28 December 2005

Kennedy Center Honors

the only time I was in attendance was a dozen years ago. at the party afterward I had a lovely chat with Suzanne Farrell. so it was sweet to see her being honord in the telecast last nite.

the broadcast of this annual celebration of the performing arts invariably brings me to tears. last nite I startd to tear up when the magnificent Paul Newman honord Robert Redford & again at the end when Tina Turner's life was being reviewd. but the faucet turnd on full during the tribute to Julie Harris. she is one of the most beloved of stage stars with a long career. & she's gallantly fighting back from a stroke.

there weren't many cutaways to the president who seemd either bored or unaware of the importance of those being honord. but I got a tremendous chuckle when k.d. lang came out in drag to perform before perhaps the least compassionate commander-in-chief ever.

7 comments:

cinemage books said...

I had at one time signed books from 4 of the 5 Kennedy Center Honores. Julie Harris signed a program from her Belle of Amherst, Tina Turner, Suzanne Farrell & Tony Bennett all signed copies of their books. I've sold all of these, in fact last week someone bought the singed Farrell. Bush looked so dumb sitting there chewing on his fingernails. He probably never even heard of Farrell, much less had ever seen a dance concert in his life. He only came to life when Boyounce bounced on the stage to do that stupid Tina Turner routine. I was lucky to see Ms. Turner perform 3 times in the early 70's when she was still with Ike and the Ikettes. I adored her from the start, and seeing her last night with that lovely smile of hers was so moving. This is one fine lady. A few years ago during a hot summer afternoon on Christopher street as I walked up the block, a fragile figure was walking towards me all dressed from head to toe in black. It was Julie Harris. I was the only one of the busy street to take notice. I of course did not say anything to her. In New York City we tend to leave celebrities alone, but sometimes I do say something to them. Hilary Swank is a nasty bitch, way too full of herself, but her cutie husband is friendly and nice as can be. Julianne Moore is sweet also. At the gym I did not go up to susan sarandon although she is one of my favs. of all time, nor did I chat up Sarah Jessica Parker as she stood behind me at the postoffice (with no makeup on I might add)

Alex Gildzen said...

with Sarah Jessica how can you tell if she has makeup on or not?

Regality said...

"with Sarah Jessica how can you tell if she has makeup on or not?"

That is either a huge compliment or one of the bitchiest putdowns evah. *L*

left handed said...

I'm lovin' this IraJoel/AlexG chitchat: I feel so "on the indside" -- thanks for making all these media-distant people seem like people I'd meet on the street -- go ahead byou two: Name Names!

Alex Gildzen said...

Jeff doll -- all history is is a list of names & dates.

cinemage books said...

ok so ms. parker looks a bit like rex the wonder horse, especially without makeup, but I still love her and how wonderful is she in Mars Attacks and ed wood. Wasn't sure it was her until she thanked me for letting her go before me, (I wasn't being nice, just hate the postal clerk that was about to wait on me, You go Sarah Jessica)Then I was sure. And why should I doubt that Sarah Jessica Parker was behind me, after all Debbie Harry was once on line at the P.O. again in back of me, her I didn't bother, and Wallace Shawn was also standing behind me once. I had a nice chat with him, and also chatted up Marcia Jean Kurtz, one of my fav. bit character actresses.

Alex Gildzen said...

I don't dislike Sarah Jessica. but I do giggle at those her treat her as a sex symbol. I guess growing up with Marilyn spoils one.