Joe Garber

It has often been said : “A picture is worth a thousand words.”  Today I will limit it to no more than 250.

It was early 1969. I had recently transferred to the University of Illinois in Champaign and, much to my parents’ dismay, I had chosen to change my major from Architecture to Theatre.

Perhaps luck rather than talent resulted in my being cast in the university’s production of  “Oh Dad, Poor Dad …” by Arthur Kopit. On my first day of rehearsal I met Robert (Bob) Griffard who had been cast in the leading role of Jonathan. Bob and I had a few short scenes together. All these years later, among items packed away in my garage, I found the press clipping shown here.

Little did I know that saving that clipping would memorialize a life-changing event. Our friendship evolved during the show, and here we are over fifty years later. I feel fortunate beyond words to still have Bob Griffard in my life as a best friend.

During the last five decades, we have shared living spaces together, traveled together, celebrated at each other’s weddings, seen our children grow into young adults, laughed while together and as a foursome with our spouses.  We cherish the many good times together and support each other during the difficult times. I have an everlasting friendship that simply began from being cast in a play by Arthur Kopit.