“It’s Today”
Laurie Metcalf takes her opening night bow in The Other Place.
Ladies and gents,
My apologies for the long hiatus. Nothing but a serious medical condition could have kept me away from you for so long. To put the rumors to bed, once and for all, I will fill you in on my long fought battle. In late January I began experiencing terrible heart palpitations after drinking two cans of a brightly colored beverage called Four Loko. On the morning of January 26, I collapsed in an elevator at the Marriott Marquis and was rushed to New York Presbyterian, where I spent nearly two months in bed as doctors attempted to regulate my heart rate. Well, it was a nightmare, but I am finally back home and “taking it easy” on doctor’s orders. I just couldn’t resist sitting down and putting pen to paper.
Nopenings, Fauxpenings and a Hopening
Well, I am living proof that nothing short of a coma can keep SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark news from reaching you. Despite being in-and-out of consciousness, I haven’t missed a moment of breathless coverage. And I like to think that the fates conspired to turn each “Hopening Night” into a “Nopening Night” just so I could recover in time to be there, looking my best when the big day finally arrives. What fun!
The Other Place
My first theatrical outing after my release was down to the Lucille Lortel Theatre to catch the amazing Laurie Metcalf knock the ball right out of the park in The Other Place. What a perfectly conceived (by Sharr White), perfectly executed (by Joe Mantello) play! And Ms. Metcalf is giving the performance of the season! Don’t miss it.
Rockwell Done!
My second theatrical outing was to take in Broadway’s Catch Me If You Can. It was sheer joy. The biggest pleasure for me was the feeling of being utterly transported to the 20th century’s most stylish era, thanks in no small part to David Rockwell’s brilliant set and William Ivey Long’s fabulous frocks! And, of course, any ensemble that features both Rachelle Rak and Angie Schworer is going to be top notch!
Tidbits from around town…
Overheard Barbara Cook cursing the pain in her knee at the opening night of “An Evening with Nathan Gunn” at the Café Carlyle.
Spotted Spider-Man “geek” Gideon Glick sipping bourbon and clearly enjoying the dulcet tones of the Loston Harris Trio at Bemelmans right next door to the Café Carlyle.
Witnessed Graham Norton and Ruta Lee lead the rousing, blow-the-roof-off-the-joint standing O for Harvey Fierstein and Christopher Sieber at La Cage aux Folles.
Caught a glimpse of Kristin Chenoweth, through a window, gesticulating wildly to a rapt group of friends in a ground floor apartment in the West Village
A special thank you for everyone who sent gifts and well wishes during my time in hospital! In particular those divine Diptyque candles from a certain special someone made every day that much more bearable! You are divine little creatures, all of you!
As always, a toast of something sparkling to you and yours!
Kisses,