Addressing the harmful impact of social media
Broadway’s ‘Job’ keeps working
Theater supporter Gov. Kathy Hochul: “I prefer plays to musicals.”
After attending B’way’s new hit “Job,” starring Peter Friedman and Sydney Lemmon (reunited from “Succession”), the gov spoke of limiting cellphones in public schools and told the cast, “This play deals with the detrimental effects of social media.”
Having already initiated discussions on the topic, she says she’s now focusing on student mental health.
“Job” opened small, downtown, was the season’s early hit. Now Hayes Theater, extended, closes Oct. 27.
Plot in action
More B’way. Our capitol’s Jan. 6 attack has birthed City Center’s upcoming play “Fatherland.”
True story. A son, 18, turned his loving father in to the FBI because of dad’s militant role in the attack.
Fast-paced, powerful, “Fatherland” lands off-B’way following a sold-out LA run.
Told from public statements, case evidence, official court transcripts and media frenzy, it grabbed headlines nationwide.
“Fatherland,” this Fountain Theatre production — conceived and directed by Stephen Sachs — debuts off-B’way at City Center Stage II. Limited 10-week run through Nov. 23.
Screen union for movie duo
Comes now the Ismail Merchant-James Ivory doc.
Their hits may have wafted away but were — like that pair — huge: “The Remains of the Day,” “Howards End,” Oscar-winning “A Room With a View,” with big stars Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Helena Bonham Carter.
Ismail, my close friend — now gone — received India’s highest honors.
Hugging me on his “Le Divorce” set in Paris he left a huge inkblot from his palm on my chin.
His Viking book, “My Passage From India: A Filmmaker’s Journey From Bombay to Hollywood and Beyond,” we celebrated over tandoori chicken. He cooked it in an East 60th Indian restaurant.
He loved New York. What he always yearned to do — but never did — was to open his own restaurant “Bombay Bistro” in NYC.
And I remember the internationally famous Jean-Pierre Aumont — then 87 — collapse in Ismail’s arms.
I’ll also never forget setting up Matthew Modine for a film festival in Delhi. Matthew had to schlep all the movies over himself because nobody had them.
I can still recall reading Ismail’s whole book in his house. And I’ll never forget that I miss him.
The “Merchant Ivory” documentary is making its way through our theaters, playing at the Quad on Thursday.
Lasting laughs
Immortality awaits Gilbert Gottfried who left the world stage in 2022. The New York Comedy Festival celebrates him with a tribute Nov. 13.
Dara, his wife, is releasing a first-ever album of his original material.
Tribute at the Hard Rock Hotel. Tickets are now on sale.
NYC’s employment scene: Four partners discussed the new steno who filled out her sweater better than she did her job. “Which of you took her out?” asked the CEO. Three raised hands. The CEO looked at the one who didn’t raise his hand, who then said:“ Well, if you’re telling the truth — you fire her.”
Only in New York, kids, only in New York.
