Every day is opening night.

The plot twists in the fifth inning of the fifth and final game of the World Series could have given any Martin McDonagh play a run for its money!  Baseball has always been theater, but at game five, it felt especially so. With an audience packed tighter than an SRO crowd at the Shubert, the Yankees and Dodgers delivered a bi-coastal showdown for the ages. The competition: as fierce as the Tony race between Dreamgirls and Nine.

I was perched in the Owner’s Suite, thanks to the fabulous Haley Swindal – the charming and talented Broadway producer-performer grandkid of George Steinbrenner, who’s fast becoming the Pearl Mesta of the Fall Classic (the elder Steinbrenner was, after all, a Broadway producer himself). Also being hosted in grand style: Martha Stewart, Spike Lee, Sunset Boulevard‘s Tom Francis, Cardinal Dolan, Cindy Adams along with titans of the two most important thoroughfares in the world: Wall Street and Broadway. What the Suite lacks in working class comradery, it more than makes up for in generously served drinks and nosh.

Adding to the Series’ theatrical motif, Tony winners Leslie Odom Jr. and Kelli O’Hara performances sent chills up the legs of even the butchest baseball boosters.

Of course, the hometown crowd was rooting for its hometown team to dig itself out of a two-game deficit, but in the end it was my beloved Dodgers who ruled the night and took the title. Remember, dear reader, for many years my column for the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner was required reading for every Dodger / showbiz follower.

After the final pitch of the game – where the Dodgers triumphed in the most unexpected fashion, I sweet talked my way into the Dodgers Clubhouse. Before I could snap a single towel, I found myself smacked directly in the face by a swinging bottle of champagne. Well, I’ve always said, champagne goes straight to my head. By the time I came to, the celebration had ended and the team had cleared out. But the smell of sweat and victory was still thick in the air.

Tidbits from around town…

Spotted Carlos Alcaraz (decked out in a $7,000 Louis Vuitton varsity jacket) and his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, exiting the lobby at the SO/Paris.

Caught uber producer Scott Sanders, legend Drew Hodges, and New York City Councilman Erik Bottcher dining at Dublin’s ultra-hip Allta restaurant.

Overheard local TV news heavy Lew Leone talking breathlessly, over dinner at Fresco by Scotto, about the latest Ann Selzer poll out of Iowa.

As always, a toast of something sparkling to you and yours, and remember to vote on Tuesday!

Kisses,”