As I slowly backed out of the parking space, Alexis asked a question. "What does it mean when a person has to wear a mask?"

It was a very roundabout way to ask what I knew she was wondering. "Do you mean the little girl that was in front of us? She was probably wearing a mask because she's sick and other people's germs could make her sicker," I answered.

Alexis connected the dots, realizing that I was talking about the kind of sick that doesn't always end fairly. "That's really sad. I hope she's okay." Then, after a long pause, "I'm glad she got to have a fun night."

"Me, too," I replied softly.

She did have a fun night. There was laughter when the Scarecrow danced. There was pure joy when Glinda sparkled and shimmered as she told Dorothy to click her heels. Happy hugs were shared between what I assume was a mom and her daughter when the happily ever after played out on stage.

It was really very clear that the little girl with the hat and mask fully immersed herself in the magic of the musical as she watched The Wizard of Oz. She loved the show and I loved that she happened to be seated atop her mom's lap, directly in my line of sight. I had the privilege of catching a few glimpses of a very good night even as I had my own very good night.

I hope the evening was as much of an escape as it appeared to be.

And I hope that little girl gets to have years and years of nights just like that.

Thanks to the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for providing Alexis and me with tickets to The Wizard of Oz, now showing at Heinz Hall. We are grateful not just for the night out together, but that we were able to catch a tiny glimpse of why theater and musicals are so very important.