Joan Hamburg of WOR 710 am Radio is one of my favorite radio hosts. Periodically, Ms. Hamburg tapes her show before a live audience at either Sardi’s or 21 Club in Manhattan. I finally had the chance to attend a recording on February 2, 2011 at Sardi’s. The ice storm that had closed schools in the New York metropolitan area did not deter. Ever intrepid, I slid my car down my driveway and made it to the train station. We were tush to tummy on the train, but I made it to Sardi’s with time to spare.
My efforts were rewarded. I enjoyed watching Ms. Hamburg interview Donatella Arpaia, Isaac Mizrahi, Brooke Shields and Harvey Fierstein in person. I don’t know if a theme was intended, but all of the guests had in common ambition, creativity and the ability to take chances. Family and education were also formative influences on these accomplished talents.
Donatella Arpaia is a firebrand of youthful energy. This remarkable young woman has become a formidable restaurateur, television personality and cookbook author. Raised in a restaurant family, Ms. Arpaia recounted that her father had to go to work as a waiter even on his own wedding day. Ms. Arpaia became an attorney by the time she was 22, and her father was chagrined when she announced her desire to enter the restaurant business. Ms Arapaia is an elegant woman who persevered even after losing substantial amounts of money in a venture. Every experience, she said, is a lesson.
Delightful, darling and genuine. That is what I think of Isaac Mizrahi. Mr. Mizrahi’s father manufactured childrens’ wear. When young Isaac started to experiment with sewing, his father gave him a machine and taught his son the craft. By the age of 15, Mr. Mizrahi already had a line of clothing being sold commercially. Though he always knew what he wanted to do, he is at a crossroads. He loves selling on QVC. His innovative web venture, watchisaac.com, is an on-line community devoted to fashion is a must join.
Beautiful, brilliant Brooke Shields breezed in wearing a pretty magenta chiffon dress and the highest of heels to cheer up the audience on this stormy day. Brooke told the audience how much she values her education and that going to college was a risky choice in the entertainment business. Now, she is taking a chance doing something new; a solo cabaret show at Feinstein’s at the Loew’s Regency.
Harvey Fierstein was the last guest. I have long held that life sometimes leads in unexpected directions and that it is best to follow the current. Fierstein was pursuing a painting degree at Pratt Institute when he auditioned for an Andy Warhol play. He found himself acting. Then, someone suggested that he try writing. Because he is dyslexic, writing never occurred to him. But he took a chance and the result was Torch Song Trilogy and, subsequently, the book for the musical version of La Cage au Folles, garnering numerous awards for his efforts. He is returning to Broadway in a new production as Albin in a few weeks.
Obviously, being present at the taping was quite different than listening to the show on the radio. It was fun to be part of the action, watching producer Natalie busily managing guests, the audience and recording equipment to make sure all was as smooth as silk. But I enjoy the listening experience, too. Joan Hamburg is a remarkable personality. Listening to Joan Hamburg on the radio, one gets the impression that she is friendly and open. An in-person meeting was no different. She is genuine and truly values the relationships she develops with her guests and her audience. Warm, welcoming and sincere, Ms. Hamburg is a unique gem. Braving the elements was worthwhile.
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