In 1904 the Friars started meeting ,and in 1918 The Yiddish Art Theatre was founded. How symbolic that the Yiddish Theatre, now a City Village Cinema movie house was the scene of The Friars Sunshine Committee’s annual morning of Christmas cheer for New York City Children. The kids are entertained by clowns, are given their early Christmas presents by some famous Friars, and the theatre staff makes sure they have unlimited popcorn while enjoying a movie. Former Mayor, Friar David Dinkins is always on hand to give the excited kids gift bags, while looking dapper in his double breasted suit and forgoing the Santa Costume. New York Rangers Hockey great Rod Gilbert, Cal Ramsey, Michael Spinks and Sunshine Chairman Rinaldo Nistico with members of the Committee also greeted all the youngsters.

Every year The Friars gives out a thousand tickets to the event which are distributed to PAL, Ronald McDonald House, The New York City Dept. Of Parks, Hockey Night in Harlem, CARE NYC and other youth organizations.

I’m sure the Yiddish speaking actors who walked through lobby of this theatre on 2nd Ave. & 12th street in the 1920’s would approve of the Santas from The Friars Club creating such a wonderful morning for the kids of NYC.

As Friar Frank Sinatra said: “ Their continuous good work for charity, rather than their great triumphs on the stages of the world, is the true glory of this band of earthly angels known as the Friars”.

( For another article by Stephen & complete photos of this event go to BroadwayWorld.com)

Friars Club Sunshine Committee

Merry Christmas

The Sunshine Committee

Mayor David Dinkins & Rinaldo Nistico

The Sunshine Committee

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My View: Billy Stritch “Lucky To Be Me” Lucky To Be Us !

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Largest Ever Grant Will Create New Medical Research Facility In Central New York

Stephen Sorokoff

Stephen studied at the Manhattan School of Music. Besides being a pianist, Stephen’s business career was in the Fashion Industry. He was CEO of a textile manufacturing facility and President of an international textile machinery company. Stephen was on the Board of Directors of the “First All Children’s Theatre” which brought the Stephen Schwartz musical The Trip and Captain Louie to the Kennedy Center in Wash DC. His wife Eda, an interior space designer and classical pianist was on the Board of Barrington Stage Company and is still active at BSC. Stephen’s photographs, videos and articles appear on Broadwayworld.com, T2Conline.com and The New York Observer. He is active in the entertainment events at the Friars Club, where he is a member. Stephen is also an Honorary Board Member of The Society For The Preservation of The Great American Songbook. Stephen Sorokoff@gmail.com

Celebrities

The Glorious Corner

Published

3 months ago

January 3, 2023

Suzanna Bowling

G.H. HARDING

WALTER’S WIT — Sad news here for sure. Walters definitely broke the glass ceiling for sure and on her last day on The View, all the female anchors and co-anchors (those who knew her and those that she inspired) showed up to wish her well and that was a beautiful site. From Savannah Guthrie and Debbie Roberts and Katie Couric and Joan Lunden on down, it was quite a site. Fitting for sure.

I would bump into Walters at various events and screenings and she was always totally focused and charming. I actually shared a table with her and bff Cindy Adams at The Palm West one night; set up by their PR-man David Salidor.

Walters was again suitably charming and I walked away with even more respect. Sure she had some trouble along the way -namely Harry Reasoner and Dan Rather- but in reality, that’s part of the game. I don’t think it was due to her gender, rather just being competitive. Say hat you will, but media in general is a tough game to play and a measured degree of aggressiveness is always called for.

I was at many View shows too and though ti was always hard to talk to her during that show, she was graceful. A true giant for sure. The main talent Booker there Donald Berman -retired last year and there from the start of the program- was a true gentleman with exquisite taste.

One other point must be made: he partner and co-producer Bill Geddie was with her right in the line of fire. Bill was always a gentleman, but he, along with Walters, made The View what is was. ABC bought her out and it’s never been the same.

THE GOOD NURSE —People keep asking me what’s happened to the cinema this year as the choices have been downright meager and frustrating. Top Gun/Maverick could well get a slew of nominations – not for the movie – but for bringing people back into the theaters. The nominations are announced on Tuesday, January 24.

The Fablemans, to me at least, was a major disappointment and I can’t really put my finger on why. I’m a Spielberg fan for sure, but this just seemed somewhat too ordinary. Plus, the script by Tony Kushner seemed terribly limp – especially when compared to his beatific Angels In America epic.

We watched The Good Nurse with Eddie Redmayne and Jessica Chastain and it was pretty good, but a movie about a serial killer was certainly a downer, certainly not the movie for New Year’s Eve. Redmayne was good, not in his Harry Potter-esque motif, but again, it was a one-note portrayal. Chastain continually surprises me and was actually stunningly terrific. Her performance is worth the price of admission.SHORT TAKES — Hulu’s Welcome to Chippendales ends this week after 8 episodes. I’ve watched all seven so far and as I’ve said, have found the story to be vastly compelling. That said, the production looks cheap. Had they spent a few more dollars, it could have been a stellar show. Murray Bartlett (White Lotus) as Nick di Noia is just great and Andrew Rannells as his bf is sensational too. Topliner Kumail Nanjiana is searing as well. The story’s great for sure …

Bischoff’s Confectionary, in Teaneck, New Jersey, was a sweet shop for 90 years. They just closed. Sad, Check out their story: https://newjersey.news12.com/bischoffs-teanecks-beloved-ice-cream-shop-honored-for-90-years-of-service … Rolling Stone magazine just issued their list of the Best 100 Singers of All Time. It’s a ludicrous list, emphasizing yet again, the current edition of Rolling Stone has absolutely NO relation to the Jann Wanner-days. So, so sad. Check out Roger Friedman’s brilliant take on it. Honestly, I couldn’t have written a better one myself: https://www.showbiz411.com/2023/01/01/rolling-stone-vomits-up-a-random-clickbait-list-of-top-100-singers-with-sinatra-at-19-streisand-147-do-they-know-what-singing-means…

Canons

I got into a whole playlist of Canons and just loved it. They’re the band that had “Fire For You” and “Tunnel Of You.” Led by Michelle Joy, they’ve become a major favorite and I see big things in store for them. One selection was a cover of Springsteen’s “Dancing In The Dark” which was great. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7r_xgV-z88 …

Looking for something to watch I came across Woody Allen’s Irrational Man with Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone and Parker Posey and absolutely loved it. Imagine my surprise when I learned it was from 2015. Ever since the brouhaha with Mia Farrow, Allen’s been persona non grata is many ways. Honestly, this film was sensational. It was Allen’s typical-magnificent work and the actors were great. One of Stone’s best and Parker Posey’s best ever. I loved it … Loved last week’s Kennedy Center Awards. Thought the tribute to George Clooney was hilarious and his father speech just terrific. Dianne Reeves performance was just splendid but no mention of George’s aunt Rosemary. I was hoping for some ERcast-members to show, but nada. Eddie Vedder doing two U2 songs was great. What a voice … Check out this video from Ashley Suppa doing Billy Joel’s “The Longest Time” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UMwajNkvG0&t=113s … Exquisite. Going to be a big year for Ms. Suppa; stay tuned … and HAPPY BDAY Bruce Shindler and RIP Fred White of Earth, Wind & Fire and Anita Pointer.

NAMES IN THE NEWS — Chris Gilman; Tom & Lisa Cuddy; Jodi Ritzen; Donna Quinter; Cori Gardner; Russ Titleman; Decca Records; Peter Bart; Bruce Haring; Joe Lynch; Peter Abraham; Len Salidor; Mark bego; Cliff Richard; John Reid; Hugh Jackman; Jack Rollins; Jerry Seinfeld; Dennis Arfa; CRIMSHAW; and CHIP!

Broadway

Broadway Barks Returns July 9th

Published

9 months ago

June 19, 2022

Suzanna Bowling

For their first in-person event in three years for its 24^th annual dog and cat adoption event that benefits New York City animal rescue groups. The event, co-founded by Bernadette Peters and Mary Tyler Moore, features Broadway celebrities who use their star power to help find loving homes for animals in need from 25 participating NYC area shelters.

This year, Peters will host the event with Sutton Foster who currently stars on Broadway in the hit musical, The Music Man.

For over 20 years, more than 2,000 cats and dogs have stolen Broadway’s spotlight and the hearts of all who come to the event. Approximately 85% of these furry friends have successfully found forever homes. The event, produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, will take place in Shubert Alley (located between 44th and 45th Streets, between Broadway and Eighth Avenues). Festivities begin at 3 p.m. for a ‘meet and greet’ with all the adoptable pets (adoption event); from 5-6:30 p.m. adoptees make their Broadway debut on stage alongside some of Broadway’s favorite stars (celebrity presentations).

The event is free and open to the public.

Celebrity participants to be announced at a later date.

Follow Broadway Barks:

– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/broadwaybarks

– Twitter: @BroadwayBarks

– Instagram: @broadwaybarks

Follow Bernadette Peters:

– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BernadettePeters

– Twitter: @OfficialBPeters

-Instagram: @officialbernadettepeters

Follow Sutton Foster:

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suttonlfoster

-Twitter: https://twitter.com/sfosternyc

-Instagram: @suttonlenore

Follow Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS:

– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BCEFA

– Twitter: @BCEFA

– Instagram: @BCEFA

Best of Lists

Lights, Camera, Mother’s Day in True Hollywood Fashion with a Distinctive Tradition

Published

11 months ago

May 6, 2022

ElizaBeth Taylor

Distinctive Assets is once again be producing and distributing its annual “Mother’s Day in Hollywood” Gift Bag. Distinctive Assets will pamper twenty-five of the world’s most famous moms with a broad array of fabulous gifts that are innovative, unique and useful.

“We hope these gifts will help these incredible women celebrate motherhood, family and a life well lived. These ladies inspire us through their work, and our intention is to give them both inspiration and indulgence in their motherhood journeys,” says Distinctive Assets’ founder and noted gift expert Lash Fary.

The list of this year’s mommies includes Jennifer Love Hewitt, Emmy Rossum, Mena Suvari, Kristen Wiig, Mandy Moore, Kylie Bunbury, Katherine Schwarzenegger, Hilary Duff, Priyanka Chopra, Katharine McPhee Foster, Emma Roberts, Kelly Rowland, Halsey, Amber Heard, Amanda Seyfried, Emily Vancamp, Olivia Munn, Eve, Jamie Chung, Freida Pinto, Jeannie Mai, Christina Ricci, Meghan Trainor, Nicki Minaj and Jennifer Lawrence.

The 2022 “Mother’s Day in Hollywood” Gift Bag features:

The Almighty Pineapple handcrafted Tranquility Oil Roller, Andis Company Wet & Dry Shaver + Personal Trimmer, ARTKIVE kids’ art keepsake box-to-book conversion service, Athena Futures potty-training watch, Atkins Chai Latte Protein Shakes, Baketivity kids’ baking kit, BIOKIDÉ Moisturizer Face Cream with baobab oil, BYROE salad-infused beauty, The Chai Box hand-blended small batch chai, City Pier Seafood Kitch’n Kidz seafood- inspired cooking kit, CocoVaa Chocolatier award-winning fine chocolate collection, COLAB Refresh & Protect dry shampoo, Color Street Nail Strip deluxe gift box, C60 Purple Power ultimate antioxidant protection, Dig It Handwear Garden Gloves, Dr. Rahi MD advanced aesthetics treatments, Elixinol Sleep Gummies, Ferver Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Goddaughters AngelEyes Heart on My Shoulder pearl necklace, The Heart Company vegan Eau de Parfum fragrance collection, Hello Gorgeous premium French craft cocktails, It’s a Sign gratitude journal, Jambys “performance inactivewear”, Kandoona Zentyme Moments aromatherapy shower steamers, Koita premium Italian plant-based milks, Ladybug Potions wellness supplements, Leaner Creamer all-natural non-dairy coconut oil coffee creamer, Little Elska luxurious minky blanket, Stepping Stone by Liv Arnold, Lottie the Leopard Can’t Find Her Spots by Ron Roecker, Love Sun Body SHEER POWER cruelty-free mineral face SPF 30 formula, MAЁLYS GET-SPRUNG Enriched Stretch Mark Oil + B- FLAT Belly Firming Cream, Moments Condoms reproductive planning and pleasure gift set, Mommies Work illustrated children’s book, and NutriFit customized healthy meal delivery.

There is also the ODDICT TWIG PRO wireless earbuds, PeaTos plant-based deluxe snack bundle, Pedi Licious aloe gel/coconut oil infused Foot Polishing Scrub, Quest Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars Minis, RaVina Labs Skin Essentials Travel Kit, R.J. Iguanas Everyday Hot Sauce, Rose Box NYC 4 rose acrylic jewelry box, RYDIR Band travel necessity, SABON Green Rose Dead Sea Body Scrub, Schwank Grills Portable Infrared Grill, Shinery Radiance Wash hand + jewelry cleaner, SPOTMYUV UV Detection Stickers, Sweet Rosie Jewellery handmade jewelry, Tidal Hair Sticks hair accessories, Tree by Melina Sempil Watts, T-Time Products Interpersonal Shea Butter Balm, Tub Cubby Bathroom Organizer, Two Sisters Spa toy-filled bath bombs, Vahdam India sustainable & stylish on-the-go insulated Rover Bottle, The Vocal Toolkit optimal vocal health resources, Warmies heatable cozy plush stuffed animals, WaterWipes biodegradable/plastic-free/compostable baby wipes, Wunderkeks “Best Cookies Ever” sampler, and YOUTH Anti-Blemish Concentrate.

Cover art by Dakota Corbin on Unsplash