Betty Buckley is performing at her yearly residency at Joe's Pub in Manhattan. Variety via Getty Images B’day thanks in full bloom Thanks for birthday wishes from Relish Catering’s Impossible Burgers, flowers from Ira Hersh, Kelly Gordon, Elaine Lafferty, Aidan McCormack, Mindy Levine for T-shirts, Francine LeFrak for Chanel, Glee Ballard for fish, the Catsimatidises for 96 red roses, white roses from Virginia Harris, Rachael Shapiro for candy, Eva for bagels, José for mangoes, Judge Amon, Judge Miller, Robert Zimmerman, Joanna Mastroianni, Imagine Docs’ Sara Bernstein, multicolored orchids from Keith Poole, Lisa Kiss for wine, Kathy Hochul for remembering, Rick Miramontez for I can’t recall what. It’s about 35 bouquets here. I am grateful. Gotti’s funeral had less.
Friday began NYC’s annual obeisance to Betty Buckley, whom we worshipped as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s original Tony-winning Grizabella in “Cats.” Now, yearly, she returns to Joe’s Pub. It’s to the left inside the famous Public Theater at 425 Lafayette St. The place, jammed with her devoted fans. It was this talented lady’s annual opening night there with a standing ovation, and she sent a happy birthday to me. I thank her.
May all her fans know she is already booked back at Joe’s Pub in January.
Story: 1968. Andy Warhol was gunned down at the entrance to his NY studio. Saved from certain death by surgeon Dr. Giuseppe Rossi. In gratitude to the man who massaged his heart back to life, a gift of artwork. Now, a long, long while later, six Marilyn Monroe screenprints were just auctioned at Christie’s. Estimates jumped from $70,000 to $300,000. Price depended on the colors.
But that $1,000 check that Warhol wrote the doc? Not for sale. The thing bounced.
The question deep-thinking persons might ask themselves is, are all artists just barely scraping by? Did Rembrandt chisel?
Highly educated Bostonian Don Harris: “I’m reaching out to share the launch of Dads for Dads, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit group dedicated to fostering and empowering the father-child connection.
“I’m the proud father of three boys. I’ve gone through an intense divorce and custody battle — a painful and difficult experience. But one thing never changed: how important to stay present in my boys’ lives. That experience led me to start Dads for Dads.
“This nonprofit is to support fathers struggling financially, emotionally or however to maintain a relationship with their kids during a turbulent time. To be a source of support and guidance, to connect with them, while maintaining as much stability in their lives as possible. Many fathers go through these challenges feeling isolated, overwhelmed, unsure where to turn. Dads for Dads can be an informative, supportive outlet that grows the bond between fathers and their children.
“This cause is personal to me, and I’m asking for help as we continue building it. If in a position to financially support our mission, I’m grateful for any donation. Your generosity will help create programs, resources, and outreach that can make a real difference.”
America. Freedom. Patriotism. Devotion. Liberty. Land where our fathers died. Land of the pilgrims’ pride. The United States. E pluribus unum. One for all.
