Tag Archives: Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue Positive Entertainment – Fun, Educational, Inspiring Songs, Humor, and Advice for Positive Living

Dr. Sue Social Q’s – Eat Dessert First! Book Review Positive Entertainment

True confession: I have an addiction – to Philip Galanes”s “Social Q’s” advice column on Sunday in The New York Times. There’s no excuse. I should be reading important news (wars, failing economies, natural disasters). I should be saving my appetite for the main course (a balanced plateful of misery), But instead, what am I doing? Eating dessert first. Chowing down on Q’s (questions) from the socially challenged and answers that are tart and tender, smart and blender-whipped into a mousse of wit and uncommon sense. Who can help licking the spoon? Not I. And now I don’t have to wait for Sunday! Social Q’s is now a book (light weight or downloadable). I can carry my social conscience with me like Pinocchio’s Jiminy Cricket. If I’m tempted to misdemean or make a scene or lie, Mr. Galanes clues me in on what’s cricket and what’s out of bounds. Good thing too, I can’t afford to have my nose grow – not with the price of cosmetic surgery! If I’m tempted to lay down my personal social laws, Mr. Galanes lays out some tongue-in-cheek formulas for deciding when to play Mom and when to keep mum. Speaking of tongues and cheeks, I can’t wait to revisit Mr. Galanes’ dessert buffet and expand my uh-mind. But you know what they say about second helpings – I better wear stretch pants. (Editor: Jay Berman) Happiness/Success Habits: Read Social Q’s! ‘Nuff said!

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.

Book: “Queens of Comedy” (Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!) www.smashwords.com/books/view/219367 Musical: “SssWitch”: www.ssswitch.net www.YouTube.com/drsuecomedian https://www.youtube.com/feed/my_videos

Dr. Sue Duke Ellington Gala Positive Entertainment

The annual Ellington Center Gala was, as ever, elegant, swinging fun! Mercedes Ellington, granddaughter of the legendary Duke, directed, staged and welcomed us to an evening of singing, dancing, and musicianship – mostly to music by the Duke, with proceeds benefitting the Ellington Scholarship Fund and Programs www.thedukellingtoncenter.org Frank Owens on piano and the Ellington Center Band led off with “Take the A Train.” Our MC, Adrienne Hahn in top hat, tails, and hot pants (over skyscraper legs) strutted down the steps of the magnificent Landmark on the Park and sang. When she perched on the lap of Ervin Drake, ultra-dapper, nonagenarian songwriter (“I Believe” “Good Morning Heartache’), and musically invited him to “Come Fly Away.” I thought he just might!

Duke Ellington Gala 2012

The Pitch Blak Bass Band, winner of the first annual Bob Stewart Tuba competition, gave us a sample of a big, brass sound. Then we enjoyed the vocal stylings of T. Oliver Reid, Marion Cowings, and Antoinette Montague. Swing dancers Mickey Davidson and Jun Maruda showed us how to jitterbug and jump for joy! Then, quintessentially graceful Michael Choi and Anna Truhkan (in tuxedo and burgundy velvet) lifted us on wings of choreographed ballroom dance. After a brief intermission, we sat down to a sumptuous buffet (Spoonbread Catering). The second half of the program featured the song “My Son” an excerpt from the musical “YES!” by Earl Wilson, Jr. (vocals by T. Oliver Reid and Erick Pinnick, with Eugene Gwozdz on piano). Board Member Larry Kerchner and Dennis Chicinno performed “Down at Mama Jones.” Last, but certainly not least, came a showcase of tap dancers, Broadway and opera singers, and, well, me – singing my original, multicultural, holiday song “Happy Hanukrismas” What a thrill – laughter, applause, a request for lyrics, and a man who told me the song brought tears to his eyes! Like Earl Wilson, Jr. I said “YES” to “Come Fly with Me” – I was flying! Happiness/Success Habits

Do what you love, live your passion, and seize your opportunity! I love writing and singing songs and the Ellington holiday gala was the perfect venue for “Happy Hanukrismas.” Were there obstacles? Of course. I had barely finished writing the song that afternoon when I tucked it into my purse (just in case I got a chance to sing it), and there was no chance to rehearse. But I knew the supremely gifted Frank Owens could play by ear and chords (even with my mistakes). When Mercedes pointed at me, and said “You go first” I trusted her instinct and went for it!
Love and enjoy the arts – any way you can – as a creator, performer and/or appreciator and supporter! The arts give life beauty, meaning, and joy! Find a way to be part of that – give yourself that gift.
Give back and support arts and education. The Ellington Scholarship Fund and Programs supports developing talent and educational programs. Keep Duke’s legacy alive! Please visit www.thedukellingtoncenter.org

(Editor:/Photographer Jay Berman)

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.

Dr. Sue Hope in the Hurricane Positive Entertainment

Hurricane Sandy brought much suffering – but also many gifts and insights. Here are a few that I would like to share with you, my dear readers.

Cultivate positive relationships – they are the flowers in the garden of our lives.

o The support of family, friends colleagues, neighbors, and all relationships is very important. Being a professor gives my life a sense of purpose and community. o Be kind and respectful to others and protect and take care of yourself. Forgive others and yourself for mistakes. If you cannot forgive, keep some distance, but do not let your mind dwell on bitterness. Stay away from negative influences, and look for positive associations.

Sue Piano Home

Cultivate something that you love to do – give it value, and stay connected to your passions and interests. o I love to sing, play piano, and write songs. When I was isolated at home, I spent many hours every day at my piano singing and improving my songs. I also like painting, and I painted a thank you card for a friend. o What do you love? We all need interests and activities we enjoy. o Learn to enjoy reading – you will not be dependent on electricity or outside entertainment if you have the companionship of a book or magazine – even by candle light.

Learn skills and knowledge – including languages, computer, and cell phone. All skills are valuable – you never know when you need them.

o My languages have helped me make friends across cultures. My cross-cultural friends supported me in my hours of need. o My writing/communication skills have opened many doors for me. I hope you will learn skills that give you opportunities in life. o My only communication with the outside world (aside from my neighbors) was by cell phone. To save my battery, I charged my cell phone via my computer (which I did not use), restricted my cell phone use to text and Emails (talking uses more battery power than text or email), and removed the battery when not in use (thanks to the good advice of my brother). By the last day, my computer battery was used up, and my cell phone was down to low power – but better low power than none! Without some knowledge of computers and cell phones, I would have been stuck!

Be wise and be positive – prepare for the worst, and focus on the best.

o I stored water and food and used them frugally, and I carefully laid out a flashlight, candles, lighter (for my gas stove), and matches. I cooked food in advance so it would not spoil, and rationed food so it would last. I ate a stove top dinner by candle light with a glass of wine. Maybe I couldn’t shower or flush the toilet, but I could still enjoy the comfort of food and feel elegant! o I focused on what I had (not what was missing) and used my imagination – if Lincoln read by candle light, so could I. I couldn’t go out because I did not want to climb 17 flights of stairs with a knee problem in the dark – uh-oh! But that gave me the time to stay connected to music and art.

Keep faith

o We all believe different things, and some of us are atheists. Personally, I do not care or judge what people do or do not believe. But I do believe that it is important to have faith in something – whether it is traditional religion or a general sense of hope and gratitude. When the light grew dim, and darkness and long night came into the sky, I played and sang the song “Amazing Grace” with the beautiful verse: “Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come, ‘twas grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.” The hurricane was hard in some ways, but it brought me wonderful gifts – I connected to the people I love, to my art, and to my faith. Please enjoy my song “Dare to Believe” You can download it free from my CD “Keys of Love” www.cdbaby.com/drsue I hope that you are well, safe, and happy. Thank you for reading my blog.

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.

Dr. Sue Broadway Henry Krieger (Dream Girls) Positive Entertainment

Henry Krieger

Broadway Close Up, a series that mixes show tunes and show talk, hit a high note as host Sean Hartley interviewed Henry Krieger, multiple Tony-Award winning composer of Dreamgirls, The Tap Dance Kid , and Side Show. Krieger’s talent was amply illustrated by a brilliant, soulful cast, superbly supported by talented musical director Andy Einhorn. The chat included bite-sized, bio-tidbits: Krieger first collaborated with Dreamgirls lyricist Tom Eyen on The Dirtiest Show in Town off-Broadway, where singer Nell Carter (Ain’t Misbehavin’) stopped the show, Eyen and mercurial director Michael Bennett (fresh from Chorus Line) regularly gave each other nervous breakdowns; and yes, Dreamgirls did have something to do with the Supremes. The conversation/concert format neatly segued into medley of Krieger tunes sung by Broadway larks and lyricists. The musical cast showcased the abundantly talented Moya Angela, Jill Abramovitz, Lilli Cooper, Erin Davie, Trevon Davis, Brandon Victor Dixon, Curt Hansen, Jeremiah Jones, Jared Joseph, Emily Jenda, Lindsay Mendez, Jarran Muse, Mary Testa, and David Yazbek . The evening finished with Krieger singing his own stirring version of Jennifer Holliday’s show-stopping “And I’m Telling You, I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls, proving that soulful singing is not just high-voltage vocal chops. Coming up next on Broadway Close Up: Producers Andre Bishop & Ira Weitzman – Playwrights Horizons/Lincoln Center (Monday, November 5); Lyricists Who Changed the World – Ira Gershwin, Oscar Hammerstein, E.Y. “Yip” Harburg & Lorenz Hart (Monday, December 3). All programs feature great singers and songsters, who will also be warbling at New York Festival of Song December 4, February 19, and March 12. All events are held at the Kaufman Center, Merkin Concert Hall, 129 W. 67th Street, NYC. For Details and Tickets, visit http://kaufman-center.org/mch (Editor: Jay Berman)

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Book: “Queens of Comedy” (Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!) www.smashwords.com/books/view/219367 Musical: “SssWitch”: www.ssswitch.net www.YouTube.com/drsuecomedian https://www.youtube.com/feed/my_videos

Dr. Sue Cabaret Convention 2012 Positive Entertainment

Cabaret Convention 2012

The New York City 2012 Cabaret Convention, a celebration of song standards and divine divas rocks the rafters of the Rose Room at Lincoln Center October 17, 18, and 19 from 6-9pm. This annual showcase of Broadway and bistro talent makes audiences sing, “You’re the tops!” – a fitting tribute to Cole Porter and other creators of the Great Popular Songbook. This year’s fest fetes the late Donald F. Smith (“The King of Cabaret”) former Executive Director of the Mabel Mercer Foundation. Stepping in Smith’s shoes (transformed into high-heeled pumps) is the ever-elegant KT Sullivan, newly appointed Artistic Director and Singing Host of the Gala Opening Night (Wednesday, October 18), who presents the Julie Wilson Award to newcomer Shana Farr and Noel Coward Award to Jeff Harnar, with performances by Emily Bergl, Barbara Carroll, Tony DeSare, Ms. Farr, Lauren Fox, Gregory Generet,Edward Hibbert, Valerie Lemon, Amanda McBroom, Mark Nadler, Catherine Russell,Ms. Sullivan, and Amra-Faye Wright (starring as Velma Kelly in Chicago The Musical on Broadway). On Thursday, October 18th: Salute to Cole Porter (Smith’s favorite composer/lyricist) will be hosted by Andrea Marcovicci and Jeff Harnar, with performances by the Co-hosts, plus Karen Akers, Anna Bergman, Ann Hampton Callaway, Clint Holmes, Marilyn Maye, Maude Maggart, Colleen McHugh, Todd Murray, T. Oliver Reid, Steve Ross, Jennifer Sheehan, Daryl Sherman, and Billy Stritch. On Friday, October 19th: Thanks for the Memory is hosted by Klea Blackhurst (who will be awarded the Donald F. Smith Award) and includes the presentation of the annual Mabel Mercer Award to Christine Andreas, with performances by the honorees, and Carole J. Bufford, Jim Caruso, Natalie Douglas, Nicolas King, Karen Mason, Beckie Menzie & Tom Michael, Sidney Myer, Lee Roy Reams, and Craig Rubano. For more info and ticket orders, go to Jazz At Lincoln Center’s Rose Theatre box office (Broadway at 60th Street) online at www.jalc.org or call The Mabel Mercer Foundation at (212) 980-3026. Come to the Cabaret! (Editor: Jay Berman)

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Book: “Queens of Comedy” (Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!) www.smashwords.com/books/view/219367 Musical: “SssWitch”: www.ssswitch.net www.YouTube.com/drsuecomedian https://www.youtube.com/feed/my_videos

Dr. Sue Psycho Motel Funny Positive Entertainment

I just got an Email from “HOTEL HELL” a reality show who wants to help desperate HOTEL, MOTEL, OR B&B owners turn their business fortunes around. HOTEL HELL offers to send a team of experts to “troubleshoot problems…and get you back on the road to success.” The E-mail tells me to “Contact us NOW!” As I read the E-mail, my thoughts drift to Norman Bates, the shy, yet homicidal motel owner in Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “Psycho.” I wonder if HOTEL HELL can help him. So I write my own E-mail in Norman’s name. “Dear Hotel Hell, Thanks for your offer. I am the owner of the Bates Motel (actually a co-owner, with Mother) I need all the help I can get, what with dirty bathrooms and nosy detectives. I’d also love to make a killing on reality TV! I went down to the cellar and asked Mother’s permission. She said, “Take a stab at it! In life you have to take what comes. You have sunshine, and you have showers.” Based on her advice, I decided to write. Mother and I are having a lot of trouble running our motel. Actually, I’m the one who runs it. She is elderly and ill, and mostly stays in our house next door. I’m a very shy person. I have a hard time making friends. Usually the only people I talk to are the people who check into the motel. I can’t really make friends with our motel guests because they only stay for one night. Besides, Mother is jealous of everyone who checks in. I guess she wants me all to herself. I need help fixing up the motel – especially the showers which are wearing out because I have to clean them so often. Please come to to troubleshoot (if I don’t trouble-stab first – ha ha! just a little joke 🙂 ) And be kind. As I mentioned, I’m shy. Sincerely, Norman aka Mother Bates Within minutes, I get an E-mail from the team at Hotel Hell “Thank you very much for your email. Our casting team will review. In the meantime if you are an owner – please log on to our website for the application.” Happiness/Success Habits:

Never feel like you’re dumb or crazy – there’s always someone dumber and crazier – and they make big money on Reality TV

(Editor: Jay Berman)

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.

Dr. Sue Joan Rivers Book Review Positive Entertainment

Joan Rivers I Hate Everybody…

Joan Rivers’ book I Hate Everyone…Starting With Me should come with a warning label: if you’re recovering from surgery (preferably plastic) stop reading! Side effects include splitting your stitches from excessive laughter and releasing your inner bitch! At seventy-nine, the sharp-witted Ms. River has slugged her way through a fifty-year career as a comic, media darling/she-devil, fashion maven, jewelry-hawker, etc. — endlessly reinventing herself after getting fired and banned from network TV, going bankrupt, and getting through her husband’s suicide by re-cycling it as comedy fodder for her stand-up act. Now Ms. Rivers has honed her razor-sharp talons (with a gel manicure) and serves up a collection of caustic cocktail canapés – sniping at everything and everyone – beginning with herself. Chapter I targets (not tahr-ZHAY, the pretentious French pronunciation) Joan as an unwanted tot (“my earliest childhood memory was watching my parents loosen the wheels on my stroller”) proceeds through her fat tween years (to read her unprintable definition of “tween,” you have to buy the book) to current decrepitude (“Everything is falling apart…except for my face, which I’ve had lifted so many times I wear my earrings on my kneecaps”). Other chapters throw darts at children, old people, restaurant food, fad diets, cultural heroes, celebrities, political correctness and pretense of all stripes. If you are offended (and you will be), move on to the next zinger until she hits your preferred bulls eye (just can’t get away from tahr-ZHAY, can we?). Or take a break and pick up when you’re in the mood for another snarky snack. I Hate Everyone…Starting With Me is perfect for subway rides to the unemployment office (oops! I mean limo rides to Bergdorf’s), lounging by the pool (and I don’t mean the public one), and quoting to gossipy gal-pals (of every gender). Final warning label: unless you’re as funny as Joan Rivers, do not attempt this kind of humor on your own. Some kinds of performance art take a pro. Fred Astaire invited us to “face the music and dance”; Joan Rivers invites us to face her personal truth – and laugh! Happiness/Success Habits Be who you are and make it work – this is true for Joan Rivers, the designers on Project Runway, and everyone with a unique talent. When a door opens, go through it. Joan Rivers (Phi Beta Kappa from Barnard) got her break writing the “Topo Gigio” puppet mouse sketches for The Ed Sullivan Show and jump-started her sputtering career by doing Fashion Police – doing what was offered, not asking if it was beneath her. (Editor: Jay Berman)

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.

Dr. Sue Belly Dancing and Diamonds Positive Entertainment

Belly Dancer Sue

As every Manhattanite knows, the earth is the size of Manhattan – and perfectly flat. If you leave, you fall off. This truism is ringing in my ears as my bus pulls out of New York City and heads for New Jersey. So far, so true. So far I’ve missed one bus, and the bus driver on the next bus, who is supposed to let me off at my stop looks none too friendly. So why am I leaving my NYC home for NJ – a strange land where people ride cars instead of subways and live near turnpike exits instead of numbered streets? Why is this simple (Manhattan) island girl doing in the land of Tony Soprano and (according to old gangster movies) machine guns in violin cases? Why is my video camera and tripod packed in my guitar case ? The guitar case makes me look like I’m going to a folksinging gig. But I am actually in hot pursuit of “ice” – which is what we wannabe gangsters/slangsters call diamonds. (It’s also a hot summer day, so I wouldn’t mind some real ice.) Turns out the place I am heading has both – diamond earrings and Italian ices. Mamari Jewelers/Art Gallery in Nanuet, NJ is hosting an opening party for their new facility. I’m supposed to do on-camera interviews of artist/designers Philippe Valy and Bob Tyne (who are picking me up in NJ). I’m also hoping to borrow dangling diamond earrings for the shoot – for the head shots Bob offered to take, and for my fantasy lifestyle – which includes ice of the non-flavored variety. Real life has more glitches than glitz. I miss my NJ bus stop and travel to the end of the line because I don’t know the landmarks and the surly bus driver doesn’t tell me where to get off. However, after that rough start (I even offer to go back to Manhattan to avoid making my friends late) we finally hook up – and since the party starts late – we’re on time – even early! The store is actually a small building – a mini-jewelry castle owned by a middle-eastern family. I instantly head for the jewelry counter, where I slide some fabulous diamond drop earrings onto my ears (a perfect fit). Then I slip into a black lace, clingy, spaghetti strap top – perfect for showing off diamonds! So far, so good. I go upstairs to check out the gallery. The walls are hung with my friends’ artwork; and there’s a table set up as a bar – plus soft drinks, bottles of wine – and no corkscrew. I go back downstairs to look for a corkscrew – where the party is well underway. Loudspeakers are playing middle eastern music with a driving beat. In the middle of the crowd is a belly dancer. The videographer and photographer are snapping away, as she tries to coax shy party guests onto the dance floor. I don’t need much coaxing. The hypnotic rhythms call to my ancestral Semitic roots- I am, after all, a Jewish girl from the Bronx (or maybe I just like to shake my booty). Anyway, the belly dancer and I start moving in perfect synch … as I live out my dream life – diamond earrings and belly dancing! The party moves outside, where Philippe Valy body paints a pretty young model (Lidia Keenan) in the parking lot. Then we all go upstairs where I interview Bob Tynes and guests about his photographic/painterly images. The guest pick out favorite images and give their interpretations – mainly about dreams of freedom and peace. I also talk Philippe Valy about his paintings and hand-painted hats (influenced by Greek mythology, surrealism, and Picasso-sqe eroticism). The hats provide a sculptural surface for his fantasy designs – as does Lidia – but (unlike pretty young models) you can take the hat home :)! I didn’t take the diamonds home – but maybe next time – especially if I work on my belly dancing… Happiness/Success Habits

Don’t give up or be overly discouraged or anxious – I thought missing my bus stop would make everyone late – I was even ready to go home. But as it turned out, it was no big deal.
Step out of your comfort zone , habits, and habitat and try out new things – like belly dancing, diamonds and another state…of mind. The world isn’t really flat and and you don’t fall off – but you knew that!
Know when to stay in your comfort zone -and how far to stretch it. Lidia didn’t want to be body painted in her bikini in the parking lot – so she compromised. She went along with the painting, but kept her jeans on.
Enjoy a taste of fantasy life – you don’t have to own something forever to enjoy it for now. Besides, after a while, you get used to anything – even diamond earrings. If I got diamonds everyday -they might not be as much of a thrill as playing “dress up” for the party.

(Photography: Bob Baker)

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.

Dr. Sue Judy Garland “End of the Rainbow” Broadway Review Positive Entertainment

Tracie Bennett: End of the Rainbow

If rainbows were roller coasters, then Tracie Bennett takes you on the ride of your life! Her enactment of Judy Garland, age forty-seven and at the end of her rope (and rainbow), careens between the dizzying heights of her breath-taking talent and her death-defying descent into desperation, tantrums, booze, and drugs. Peter Quilter’s bio-drama (ably directed by Terry Johnson) is set in 1968-69 London where Judy is scheduled for a five-week comeback engagement. The show moves smoothly between the hotel suite Judy shares with her handsome, much younger fiancé/manager Mickey Deans (the handsome, masculine Tom Pelphrey) and and the Talk of the Town night club, where Judy is attracting a sell-out crowd (partly due to the publicity generated by her standing on the suite’s baby grand piano and threatening to throw herself out the window. The piano anchors hotel suite and nightclub orchestra (scenic/costume design by William Dudley) and is nimbly played by Anthony (the terrific Michael Cumpsty) Judy’s devoted, long-suffering, gay accompanist (plus volunteer makeup artist/confessor/caretaker). It’s Mickey’s and Tony’s job to keep Judy off the pills and in the spotlight. Mickey sets her up with a BBC radio interviewer (Jay Russell) named Donald. “As in duck?” Judy mocks before she cuts the interview short. Her nightclub shows are more spine-tingling – both for Bennett’s spot-on reenactment of Judy’s pyrotechnic performance, stage fright, memory lapses, and the looming possibility of public collapse and disgrace. As Quilter’s “Rainbow” arcs toward its climax, Mickey, desperate for Judy to pull them out of their financial hole, feeds her drugs and booze – anything to get her on stage. Anthony offers an escape into asexual domesticity with him as her caretaker. Which will she choose? As the world knows, Judy never made it to forty-eight. She picked Mickey Deans as husband #5 and slid off the rainbow into show business immortality. (Belasco Theatre, 111 West 44th Street, NYC (212) 239-6200) Happiness/Success Habits Every ride has a ticket price – is the thrill worth the fee? It’s not clear how much control Garland had – at least not at this late stage. Most of us don’t have her phenomenal gifts or her demons. But we do make choices about our own talents, temptations, and intimates. Up close and personal, charismatic, outrageous divas (and divos) can be exhilarating but exhausting. I like my drama-mamas on stage – not off. How about you?

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.

I Love Lucy with Glen Charlow Positive Entertainment

Glen and Lucy

Loving Lucy, a musical tribute show to Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, and I Love Lucyby Glen Charlow, performer, collector, and adoring fan, is a singing valentine composed of songs associated with Ball-Arnaz and artifacts from Glen’s home collection of Lucy memorabilia. Glen’s show opens with the I Love Lucy theme song – the cheerful sound track of the legendary TV program. Show tunes include “Cuban Pete” Desi (Cuban Pete) and Lucy (Sally Sweet)’s duet from the vaudeville act the couple took on the road to convince CBS executives to produce the show that became I Love Lucy. My own book Queens of Comedy, (based on my interviews with legendary comedians like Lucille Ball), quotes a 1950 Variety review: “She pops the eyes out of the first row viewers with her hip-slinging activities to hyped beat of ‘Cuban Pete.’” The Sally Sweet ensemble, emerald green with a split skirt designed to showcase Lucy’s showgirl legs, now outfits a vintage doll – part of Glen’s astounding array of memorabilia. I asked him to describe his collection of dolls, plates, figurines photographs, magazine covers, recordings, and designs for costumes and personal ensembles (like the aqua chiffon caftan with feather boa sleeves and matching shoes Ball wore to a Bob Hope Christmas special). Glen beams, “It’s precious. If I had to describe it in one word, I’d say, ‘huge!’ When I first started, I didn’t consider myself a collector. I was out shopping one day, and I found a beautiful picture of Lucille Ball. I bought it and put it on my wall. Weeks later I found another picture. One thing led to another and I ended up with this!” By now, Glen has invested over $100,000 in his collection – whose worth has at least doubled. Does Glen own the most extensive Lucy collection? “There may be a bigger one – like the one belonging to Michael Stern, whom Lucy called her ‘number 1 fan.’ Michael owns the cast from the time she broke her leg when she was starring in the movie version of Mame, but I certainly have the largest collection on the East Coast.” Glen’s own collection and show include artifacts and songs from Mame, plus Lucy’s Broadway musical Wildcat – including the opening number “Wildcat” which was cut from the show because it was too hard for Ball to sing. Lucy shows up in her Wildcat role as a poster, figurine – even a Broadway Care Bear. Glen’s favorite piece is a leather-bound scrap book Lucy Day at World’s Fair 1964, put together by Lucy’s publicist. Glen’s fascination with all-things-Lucy began when he was eleven. He first fell in love with The Lucy Show (on the air at the time) then later became acquainted with repeats of the original I Love Lucy. How far does Lucy permeate Glen’s life? “My cats are named Lucy and Ricky. When I’m with my friends who love Lucy, I quote from her TV episodes. “Some of my facial expressions are like Lucy, and I sometimes do things that are very Lucy-like – like tasting salad dressing from the bottle the way she did on TV episode.” If you want to learn more about Glen’s Lucy-itis, visit his website www.lucilleball.net , or come to his show Loving Lucy (June 9, 1:45-3:30pm at New York Sheet Music Society, Musicians Hall 322 W. 48th Street NYC) his musical tribute to the lady who lights up his life! Lucy-itis must be catching. The day after our interview, I got an Email from Glen saying: “you left a tissue with your lip print on it…What a very ‘Lucy’-ish thing to do!” My practical reason for the tissue was an attempt to avoid smearing my Lucy dress with lipstick when I changed for my photo-op. My Lucy reason would be far more entertaining – planting evidence of a tryst with a strange man –then inviting Ricky over to make him jealous! The world of I Love Lucy is an innocent, exciting alternative to the boredom and burdens of reality. This is true for Lucy fans and for the real people behind the Lucy-Ricky makeup at the annual Lucy Fest in Jamestown, NY) “Ball and Arnaz knew what we all know – that relationships are often problematic and painful. I Love Lucy gives us respite from that knowledge. For twenty-six minutes…we take a family vacation. We tune out the difficulties and dullness of daily living and tune in a dream of domestic bliss and a deluge of laughter.” (Queens of Comedy) Happiness/Success Habits Be Yourself…and Flaunt Your Own Feather Boa! Composer/Lyricist Jerry Herman, who wrote Mame, also wrote the musical La Cage Aux Folles which spotlights the song “I am What I Am” – often considered the gay anthem. Whether you’re gay or straight, famous or fan, collector or casual customer, the real road to happiness and success is living your personal passion! Surround yourself with beauty – whatever that means to you! In my blog about BookExpo America, I reviewed Barbra Streisand’s book My Passion for Design. Streisand’s taste might be very different from Glen’s – but they’re both true to their own style and what brings them joy.

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.