Short pants and Oliver Twist

When I was in the 4th grade, my teacher discovered I could carry a tune, and immediately cast me AS Oliver Twist in our class' play.

My then-best friend, Suzanne Feigofsky, soon to become my ex-best friend, was really jealous that I was cast as the lead and she was not. But she was much prettier and girlier than I was, and she was perfectly cast in the leading girl role, getting to wear makeup and a cute outfit and her hair in perfect curls.

I had to wear culottes. I don't recall whether I hated them then or not, but every time I put on a pair of short pants, I feel like I look like I did when I crossed-dressed for my starring role.

Except for these.