Time flies. No time since Oscars to blog. The time fast approaching when I will tape my new exercise DVDs for boomers and seniors. I have been rehearsing, working on choreography, choosing music, what to wear. You blogger friends have been extremely helpful in dissuading me from doing retro–the leg warmers, etc from past times…35 years ago!!! Hard to believe. I was the first and now they do these exercise programs with their eyes closed. We did it on spit and prayer. Fortunately it worked–still the highest grossing home video of all time–17 million copies. Timing is everything! I actually made 23 videos in all up till 1994 when life with Ted made it too hard to find the time but I’ve stayed fit and my new hip and knee are behaving very well. The demographic I’m targeting has been left out and we’re becoming the most significant market. More of us over 60 than ever before and we’re fitter and wanting to stay that way or get there. My mantra: it’s never too late to get active and fit and feel good about yourself and feel you’re in control of your body if nothing else and you can get rid of depression. So many pluses and our numbers are growing and we need to be paid attention to. 

Then there’s my book, (“The Third Act: Entering Prime Time“) that I have to finish by end of April and the opera of “Grapes of Wrath” which I am narrating one night only at Carnegie Hall with symphony orchestra and singers that will include–hooray– Christine Ebersole!!! Fortunately my daughter and grandkids are coming out for spring break. I’ll take them to magic castle–I am a freak for great magic and I have seen slight of hand and illusionists there that make me gasp. And of course Disneyland. And then helping my daughter find a wedding dress…ah yes, love is in the air. I am so happy. Busy but happy. Hope the same for you.



See you next time

The other night Richard and I went to Cerritos to hear a concert by Kenny Vance and the Planotones. Both from Brooklyn, Richard and Kenny have been friends since Richard graduated from University of Michigan and Kenny launched his long career as a doo wop artist with many popular hits. They were both in the iconic music movie, American Hot Wax. Before the Planotones, Kenny’s band was Jay and the Americans and their hits included “Only in America,” “Come a Little bit Closer” and “Cara Mia.” Kenny’s voice remains pure and strong and quite amazing in its range. Over time he has lost none of his charisma or vocal uniqueness. And he’s rangy and funny as he quips and plays between songs. The audience loved him and the band. We will see him again when I narrate the one-night-only performance of the Opera “Grapes of Wrath” at Carnegie Hall March 22nd. I am doing this as a way to honor my father and his Tom Joad. Kenny will attend with us.

Richard, me and Kenny

With Kenny and the Planotones

With Kenny, his granddaughter and son

Click here to view some photos of event

Don’t know who everyone shown here is but Dr Muhammad Yunus is the founder of the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh whose work is lifting women out of poverty. He is now bringing his work to cities in the US. He is a Nobel Laureate. Dr Yunus’s daughter, Monica, is a co-founder of the non-profit and an opera singer. Billy Jean King was there as well as Martha Stewart whose nephew now works with this non-profit, “Sing For Hope”, which brings art—music, dance, actors, poetry– to children and to hospital patients who would otherwise be bereft of art. All the fine, professional artists donate their time and talent. The great Opera singer, Renee Fleming has been deeply involved with “Sing For Hope”’from the beginning. Composer Ricky Ian Gordon was on piano and Camille Zamora and Joshua Hopkins sang a piece from the opera, “Grapes of Wrath.” Ricky Ian Gordon has composed the opera that will be performed with a symphony orchestra one night only at Carnegie Hall the end of March. I will be the narrator. I agreed to do it as an honor to my father who immortalized Tom Joad in John Ford’s movie “Grapes of Wrath.”

click here for an article about the event: http://www.whomyouknow.com/2009/11/nightlight-sing-for-hope-gala.html
Whom You Know: NIGHTLIGHT: Sing for Hope Gala was a Resounding Success! Songs for Our Future led by Chair Eva Haller and Co-Founders Monica Yunus and Camille Zamora Honor Renee Fleming, Jane Fonda, Reynold Levy and Muhammad Yunus in an evening of Arts Activism in Action in Lincoln Center November 21st. Special Surprise Birthday Guest: Billie Jean King