WSS....

Yes, I did get in for the West Side Story event--a bit of a singalong (that I did not expect or want) but actually very fulfilling in its own way. Highlights were the interviews with Marilyn D'Hanau and Grover Dale. Ms D'hanau, one of three dancing sisters and an original Jet girl was modest but forthcoming about her involvement in the show. Grover, of course, could have talked for hours, but everything he said was meaningful. He painted a beautiful portrait of how director Robbins worked closely with the male dancers to create the opening scene. Other great anecdotes as well. The master of ceremonies was a little cloying and missed what I felt were a few important points and did not name enough names of the original cast, but in the end, he did okay. Some good comments by the woman who is curating the Jerome Robbins exhibit that the library will unveil in late September of the year. Would like to talk to her as well. Yes, there are a million questions that I could envision myself asking Mr. Dale, Ms D'hanau, and any other member of the original cast who cared to comment. Will it happen? Like everything else this summer, just moving a long, one second at a time. Each moment reveals itself.
  Still feeling ambivalent about the possible colonoscopy---have a date to see the internist for the first prep on August 9th. Things are a little better in terms of how I feel. so---well, we will see. Meanwhile today there is an important film and conference in East New York that I would like to go to, but that is an area that I have never been to before. Would have to take the 3 train to Van Siclen Avenue (second to last stop) and walk a bit. A little anxious about the trip, and leaving the community center, where the film and discussion are taking place, in the dark. Still, the subway is nearby and there is a bus that runs down the avenue of the venue that would take me to places that I know. Quite an adventure, but I really don't know if I am up to it. Will see how the day progresses.
  After the presentation at Lincoln Center, I went to the Dive Bar on 106th street to eat. Not much happening, watched both baseball games---left feeling overpriced and unfulfilled. Maybe I should go back to the 96th street Dive Bar, but the newer one is always less crowded. Still, maybe a little more excitement at the 96th street one. Afterwards. walked along Amsterdam to 110th, still awed by the difference in the two populations that inhabit the block of Amsterdam between 109th and 110th. The long time Hispanic population live and seem to inhabit the southern end of the block, while its northern end has an outdoor restaurant that seems only for the wealthy. Not much else to say.
Anyway, will report on all events tomorrow.