"SEX!" was his answer to the question on how he has
lived so long and remained so vital, "And good genes..." "Love is the most
important thing in life."
At 90+ trim and resplendent all in black, for
an hour his editor at Knopf expertly questioned him about his life and career as
a promotion for his book, "Mainly On Directing." A few questions from the
audience were taken at the end as well.
Many decades of working in the
theater and being in close proximity to many of the legendary stars have rubbed
off on him as he was a consummate performer holding forth on subjects he's
discussed many times before with precision and a wonderful spontaneity as if
telling these anecdotes for the first time.
Yes he is feisty to the point
of bitchiness with that gravelly New York voice delivering withering barbs. Of
course there are many testimonials to his meanness but in public he sure puts on
a great show.
The usual portraits of Robbins, Bernstein, Sondheim,
Antatole Litvak, Streisand, LuPone, et al, ruminations on politics, Hollywood,
and warm memories of his companion Tom Hatcher were all entertainingly recited.
"Merman couldn't act and it didn't matter," and then he affectionately detailed
her persona and commanding technique.
"He interviewed me three times and
acted like my friend..." was his hurt response about the Jesse Green/New York
hatchet job.
"Oh you made it!" He exclaimed as his amazing eagle eyes
spied Tyne Daley who was standing in the back of the crowded seating area on the
second floor. She hung around at the signing chatting with anyone who wanted
to.
He sat conversing and signing books and memorabilia for another half
hour until everyone was fulfilled. Before the event began he signed a batch of
books to be sold at the store.
|
Profile
Photos
Comments
