Somebody should take note of the retirement of Rob Goodman, so let us be the one.

Goodman founded First Stage Children’s Theater 25 years ago and presided  over the growth of the company into one of the best children’s theater companies in the country. There are people in the world of theater who say it is the very best.

Countless thousands of children were introduced to the exciting world of theater by First Stage, some as students, some as actors and some as spectators. Whatever it was, the experience at First Stage was always magical.

So much children’s theater in this country is kind of dumbed-down to the level people feel is appropriate for children. Not here.

Casting plays with both children and accomplished adults, hiring outstanding directors and using the Todd Wehr Theater at the Marcus Center, the plays never pandered and always were illuminating and challenging.

I’ve worked in a case with Goodman directing and it was always amazing how much attention he paid to the details that can make or break any production.

First Stage always guaranteed that for many children the first experience they had with live theater was a great one and might spawn a life long love of theater.

And that was, in no small measure,  both the goal and the achievement of Rob Goodman.