May 26
My Fabulous First Year At The Pierre
This month, I am celebrating one year of my dream job. And what a year it has been!
From producing special events to managing TV and magazine photo shoots, I’ve had the opportunity to work on some of the most exciting projects of my career, with colleagues who represent the best of both hospitality and humanity. It takes a lot to deliver five-star service every day. And that’s exactly what The Pierre does.
With my boss Ernesto and General Manager Francois at The Pierre’s 70s-themed holiday party
Following the great example set by our leadership team, everyone at The Pierre is guided by the dual principles of doing what’s right and what is true to the DNA and 90-year history of the hotel. One year later, I am still in awe of the kindness, dedication and excellence of my coworkers. Going above and beyond is the rule here rather than the exception. Often when I’m speaking with guests, they express gratitude for the genuine warmth and caring of The Pierre team. I feel the same way. In these turbulent times, it is such a blessing to spend my days in a place that brings out the best in people.
Valentine’s Day selfie with colleagues (from left) Kim, Deb, Jackie and Vanessa
Of course, it’s no surprise that a hotel of this caliber attracts quite an extraordinary clientele. And it has given me the chance to meet iconic figures from so many different fields. I’ve had afternoon tea and talked about “Downton Abbey” with handsome, witty UK actor David Robb (Dr. Clarkson). I coordinated segments for two national morning shows, including one with legendary anchor Jane Pauley and the utterly charming, hilarious Bill Murray. Fun fact: an ex-boyfriend of mine went on an archeological dig in Cyprus with Bill. Laughing with him about this and sharing our experiences of working Down Under in Sydney with Jane was sublimely surreal.
In the hotel’s iconic Rotunda with Jane Pauley & Bill Murray
Perhaps closest to my heart, I’ve had the privilege to launch Broadway At The Pierre, a cabaret series that revisits the hotel’s long tradition of showcasing musical theater’s brightest stars (The Pierre hosted a similar program back in the 1940s and 50s!). Broadway was a big part of growing up in the Big Apple so working with its extraordinarily talented and equally gracious performers means a great deal to me.
Broadway At The Pierre: Kicking off the series with WICKED alums Hayley Podschun (Glinda), Jennifer DiNoia (Elphaba) and Musical Director Benjamin Rauhala
Just a few weeks into year two, the momentum continues. I have managed photography of celebrity departures for the prestigious MET Costume Gala — including the exits of Uma Thurman, Anne Hathaway, Kris Jenner and Shawn Mendes.
Uma Thurman exiting the hotel on her way to the MET Gala
I coordinated a TODAY Show segment filmed in The Pierre’s beloved Two E lounge. I had the pleasure of listening to Michelle Obama speak about balancing motherhood with life in the White House. And I witnessed an epic Mother’s Day performance by the three incredible leads from The Phantom of The Opera. As I shared with them that night, it was the first time since losing my mom almost 20 years ago that I actually looked forward to the holiday. Words can’t describe what a turning point this is for me.
All smiles on Mother’s Day (!) after PHANTOM’s epic performance
An acquaintance observed that my face always lights up when I talk about this extraordinary hotel. My dear friend Sara’s mom says I have finally found my home. I couldn’t agree more. The Pierre anchors me every day, continually inspiring me to evolve and grow.
Dream job? Job of a lifetime!
Feb 6
A Celebration of Whitney
One of the most fun and rewarding parts of my job at The Pierre continues to be working with the Broadway community. Their talent, generosity and grace never cease to amaze me–as it did last Monday at Kevin Smith Kirkwood’s Classic Whitney: Alive!
The evening at Joe’s Pub began with a delightful dinner at signature restaurant The Library. Though I’ve been to Joe’s Pub many times over the years, this was my first visit to The Library and it didn’t disappoint. Good friend Lori and I loved the cozy, inviting vibe. I chose from the three-course $42 Winter Restaurant Week menu (cleverly described as Acts I, II and III). The salmon tartar, cauliflower cassoulet & gala apple crumble with vanilla ice cream and caramel were all excellent. Restaurant Week runs through February 9th and The Library is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
Whitney as channeled by Kevin!
Our satisfying meal was the perfect preamble to Kevin’s dazzling show. From the moment the lights go down and he enters the room wearing angel wings and declaring, “Whitney is in the building!” you are transported to another time. A time when Whitney was deservedly the queen of pop.
After opening with a rousing rendition of “Joy To The World” (from the movie, The Preacher’s Wife), Kevin dons a patriotic track suit as he belts out “One Moment in Time,” Whitney’s majestic anthem for the 1988 Summer Olympics. Then, slipping into a sparkly one-piece jumpsuit, he raises the roof with classic hits like “Saving All My Love For You,” “I Have Nothing,” “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” and “Exhale (Shoop, Shoop).”
Kevin rocked this one-piece Whitney-esque jumpsuit
That Kevin not only loved the late, great Miss Houston but has studied her most memorable performances is apparent throughout his 90-minute set. He infuses his soulful singing with Whitney’s distinctive mannerisms and on-stage banter telling her story. Having had the great good fortune of seeing Whitney at the height of her career in 1993, I can honestly say that Kevin becomes the very essence of her during the show. With his powerful pipes and glamorous fits-like-a-glove costume changes—and brilliant support from Musical Director Drew Wutke– Kevin transcends impersonation and makes you forget you’re not actually watching Whitney.
Some of the night’s best numbers are when Kevin is paired with backup singers playing key people in Whitney’s life (including mother Cissy and brother Gary). One showstopping duet—“When You Believe,” as performed by Whitney and Mariah Carey at the 1999 Grammys. The gal portraying Mariah nailed the diva’s vocal trills and melodramatic gestures.
Encore, Encore! The grand finale (photo credit: Neal Bennington).
The evening ended with “I Will Always Love You” and an encore of “I’m Every Woman.” Kevin pulled out all the stops for both songs, garnering a well-deserved standing ovation.
Afterward, Lori and I had the pleasure of congratulating Kevin and Drew. They both spoke of how Classic Whitney: Alive! was created with love to be a joyful celebration of the beautiful music and memories she gave us.
Mission accomplished.
For more info about Kevin’s upcoming shows, visit his website. Future Whitney dates are in the works!
Jan 1
The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
When it comes to the holiday season, there’s no place quite as magical as NYC. For many years though, I’ve dreaded the period between Thanksgiving and New Years– a time when I always feel the loss of my beloved parents more acutely. Now, at long last, I am finally appreciating what I have and trying not to dwell on what I don’t.
With a more festive perspective in mind, I happily invited my beloved cousin Alexandra to experience an annual Pierre Hotel tradition and first for me- the tree lighting in Two E lounge.
Alexandra and me in Two E
The festive event featured live music from Grammy-winning sax player Frank Catalano, and festive cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. As always, Alex and I talked the night away, catching up on work, life and plans for 2018. Like the city that surrounds it, The Pierre is a winter wonderland, with colorful holiday decor throughout the lobby and public areas.
Decorating my own abode was lot more fun than its been in awhile–especially now that my home is finally a reflection of me instead of the past.
Continuing the interfaith traditions I experienced as a child, I have both a Christmas tree and a menorah. I thought of my Dad with every candle I lit during Hanukkah. And how fortunate I was and am to have grown up with two parents who exemplified the beauty of honoring both religions, teaching me that what matters ultimately is having and honoring faith–not which house you worship in. I think of that powerful, healing lesson a lot in these divisive times and how much better the world would be if there was more of such mutual respect for spirituality.
All smiles and hugs with my Mount Holyoke dear friends Ahu (middle) and Sara
One of my favorite traditions growing up was our annual holiday party, a large gathering of family and close friends. With Dad’s birthday in mid-December and Hanukkah often bumping up against Christmas, there was always plenty to celebrate. Since 2008, every year except one, I have hosted an intimate soiree at my place. After skipping it last year because of my depression, I felt doubly blessed to have an evening with some of my dearest friends and family.
It was a perfect night from start to finish. There was yummy Italian food (from a fabulous neighborhood caterer), decadent drinks (wine, rum-infused eggnog and vodka shots) and decadent desserts (I made my late Grandpa’s vanilla pudding and first ever cinnamon-sugar monkey bread). And lots of laughter, affection and, of course, love for Benji.
This was Benji’s first big event at home since I adopted him in July. Like everything else, he handled it with charm and grace–happily seeking out belly rubs and parking himself near all the action. Several friends brought gifts for my little guy, who has become one of the best dressed pups on the Upper East Side!
Benji and I with the glow of my tree and menorah
The holiday festivities continued in Delaware, with a visit to my brother and sister in law Ray and Barb. We enjoyed an intimate Christmas full of reminiscing and watching our dogs hit it off with each other.
Friday, after a delightful lunch in Midtown with my dear cousin Carla, I walked over to Rockefeller Center to see the tree. Despite the bitterly cold temperatures, I felt a warmth envelop me as I thought about how far I’ve come since last Christmas.
Rockefeller Center selfie!
A year ago, I felt joyless and unable to appreciate anything about the holidays, wishing them away like I have so often since my parents died. Now, thanks to feeling whole again and my sweet Benji, I treasured every part of this season.
Even for a writer like me, it’s difficult to put into words the gratitude I feel for the new beginning that God has given me. 2017 will always be the year that I found my way back to the light–and to a new chapter as a dog mom. I can’t wait to see what 2018 brings.
Happy New Year all!
Oct 28
Bringing Broadway To The Pierre
The transporting power of live theater is something I’ve been fortunate to experience many times—going back to my childhood days of seeing Broadway musicals with my late, beloved parents. I’ve always felt that theater not only takes you out of your world while immersing you in another, it is a reminder of our shared humanity and common experiences—something that’s never felt more important or comforting given these turbulent times.
When I joined The Pierre six months ago, I had a vision of bringing the magic of Broadway to this iconic five-star hotel. That vision recently came true—and it was even more exciting than I imagined.
My first experience of working with the theater community happened at Starwood Hotels. I loved every minute of it, impressed by those in front of and behind the scenes. Unlike other entertainment fields, the theater world is primarily populated with down to earth, accommodating people who make collaborating a true pleasure. There is no greater example of this than the team over at WICKED.
Me and Marissa, a member of WICKED’s marketing dream team
Having partnered with the acclaimed musical on an activation a few years ago at the Westin Times Square, I thought of it immediately for The Pierre. When I reached out via email, the show’s gracious company manager got right back to me even though she was on vacation. And so began our second partnership, with several fun elements including a costume display, show-themed cocktails and the WICKED Witch Hat Trick– a theatrical dessert dreamed up by our award-winning Executive Pastry Chef Michael Mignano, complete with smoke from dry ice and a melting chocolate hat.
The WICKED Witch Hat Trick: Available at Perrine on Halloween!
Of course, the main event of this great collaboration was a cabaret-style performance in The Pierre’s swanky Two E Lounge. Reuniting for the occasion–WICKED alums Jenny DiNoia (Elphaba) and Hayley Podschun (Glinda), who became best friends while performing in the show’s national tour.
Hayley Podschun (left) and Jenny DiNoia brought the house down at The Pierre’s Two E Lounge
Their 60-minute set was incredible from start to finish. In addition to singing beloved songs from the show including Popular and Defying Gravity, Hayley and Jenny shared stories of life on the road and delivered pitch perfect renditions of several pop hits. The highlight for me came when they sang the epic ballad For Good. They became visibly emotional and, as I have both times I’ve seen WICKED, I found myself getting tearful as well. The song always hits me at my core and this time was no exception.
As I listened to the words, I couldn’t help thinking about the song’s message–that the impact people have on our lives can be a lasting one even if their presence is not. I thought of friendships past, family members who have passed and long ago loves. And, of course, the many amazing people who fill my life today. How profoundly blessed I have been by all of them.
Encore, encore: All smiles with (from left) Hayley, Jenny and Musical Director/Pianist Benjamin Rauhala
After the show, I had the pleasure of chatting with Hayley and Jenny, both as beautiful and gracious as they are talented. I got a little emotional as I thanked them for turning my vision into a reality and they gave me a big hug.
We already have three more musicals confirmed for The Pierre series. Sometimes, just like Dorothy sang in The Wizard of Oz, the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.
