creator, Educator, and Person.

Singer-Songwriters create a personal, intimate art form, which directly connects to audiences. The audience often includes other musicians or singers. If the songs are simple or well-known, the audience can sing or play along and build community.

Musical theatre is much more elaborate, with an emphasis on unusual talents, professional collaboration, production values – and substantial funding. The effect can be thrilling!

Autumn Photo by Suzen http://www.suzennyc.com/

I also love the melodic sweep and wit of musical theatre – especially my own show “Switch the Musical” www.switchthemusical.com – and the intimacy and freedom of singing-songwriting, where I can immediately connect with my audience. I consider everything I (and we) create to be aspects of our talents and personal values. And unlike the foolish turkey, we don’t need to seek validation from fake “Pilgrims.” We can do it for ourselves.

Comedians as “Wild Turkeys” Book: “Queens of Comedy”

Great comedians are like wild turkey chicks who have landed among the domesticated breed. They don’t look as plump and juicy as the ones bred for the dinner table. But if they embrace their own talents, they can fly! Here’s a link to some of my favorite “birds” – the legendary comediennes I interviewed for my book “Queens of Comedy”

Contact Susan Horowitz/DrSue Social Media (Website Upper Right)

I hope you enjoy my blog about life in-and-out of the performing arts. You can contact me by clicking the Contact Links and Social Media on this website. (www.DrSue.com)

Dr. Sue Logo


Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

emoti

DrSue New Word Sustainable Chile

DrSue New Word Sustainable Chile Wine, Food, Travel Entertainment Brooklyn Grange Farm

DrSue New Word Sustainable Chile

DrSue New Word Sustainable Chile Wine, Food, Travel, Environment Education, Fun!

DrSue New Word and Sustainable Chile share Wine, Food and the Joy of International Travel at Brooklyn Grange Farm – a rooftop garden in Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York City! www.brooklyngrangefarm.com Scroll down to enjoy 1 Minute Song-Video with Magical Sunset Views of Manhattan! Find Susan Horowitz (DrSue) on Instagram @horowitz30

We wend our way through the wine stations – a journey through the gorgeous geography of Chile www.prochile.gob.cl , a south-western Latin-American country, bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains – and through time. Chilean wines (originally from in Spain) have a five-hundred year old tradition – and blend handcraft and modern technology. Wine varieties that became extinct in Europe still grow in Chile (85% certified sustainable) and are exported internationally. www.prochile.gob.cl

Christophe Desplas, Trade Commissioner of Chile, and Dr. Sue say “Salud” (Health) as we toast Sustainable Chile!

Other treats include empanadas (Latin-American stuffed pastries) and desserts from Dulceria, a Harlem-based Bakery-Wine Bar http://www.Dulcerianyc.com and En Boga Magazine www.enbogam.com

We also played a Chilean game of tossing a wine cork into boxes (I got one out of three), and fun photo ops with Chilean style sombreros (hats)! We all felt safe and healthy due to mandated proof of vaccination in New York State. (I have the app for NYS Covid-19 Vaccination proof on my cell phone for easy access.)

Learn more about DrSue New Word Entertaining, Educational Program https://drsue.com/about/drsue-new-word/

Enjoy 1 Minute Video DrSue New Word Sustainable Chile

Here’s the Lyric to Dr. Sue’s Original Song: “Love is Sweet As Wine”

"Love is Sweet as Wine" Original Song by Susan Horowitz
"...The moonlight shines like chardonnay
And seems to glisten in your eyes
And our reflections in the glass hypnotize...

Oh my love, hear me call
Let yourself fall
Bedazzled and dizzy 
The feeling's divine
Love is Sweet as Wine,  Sweet as Wine" 

To hear the entire song (Words and Music) 
Contact Dr. Sue on Instagram @horowitz30 
or: drsue at drsue dot com

Dr. Sue Logo


Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

DrSue New Word Lute

DrSue New Word Lute

DrSue New Word Lute Music, Shakespeare in the Park New York City. Dr. Sue Positive Entertainment

DrSue New Word Lute. Dr. Sue (Singer/Songwriter) Sings with Troubador/Lutenist/Story Teller Garald Farnham @ Shakespeare in the Park, New York City! Farnham, who is the Musician/Music Director of Ensemble “Good Pennyworths” presents songs that are touching, humorous, and family friendly! Scroll down for 1Minute DrSue New Word Music Video!

DrSue New Word “Lute”

Dr. Sue and Troubador Farnham invite you to a musical journey back to the time of William Shakespeare, with songs from Shakespeare’s plays and poetry and the flowering of the English Renaissance. Join us in an enchanted forest (Central Park, NYC). Before there were rock stars and electric guitars, there were minstrels and lutes! Our DrSue New Word is… “Lute”!

DrSue New Word Celebrates Learning, Arts, Science, Diversity, Vocabulary, Travel and Fun!

To learn more about DrSue New Word MultiMedia Entertaining Educational Programs (1 Minute Videos and Related Merchandise) Please scroll down.

Enjoy DrSue New Word “Lute” – One Minute Song Video.

DrSue New Word One Minute Videos (hosted by Dr. Sue) include a catchy jingle, happy logo, videos, photos, original songs – Perfect for All Media!

Dr. Sue Logo


Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

Dr. Sue & Tashawn X

DrSue New Word Chance Basketball Positive Entertainment

DrSue New Word “Chance” Dr. Sue, Singer-Songwriter/Educator, and Tashawn X, Teen Basketball Star, Motivate You! One Minute Inspirational Videos! Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue, Singer-Songwriter, Inspiring Educator, and Tashawn X, Teen Basketball Star/Leader Motivate You to Take a Chance! Tashawn’s basketball symbolizes opportunities in life! Will Tashawn’s basketball fly through the air and score a far 3-point shot? Will you dare to take a chance and go for your dream? Unrehearsed, authentic video is shot @Borough of Manhattan Community College/City University of New York (BMCC/CUNY) by Dr. Sue, Ph.D. Professor, Singer-Songwriter, Host-Interviewer of DrSue New Word Inspiring One-Minute Videos – for All Media!

DrSue New Word Video Dr. Sue Host and Tashawn X, Teen Basketball Star, Inspire You to Take a Chance and Live Your Dream!

Please Like, Comment, Subscribe and Follow DrSue New Word 1 Minute Videos on YouTube and Social Media

DrSue YouTube Channel: www.YouTube.com/drsuecomedian

Dr. Sue & Teddly New Word Mug & More!
Dr. Sue & Teddly New Word Logo for Mug, Notebook, Stickers, Games, Videos & More!

DrSue New Word One Minute Videos (hosted by Dr. Sue) include a catchy jingle, happy logo, videos, photos, original songs – Perfect for All Media!

Dr Sue New Word Videos: Learning, Diversity, Travel, Friends, Inspiration & Fun!

Contact Form on DrSue.com Website

Dr. Sue Logo


Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

Dr. Sue New Word Colorado Travel Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue New Word “Colorado” Travel Positive Entertainment and Education

Travel Video by Carla Marie Rupp

Colorado is a state in the western United States. It’s part of the Rocky Mountains, and it has beautiful scenery.The word “Colorado” comes from Spanish and means “colored red” because Spanish explorers thought the Colorado River mud looked red. Many kinds of people live in Colorado: descendants of settlers, minorities,immigrants, and Native-Americans. – Blog by Dr. Sue (Susan Horowitz, Ph.D.)

Dr. Sue Invites You to Travel to New Word “Colorado” with Carla Marie Rupp!

Please Like, Comment, Subscribe and Follow DrSue New Word 1 Minute Videos YouTube: www.YouTube.com/drsuecomedian

Dr Sue New Word Videos: Learning, Diversity, Travel, Friends, Inspiration & Fun!

DrSue New Word One Minute Videos (hosted by Dr. Sue) include a catchy jingle, happy logo, videos, photos, original songs – Perfect for All Media!

Contact Form on DrSue.com Website or visit: YouTube.com/drsuecomedian

Dr. Sue Logo


Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

Dr. Sue, Teddly & Friends New Word "Ferry"

DrSue New Word Ferry Positive Entertainment

DrSue New Word “Ferry” Travel Positive Entertainment and Education

Dr. Sue, Teddly Bear, Jamila & Ja on the Governors Island Ferry

Dr. Sue, Teddly Puppet, and Friends Jamila and Ja ride the ferry from Manhattan to Governors Island, New York. A ferry is a boat (or ship) that carries people and cargo back and forth across a small body of water. A ferry is also the place where you enter and leave the boat. Governors Island is a 172 acre island with an award-winning park, playground, arts center, food trucks, and cultural programs. It is located in New York Harbor near lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Visiting Governors Island is a fun activity for all ages!

Please Like, Comment, Subscribe and Follow DrSue New Word 1 Minute Videos on YouTube and Social Media

DrSue YouTube Channel: www.YouTube.com/drsuecomedian

DrSue New Word One Minute Videos (hosted by Dr. Sue) include a catchy jingle, happy logo, videos, photos, original songs – Perfect for All Media!

Dr Sue New Word Videos: Learning, Diversity, Travel, Friends, Inspiration & Fun!

Contact Form on DrSue.com Website

Contact Dr. Sue Speaker, Singer-Songwriter & Educator! Contact Form on Website
Dr. Sue Logo


Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

DrSue New Word Reunion Positive Entertainment

DrSue New Word “Reunion” Dr. Sue Positive Entertainment and Education

DrSue New Word "Reunion" Dr. Sue & Valerie 

Dr. Sue and Valerie are old friends having a reunion. We were apart, but we are together again. A Reunion brings back memories. As we reconnect to friends and family, we also connect to parts of ourselves from an earlier time. The word “Reunion” relates to other words like “union” (more than one thing or person joined together as one; “re” is a prefix that means “again”). “Union” connects to words like “united”, United States of America, and the European Union. “Union” relates to words in English like “one” and other languages: “uno” (Spanish and Italian), and “une” (French).

DrSue New Word One Minute Videos (hosted by Dr. Sue) include a catchy jingle, happy logo, videos, photos, original songs – Perfect for All Media!

New Word Song-Video on www.YouTube.com/drsuecomedian and Social Media Please Like, Comment, Subscribe and Follow!

DrSue New Word 1 Minute Videos Celebrate Learning, Diversity, Travel and Fun! – Perfect for All Media!

Contact Form on DrSue.com Website 

DrSue New Word MultiMedia Invites You to Enjoy Positive Entertainment!

Dr. Sue Logo


Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

Dr. Sue Rainbow Bow

Dr. Sue Sings Fly like an Eagle New Word Freedom Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue New Word Song-Videos Celebrate Learning, Diversity & Fun!

60 Second New Word Videos teach vocabulary & diversity with a catchy jingle, happy logo, original songs, virtual travel & new friends – perfect for All Media!

Here is a sample New Word YouTube Video. Please Like and Subscribe!

Dr. Sue Sings “Fly like an Eagle” (her original song) with New Word “Freedom” Positive Entertainment

Contact Dr. Sue for Music and Lyrics to her original song "Fly like an Eagle"
Dr. Sue Logo


Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

My Zoom Opinion: To Say or Not? Dr. Sue Positive Entertainment

My Zoom Opinion: To Say or Not? Dr. Sue Positive Entertainment: (How I Got Kicked Out of Zoom Class)

This Blog Post needs my short personal bio, so here goes. I’ve been an English/Theater Professor/Writer for over thirty years. (I stopped teaching about the time the pandemic hit in early 2020.) I have close relationships with some of my former students and a connection with my former college. I also have opinions.

Anyone who wants to keep a job (as I certainly did) knows that you sometimes
swim in shark-infested waters. You learn to keep some of your opinions to yourself – especially in group meetings. This is especially true if you don’t have job security (which in academia means tenure).

But if you never say what you truly feel, your calculated, tactful silence tends
to chip away at your self-esteem. Over time, those little bits of your true self get lost. Instead of the smart, vibrant, outspoken, fully alive person you used to be, you wind up as a weak, sad, timid ghost.

As any English/Theater Teacher, Actor, Theater Pro, or Amateur Nerd knows, the subject of ghosts brings us to… William Shakespeare! My main go-to ghost is Hamlet’s dead dad – Hamlet Senior, who gets the action (and non-action) into high gear. 

Prince Hamlet, the hero of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, has a spooky, but motivational conversation with King Hamlet (the ghost). Ghost Hamlet tells Live Hamlet that his Uncle Claudius, the dead king’s brother, murdered him, married his widow (Queen Gertrude –Hamlet’s mom), and is now King of Denmark. Ghost Hamlet tells Hamlet to seek Revenge!  Our hero Hamlet immediately… thinks about it!

What does this have to do with my getting kicked out of Zoom Class?

Like me, Hamlet talks to people (ghosts) who aren’t physically there. In my case, it’s Zoom Chats (the sidebars on Zoom classes and meetings where you type your thoughts to people who are somewhere in cyberspace. After Zoom, they vanish, like ghosts).

In Shakespeare’s play, old King Hamlet’s Ghost issues a call to action: kill your uncle!  Hamlet decides that  Ghost is right, and he should kill King Claudius – but on the other hand…. What if the ghost is wrong – or a fake ghost ? Instead of springing into action, Hamlet springs into depression. People think he’s mad (and maybe he is – or not). After several murders and suicides (Hamlet’s girlfriend, her father, her brother, Hamlet’s friends, his mother, Claudius, and, finally, Hamlet himself), the stage is littered with bodies, and the show is over.  Denmark has a new King, and I’m ready for a coffee break (preferably with a Danish pastry because Shakespearean tragedy gives me an appetite).

How did a Shakespeare semi-scholar (me) get kicked out of Zoom class?  

My Zoom class was not actually about Shakespeare, it was a series about musical theater, which tends to be less tragic (except for investors when the show closes on opening night).  Our Teacher showed video clips from Broadway shows, led discussions in the Chat feature (where we post comments), and called himself an “Expert”. I didn’t bother looking up his academic credentials or affiliation, because I didn’t care. I already have a Ph.D. in Theater, so I don’t need academic credit. I was interested in the subject matter and what seemed to be an entertaining, informative experience. As long as I was enjoying the class, I didn’t need to know his professional history. I paid for an “All-Access Pass” which gave me full admission to his series of Zoom classes and videos. (Scroll down for my own Video –  wearing my Shakespeare Hat and talking to Teddly Bear Puppet).

So there we were, several classes into the series, watching video clips and posting comments in the Chat.  Most of the comments were posted to “Everyone” – which means everyone can read them.  The other option is “Private” – which means only you and your chosen Zoom attendee reads your post. The “Expert” controlled the Chat. I usually posted supportive comments, but if I disagreed, I said so briefly without negative personal remarks. 

I never posted political comments until… Cabaret.  The musical Cabaret is set in Germany during Hitler’s rise to power. The in-cabaret performances echo the real-world events happening off-stage – including the growing threat of the anti-Semitic, violent Nazi regime.  During the class, the teacher said that the Nazi idea of the German “folk” (ancient Germanic tribes) excluded all non-Aryans (like Jews). 

TrumpI thought there was a parallel between the myth of the German “folk” and the Trumpian idea of the United States as an Anglo-Saxon country. (The Anglo-Saxons were Germanic tribes.)

I started posting a brief comment in the Chat about “Trump notion of the USA as an Anglo…” Then I accidentally pushed “Enter” which posted my half-sentence.

Before I could continue, the Teacher cut me off, and announced to “Everyone” in the Chat that if I posted political comments, I would be thrown out of class!

At first I thought: is this a mistake? He can’t mean me! Throw me out of class for one, brief remark?  In my long career as an educator, students have said and done much more shocking things! I don’t throw them out of class. I usually ask to speak with them privately so we can solve the problem without a public confrontation.  When this Zoom teacher threatened me and posted it to “Everyone” in the Chat, I felt embarrassed and attacked.  I did not want to escalate the situation, so I didn’t post anything in reply.   After a while, the class was over, with the Teacher soliciting and getting compliments about his class from some of my fellow students.

After class, I felt conflicted. Saying nothing would avoid immediate conflict. But keeping silent made me feel powerless and depressed.  Why should this Zoom “expert” feel enttitled to embarrass me in front to the class – and for what – one half-sentence of a political opinion that he did not want to hear?

I decided to write an E-Mail to the Teacher and CC my E-mail it to his “Staff “– which probably meant his Assistant. Based on his class behavior, I figured that he might distort what actually happened.  If I CC’d his Assistant, who seemed reasonable, she would have my written record. I also figured that since the Assistant was an African-American woman, she was more likely to understand my feelings than the White, male teacher.  Here is my E-mail to the Teacher – CC’d to the Assistant.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG66DsrQGLA