Every day is opening night.

Ladies and gents,

It ain’t a passion for iambic pentameter that’s got all of Broadway in a swoon over the revival of Othello—set to light up the Barrymore Theatre tomorrow evening. No, the stage door frenzy is over two of Hollywood’s biggest heavyweights facing off: Denzel Washington as the titular Moor and Jake Gyllenhaal as devilish Iago. Of course, the production’s bona fides extend far beyond its two stars. None other than Kenny Leon directs, and the cast also boasts Molly Osborne as Desdemona and Andrew Burnap as Cassio. Based on whispers of off-the-charts ticket sales, if you happen to run into producer Brian Anthony Moreland at one of the many watering holes along 47^th Street – like Rum House or Glass House Tavern – you have my permission to let him pick up the tab!

The Barrymore Theatre, that storied palace built in 1928 by the Shuberts for the legendary Ethel Barrymore, has been the cradle of countless dramatic triumphs. My personal favorite? Dame Maggie Smith in Peter Shaffer’s hilarious Lettice & Lovage. Other highlights over the years include Philip Seymour Hoffman’s unforgettable turn as Willy Loman and – more recently —  Barry Manilow’s heartrending musical, Harmony –at which Drew Barrymore (great niece to Ethel) herself received an empresses’ welcome.

I’ve long considered The Barrymore to be one of the true jewels in the Shubert’s expansive crown, currently presided over by the great Bob Wankel. His predecessors, Bernie Jacobs and Gerry Schoenfeld, were two of my favorite gadflies. Anytime I was hard up for copy, I would wander into Sardi’s. The moment I spotted one of them bellied up to the 2nd floor bar at Sardi’s, I knew was in for a raucous and gossip-fueled evening. Back then, “off the record” meant “on background,” and “on background” meant, “Go to town!”

Tidbits from around town…

Spotted Meghan Trainer buying a pack of Zyn at a deli on West 72^nd Street.

Spied Nigel Barker trying on sneakers (“trainers”) at Paragon Sports.

Overheard Petra Nemcova complaining, “little jets scare me, but I hate flying commercial.”

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

Kisses,