Hiya, gang!
Is this really my last day??? Am I really leaving New York tomorrow??? How time do fly. I just don't want to leave.
I've had such a lovely visit - I saw many old friends, and at least 3 new ones: Elmore, Jason and Ben who took me to dinner on Tuesday at Joe Allen, and made me laugh, and I'll be back, fellas. And I've seen 4-count 'em-4 shows: the incredibly great Assassins on Sunday, Phantom on Tuesday (came outa there whistling the scenery- whatta show!), The Producers on Wednesday (gosh, I LOVE that show!!!) and Barbara Cook's new concert show last night at Lincoln Center. Oh, my - do yourself a favor and go hear that one. She and Wally are just sublime. The finale is - I kid you not - Glitter and Be Gay! And Ms. Cook's splendid voice sings ALL THE NOTES.
I went back after, to say hi to Wally (he played a concert for me back in 1974!) and reminisce; and to hug Barbara, whom I have known and loved for the 30 years since I first met her in Los Angeles. When I grow up, I wanna be Barbara Cook.
Oh, the girl can still sing better than anyone out there. The audience were alternately convulsed with laughter and awash in tears. She plays us like a violin.
Anyway, a year and a half ago when I saw her Mostly Sondheim show here and in Seattle, I showed her my manuscript and several working titles : Cheap Trills, A Little Trouper, etc- and she is the one who said, "It HAS to be Jewish Thighs on Broadway!" So, when I finally handed her a copy last night, she crowed, "You did it!" Just to be in her presence is to be energized and restored. She is very like the sun - a truly radiant Being.
So, Pen, what are we gonna do today? Whatever it turns out to be, I know I'm moving back here in the near future. I'm coming home.