I am often asked what it was like to be on stage in New York and what I miss most.

Big questions, since my life in the theater spanned 35 years, and feelings and impressions change over time.

I would have to say that the general thrill of having developed a character, having worked with a playwright and director to bring a particular production to a very particular stage with a particular group of actors, cannot be beat - unless it is to be in the audience.

Live theater relies on a ghost-like interaction between those of us on stage and those of you "out there," a spiritual bond, if you will. We so want you to forget that you are in a black box and be wherever we say we are and who we say we are.

There is an unspoken promise to you that no matter what, we will soldier on. No matter that the bell does not ring on cue, no matter someone drifts by a window they were not meant to drift by for another 15 lines, no matter that someone forgets their lines, we will soldier on.

And you, you will be there for that particular night when it either all came together, some of it fell apart, or a great Muse came down and kissed us all on the forehead, and it was not just "right" but somehow divine.

I find that thrill now right here in Southern Pines at the Sunrise. This time I am "out there" with you in the audience watching some of the best theater there is, coming from the National Theatre of London.

I don't want to walk you through every play; that is never productive.

Plays are meant to be seen by your eyes, for you to see and feel what the play says to you. There is a risk that you must take, and I think some are afraid to take it, sadly. The risk is not knowing just how you may like it.

Theater does not come with a guarantee - nor should it. It is the alchemy of playwright, actor, director and YOU that make it sparkle.

Each performance, though always the same in plot and direction, is always different, in part, because of who is in the audience and how the chemistry shifts. Not forgetting the chance of a flub or a Muse.

Do yourself a real favor: Buy the rest of the season at the special rate now being offered (go to www.sunrisetheater.com), and go see not only some of the finest plays and actors, but also take a thrilling journey.

Do not fear plays you do not know. You may have a chance to join actors and make magic.

Joyce Reehling lives in Pinehurst. She recently retired here from New York after a 35-year career in theater, TV and commercials.