“Anything Can Happen”
Frank DiLella and his for-one-night-only cast mate Valerie Boyle.
Ladies and Gents,
A “Mary” like no other!
I revisited that mammoth Disney hit, Mary Poppins, last week, and I was thrilled to see the show is as robust as ever! Laura Michelle Kelly and Gavin Lee, who originated the starring roles in London, are back onstage exhibiting that trademark chemistry that we all remember from across the pond. This particular performance had a surprise star-is-born moment when NY1’s very own Frank DiLella took the stage as a chimney sweep –part of a behind-the-scenes segment for “On Stage.” He was well rehearsed, smooth and comfortable in the role! So convinced was I by his performance, I nearly asked him to come over to my apartment to give my own chimney a once-over, until I realized my current pad is lacking a fireplace. The audience was littered with NY1’s finest on-air talent, all there to cheer on one of their own, including new mom Stephanie Simon, theater critic Roma Torre (who was later heard raving about the performance), and morning anchor Pat Kiernan (up way past his bed time). Kudos to the hardworking (and ingenious) Disney PR team for crafting such a fabulous occasion to tune into NY1! This young man may have entered the New Amsterdam Theatre a publicity gimmick, but he walked out a star!
John and Jessica
The gold standard of cabaret acts, John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey, are back at the Café Carlyle doing what just might be their best set ever. If you missed the New York Times review, let me sum it up in five simple words: “GO SEE THIS SHOW NOW!” Opening night was a melee of stars and taste makers, as usual, and I sat right near an entranced Barbara Cook who seemed to be holding back sobs during one of the show’s tender moments.
Tidbits from around town
Witnessed movie-guru Sandy Kenyon chatting up Charles Randolph-Wright outside of the Union Square Theatre.
Overheard Oliver Stone telling a rather incomprehensible knock-knock joke at the Lambs Club.
Caught New York Daily News reporter Amanda Sidman belting out the Les Miserables tear-jerker “On My Own” at Marie’s Crisis. That girl can carry a tune!
Saw Amanda Peet (star of MCC Theater’s upcoming production of Neil LaBute’s The Break of Noon) leaving rehearsal on West 43rd Street.
As always, a taste of something sparkling to you and yours!
Kisses,
