If you’ve not yet heard of Corso Zundert, it’s a legendary parade of giant floats, adorned with thousands of dahlia flowers, that make their way through the streets of Zundert, Netherlands. This year, the theme was to celebrate the life and work of Vincent van Gogh who was born in the same town 162 years ago.
Recently, the trustees of Bowling Green University voted to remove the name of Lillian Gish from the school’s Lillian Gish Film Center because she acted in the racist “Birth of a Nation.” Joseph McBride, a Gish expert, has responded.
Yesterday was the birthday of my old pal Danny Burstein, so Playbill decided to go through his performances over the years. Later this month, he begins previews in “Moulin Rouge!” I’m hoping this will yield him the Tony he so richly deserves.
Movies: “Men in Black: International” looks like a retread and so does the new “Shaft.” Best bet is “Late Night,” with Emma Thompson and Mindy Kaling. TV/Streaming: Catch up with the new season of “Pose” on FX…This Sunday on PBS brings a new season of my favorite TV drama: “Endeavour.” Music: I love how Julie London always sounds slightly drunk in most of her recordings…The media are going on — and on and on — about Bob Dylan in the ’70s again. Books: My friend Rich Cohen is a terrific nonfiction writer, and his latest is “The Last Pirate of New York.” Sports: I’m happily watching the women’s World Cup, even though the talent-rich USA team has quickly established itself as The One The World Loves To Hate. Finally: “I like New York in June — how about you?”
Sylvia Miles died yesterday. I knew her a bit over the years — she would accost me at parties and ask me to get her a drink. She was frugal — she used to go into NYC restaurants, eat a meal, complain there was a hair in the main course, and ask to be comped — and she was blowsy. But she was a reminder of the days when New York was full of unique individuals — “characters,” we used to call them. Those days are long gone — “characters” can’t afford to live in the city anymore. It’s a pity.
NY Post: ‘The de Blasio administration tagged the iconic Strand Bookstore’s building with a dreaded landmark designation Tuesday — a move the owner says was a concession to locals so the mayor can build a tech hub in the area. The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted 8-0 to make the bookseller’s home at 828 Broadway a landmark — triggering onerous maintenance requirements that could send the 92-year-old shop’s ledgers into the red, according to owner Nancy Bass-Wyden (pictured). “The thing that started it was Mayor Bill de Blasio,” she told The Post. “We just don’t want any more expenses. We don’t need it. It’s a brutal retail environment, and now we’re under siege.”’
