Hi everyone,

I just wanted to clarify myself in the most recent New York Times column I wrote where I said that I feel the pain of those people whose cellphones ring during the middle of a show. Many of you thought this meant that I, the most powerful man in NY Theater, was condoning cell phone use. So I thought I should set the record straight.

It's only okay if they're my friends, and they didn't have to pay a single dime for their ticket.

Thank you,

BEN BRANTLEY