The whole piece is pretty delightfully daffy, but here's the best part of Barry Newman's portrait in today's Wall Street Journal of two old dames who line up early for free admission to the star-studded memorial services for Broadway figures like Jerry Orbach, Adolph Comden, and Betty Green:

"People ask, 'Why go to a funeral?' " she said. "It's not a funeral. It's one of the best shows you'll ever see. Look at all these people waiting. Even though it's free, this takes a lot of your time. It's not just cheap — it's respect."

These Fans Love It When the Stars Are Way Off Broadway [WSJ]