A blessing on director Joel Grey’s head: Mazel tov! Mazel tov!
You already know his Yiddish version of 1905 Imperial Russia’s shtetl Anatevka and Sholem Aleichem’s book and Sheldon Harnick/ Joseph Stein’s “Fiddler on the Roof” — with film and awards and multiple replays — is now at Edmond Safra Theatre. We’re talking a knish away from the Statue of Liberty.
It’s SRO. The September closing’s extended through October, now maybe until Hanukkah. Mandy Patinkin, Dr. Ruth, Isabella Rossellini, Bebe Neuwirth, Bernadette Peters, Topol, Tovah Feldshuh, Christine Ebersole — who took my tissue to dry her tears while watching — are saying, whatever its category, Joel deserves another Tony.
Producers now say — with savvy marketing — this version of what’s arguably the best stage musical ever should play on Broadway.
Sheba’s new gig: Club & sandwich
Wait. Another story. Sheba Mason, 33, is comedian Jackie Mason’s is-she-or-isn’t-she daughter. She says yes. He says no. She: “Blood tests say I am his daughter and he paid child support until I was 18.” What he says you can’t print. Everyone says, “He doesn’t want to talk to her.”
Whatever, she’s a comedienne with lines like: “Wish my father was a better looking comedian — like Rosie O’Donnell.”
In any case, she’s doing her comedy act this Saturday at Ben’s Kosher Deli of Bayside. Ask, is she Jackie Mason’s daughter, and this club suddenly does not know what you’re talking about.
Odds & ends
Pelé just sold his Hamptons estate. Now, with even more funds, he plans to be in NY come fall . . . Sarah Paulson’s major red-carpet memory: “My feet always hurt” . . . May not come up in everyday conversation, but if ever asked about David Duchovny, I think it’s imperative for you to know he’s hooked on watching shopping channels.
Static on NY1
Fans ask, que pasa with NY1. Devotees always checked that channel’s fast headlines, news, reviews, weather, time, traffic, facts, excellent anchors. In, out, quick. Enough to get what they need and jumpstart their lives.
Its new format has beautiful new sets but has added time-consuming aimless chatter. Many, eager to avoid that, comprise a portion of the viewership that used to love the spare/shaved down/get in/get out/NY1.
Management must figure this gets ratings. I only know I’m a NY1 fan but I also know fellow fans are now getting cranky.
Abroad topics
International news. Anyone know that Liberia’s largest population outside their own land, and electing to live here, is in Staten Island? And mother country pols are hustling these expat Staten Islanders to tell Monrovia, Bopolu, Gbarnga and other city chums in Liberia to vote for them?
More. Besides sinking financially, Greece is sinking structurally. Steps to their ruins are so ruined they’re ruining visitors’ feet. The steps, more shallow with differing shapes and heights, are creating missteps. Foot and ankle injuries. Falls with fractures, sprains, tendon ruptures. Beware of Greeks bearing high-heeled tourists.
Our littlest bit of warm weather is bringing out the littlest bits of itty-bitty bikinis which is also bringing out overweight bodies.
One doctor specializing in overcoming problems of diet and fat told a patient: “Next month I want to see three-fourths of you back in my office.”
Only in New York, kids, only in New York.
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