Thunderbolt displays and Superdrives

I have the original 27 in Thunderbolt display. I read somewhere on this site that if my late 2011 MBP isn't compatible with an Apple Superdrive, you can use the Superdrive directly with the Thunderbolt Display.

1) Is this true? Oh, and I'm on Lion.

2) How would you pause and play, etc.?

Thank you!