Every day is opening night.

“Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered”

Steve Tyrell with his betrothed, Karen Pulaski.

 

Ladies and gents,

Well, it’s official. The holiday season in New York has begun. Do you want to know how I know? It’s not because of the massive Christmas sections popping up in every Duane Reade in town. It’s not because the autumn chill has taken on a sudden bitterness that means winter is surely right around the corner. It’s because Steve Tyrell opened at the Café Carlyle last night! As the robin’s red breast is to springtime, the soaring voice of that ageless crooner is to New York’s fabled holiday season. I was there, of course, at my usual table, indulging in too much food and far too much wine, and falling in love with Mr. Tyrell all over again. To quote from a number Bobby Short used to perform in that very room during the very same time of year, “I’m in love again, and I love, love, love it!” The evening is called “I’ll Take Romance” and that’s exactly what Mr. Tyrell delivers. Love was particularly in the air last night, as Steve’s fiancée, Karen Pulaski was seated ringside, glowing in the Carlyle candlelight and looking adoringly at her betrothed as he performed love song after love song. Of course, love wasn’t the only thing in abundance last night; there were also stars! Tommy Tune, “Real Housewife” Jill Zarin, Hoda Kotb, John Spencer (“The Voice of the New York Yankees”), Rosanna Scotto, Jane Hanson, Mo Rocca, and the great Joan Rivers were all on hand. On my way out I spotted Al Pacino and Kathy Griffin milling about the Carlyle’s legendary lobby. I was on glamour overload!

“A Welcome ‘Willkommen’”

On Monday I attended a very special evening at the Museum of the City of New York called: A Gala Cabaret: Joel Grey’s Broadway. It was the museum’s annual fundraiser, done Joel Grey-style! What a treat to hear some of Broadway’s best perform numbers from George M!, Goodtime Charley, The Grand Tour, Chicago and Wicked. And then, of course, the Master of Ceremonies himself took the stage to perform a killer medley of Cabaret numbers, where he magically transformed from Joel to the Emcee and back to Joel again before our very eyes. It was astonishing. And, perhaps even more importantly, I’m told it was the most profitable fundraiser in the museum’s history!

Prizes and Proscuitto

While Joel was knocking them dead at the museum, the 3rd Annual “Mimi” Awards were taking place across town, and Lynn Nottage was receiving a very large check from the Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust. It is so important that organizations continue to support vital theatrical voices like Ms. Nottage. Oh, and the prosciutto popovers were positively beyond!

Variety topper ankles H’w’d for Gotham, temporarily

The West Coast met the East Coast this week when Variety Editor-in-Chief Tim Gray was in town, taking meetings, scheduling lunches, and visiting with friends. I’ve been a fan of Tim’s since his early days at Variety, when I used to enjoy the hell out of his weekly column. I’ve felt so indebted to him ever since 1992 when, after tipping too much sake one night at music producer Tommy LiPuma’s birthday party at Imperial Gardens, I tripped over Natalie Cole and fell smack into the koi pond. Tim discretely picked me up and escorted me to the restroom where I was able to dry off my kimono (it was a theme party) under the hand-drier. Being a true gentlemen, he never brought it up again (and, more importantly, it never wound up in his column)!

Tidbits from around town…

Spotted Gayle King getting out of a black SUV on West 43rd Street.

Overheard Kelsey Grammer complaining about the temperature of his soup at Orso.

Witnessed reality star Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino leaving the McGraw Hill building wearing a festively decorated sombrero.

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

Kisses,

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