“Relevant Octogenarians” Dazzle at 92nd Street Y, NYC

“Relevant Octogenarians, Stars of the Entertainment World,” a panel discussion at the 92nd Street Y proved to be a fascinating, funny and informative event.

Joel Grey, a quintessential performer (a Tony and Academy Award winner), and Barbara Cook, a Kennedy Center honoree and a great performer for over 50 years, were the panel’s “out front” stars.

Equally fascinating and great, “behind the scenes” giants: Sheldon Harnick, a lyricist on many Broadway hits including “Fiddler on the Roof;” and screenwriter, playwright and lyricist Sherman Yellen rounded out the panel. The moderator was Leonard Lopate of WNYC Radio.

Each octogenarian, all of whom look many years younger, talked of looking forward to each day and the mystery of what will be.

Certainly all four people are highly successful and that does help. However, each spoke of going forward and enduring as a way to deal with the vicissitudes of life. It was really inspiring.

Oh the stories, history and accomplishments of Joel Grey, Barbara Cook, Sherman Yellen and Sheldon Harnick. Grey wants to direct, Cook has a CD out called “Loverman” while Yellen working “inward” plans more work about Josephine Baker. He also talked of understanding his father as the years have passed. His insights certainly resonated with me.

Harnick,who joked he regrets smoking and will really regret it when he is 115 years old also keeps going as a lyricist and producer. Evoking a great Harnick work, if we take the four stars’ advice and live each day fully, we truly will be and not have to say “If I were a Rich Man”/Woman because we will be.

http://new.livestream.com/92Y/RelevantOctogenarians

Joel Grey