“What I Did for Love”
Newlyweds Terri White and Donna Barnett kiss, as Colman Domingo and the Hair Tribe cheer.
Ladies and gents,
It’s true, loyal readers – I have been guiltlessly, lazily enjoying the summer without all the thoughts of deadlines, celebrity shenanigans, and the state of one’s social calendar that usually bedevil the clouded minds of gossip columnists. But I’ve finally been motivated to put down the rosé, take pen to paper, and report on a few goings-on. It was brought to my attention that one of my most loyal readers, lovely Beth from Pasadena, was inquiring about my seemingly endless vacation. So here goes…
Broadway Celebrates Equality
As New York saw its first wave of legal same-sex marriages early this week, the Broadway community celebrated the historic moment in its own (appropriately très théâtrale) way! On stage at the St. James Theatre, immediately after a rousing performance of Hair, three same-sex couples (all linked in various ways to the Broadway community) tied the knot in a ceremony officiated by Tony® nominee Colman Domingo. The newly (and publicly) betrothed are: actress and singer Terri White (who will next be seen in the upcoming Broadway production of Follies) to jewelry designer Donna Barnett, actor Ryan Dietz to playwright Josh Levine, and Broadway stage doorman John Raymond Barker to theater usher Jared Pike. I try to avoid clichés, so I will quell the urge to tell you there wasn’t a dry eye in the house and simply say instead that wearing mascara would have been a foolish choice!
A New York Life
Next week is the last chance to see the fabulous exhibit JOEL GREY / A NEW YORK LIFE at the Museum of the City of New York. The show is chock full of goodies from Joel’s remarkable career in show biz (including, of course, his Oscar and his Tony). But the highlight, for me, was the room of Joel’s own photography – a carefully curated collection, stunningly displayed. Well, MCNY is kicking off the exhibition’s final week with a not-to-be-missed event: JOEL GREY & JON ROBIN BAITZ / IN CONVERSATION. Joel and Jon (or Robbie, as his friends call him) have known each other for a long time, and it’s bound to be revelatory and fascinating. You can visit http://www.mcny.org for tickets.
Tidbits from around town…
Saw Ashley or Mary-Kate (who can tell?) trying to light a cigarette in Tribeca while being chased by a paparazzo, as Robert De Niro walked by unnoticed.
Overheard Regis Philbin lecturing an apparent out-of-towner about proper taxi etiquette. Well, Mr. Philbin, I admire your generosity but the only time this New Yorker tips $10 is when going to or fro the airport!
Witnessed a town car slow to a stop in front of the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre after a recent performance of The Addams Family. The window rolled down, revealing a conservative looking business man, who shouted to the crowd of fans at the stage door, “Excuse me! Excuse me! Has Ms. Jackie Hoffman come out yet?” “Yes, she just left,” answered a townsperson. The window rolled up and the car sped away. Only on Broadway, kids, only on Broadway.
As always, a toast of something sparkling to you and yours!
Kisses,
