Kicking off the New Year are comediennes Julie Gold and Xanadu's Jackie Hoffman in "Jews and the American Punchline" Jan. 6 at 8 PM. The discussion, moderated by Thane Rosenbaum, explores the ways Jewish themes and obsessions continue to make America laugh.
Two-time Academy Award winner Jessica Lange will be part of the Jan. 9 "Reel Pieces" program. Annette Insdorf presents the latest in the series with a 7:15 PM preview of Lang's film "Bonneville."
"It's Magic: The Lyrics of Sammy Cahn" runs Jan. 12-14, 2008, under the artistic direction of Ted Sperling as part of the Lyrics and Lyricists series. The concerts will feature Laura Marie Duncan, Julian Fleisher, Capathia Jenkins, Karen Morrow and Clarke Thorell. Musical direction is by Jeffrey Klitz.
Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara speak about their enduring relationship and careers with Scott Blakeman on Jan. 15 at 8 PM. Kathleen Turner will discuss her life and her memoir, "Send Yourself Roses: Thoughts on My Life, Love, and Leading Roles," with Gloria Feldt on Feb. 14 at 8:15 PM.
Tony Award winner Jim Dale takes part in the Poetry Center's new children's reading series Feb. 16 at 1 PM, while Feb. 20 features Grammy winner and Cape Man composer Paul Simon at 8 PM. The late Tony-winning lyricist Fred Ebb will be saluted in "Life is a Cabaret" Feb. 23-25, in an evening led by Rob Fisher exploring Ebb's legacy to the American musical. Concluding the February calendar will be award winning hip-hop innovator Mos Def Feb. 28 at 8 PM.
Looking ahead to March, Broadway actor, playwright and comedian Robert Klein will join Eddy Friedfeld and Richard Zoglin to look back at stand-up comedy from the 1970's on (March 20 at 8 PM).
"I've Got Your Number: Romance, the Rat Pack and Carolyn Leigh" is the slated event for Mar. 29-31. Performing the songs of the late Broadway lyricist will be James Naughton, Karen Ziemba and Debby Boone.
Choreographer Doug Varone (Triumph of Love) joins Deborah Jowitt to discuss his life and work on April 6 at 7 PM.
On April 4 at 8 PM Carol Woods lends her vocals to "Dick & Derek's Piano Party," while April 8 features a discussion of the life and legacy of Yiddish theatre playwright Jacob Gordin and the golden age of the Yiddish theatre at 8 PM.
Alan Alda will share his love of classical music, as part of Chamber Music at the Y from April 29-30 at 8 PM. On May 3-5 the 92nd Street Y presents "The 1959 Broadway Songbook" featuring songs from Gypsy, The Sound of Music, Fiorello, West Side Story, The Music Man and My Fair Lady. Performers include Donna McKechnie, Klea Blackhurst, David Burnham, Melissa Errico and Jeff Harnar with musical direction by Alex Rybeck.
Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner salutes children's author Maurice Sendak ("Where the Wild Things Are" "Brundibar" ) on May 12 at 8 PM. June kicks off with Andrea Marcovicci and Shelly Markham presenting "Did the American Songbook Really End in 1965?" June 1-2.
The 92nd Street Y is located at 1395 Lexington Avenue. For more information visit www.92Y.org.
