Every day is opening night.

Ladies and gents,

Don’t you adore train travel? I don’t mean a packed car LIRR en route to Sayville, my little angels. I’m talking about the old-fashioned kind of train travel, with sleeper cars and dining cars and working bathrooms. So, when I found myself in Napa with a sudden need to get to Chicago, I didn’t call JetBlue; I called Amtrak and purchased a set of Louis Vuitton steamer trunks. The next three days I felt as if an ensemble member dancing through David Rockwell’s scenery in the most recent revival of On The 20th Century! And what a way to take in the natural beauty of these United States without ever having to stop and talk to locals! When I wasn’t staring out the window, I was reading Patti LuPone’s autobiography and even revisiting Uta Hagen’s On Acting. Bliss.

I’ve always adored summer travel, and I like getting it out of the way early in the season so that I can enjoy New York in August when everyone else clears out to spend time in the Hamptons or the Poconos or the Hudson Valley or the North Fork or wherever people go. The streets are empty, the restaurants have tables, and – if you stay near the water – sometimes a cool breeze cuts the humidity.
Don’t let these dog days fool you, though – there is still plenty of action in the Big Apple if you know where to look. Michael Moore had his first rehearsal this past week for his upcoming Broadway show, The Terms of My Surrender. I wasn’t there, but spies tell me Michael is loving being a part of the Broadway community, and he’s done his homework (he’s even been watching “On Stage” on NY1). Michael Mayer directs (M2 x 2 = Must See!) marking his return to the Belasco after his smash hit production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. The show promises to be not just an incendiary take-down of the Trump administration, but a very fluid one. There are no plans to freeze the script, as the news is moving at too fast a rate and Michael is insisting on being up-to-the-minute topical. Well, if it’s as good as I’m expecting, it might be worth colluding with a foreign government to get the Tony for Special Theatrical Event reinstated.
Tidbits from around town…
Spotted Joel Grey and Sam Shahid carefully selecting cut flowers at Banchet.
Overheard a young male fan shrieking at the sight of CATS’ resident Rum Tum Tugger, Tyler Hanes, coming out of the stage door.
Saw Charlotte St. Martin and ATG’s Kristin Caskey high-fiving on 44th Street.

As always, a toast of something sparkling to you and yours!

Kisses,

Scoop V.