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As you read this, I will be on my way toward having Elite status on Continental Airlines. One needs 25,000 miles to be Elite status which means boarding earlier and getting delicious upgrades, etc. The first in the family to become Elite was Juli (!) because she flew to Texas on every school vacation this year. Then, after James and I went to L.A. for the Make-A-Wish benefit, he became Elite. The only clunker in the family not to have it was me. Last week I mentioned to James that I was just 1,500 miles away from joining and he panicked and informed me that all the miles disappear on December 31st! After that, I'd have to start again from zero. So, I decided to go on a plane trip. Not a trip, people, a plane trip. That's right, I'm flying all the way down to Orlando and then two hours later, flying back up again. So, I get to do the long trip to Newark airport, the wait on the security line, the cramped economy seats and then, not have the vacation. It's essentially all the fun of going to an open call without actually auditioning.

Listen to Seth's Podcast: Holiday Cheer

Speaking of fun, this week I went to two parties! On Christmas day, James and I went down to the village to the very New Yorky apartment of Charles Busch. James and I started chatting with Jim Piazza, a playwright who worked a lot with Jimmy Kirkwood (co-author of A Chorus Line and more). Jim Piazza actually traveled all over the country with the notorious Legends and gave us some delish dish which, unfortunately, I can't print. If you don't know, Legends was a play written for two aging divas who are reunited and spend the show being bitchy and having cat fights. It was slated to come to Broadway but never did. Jimmy Kirkwood wrote a book called "Diary of a Mad Playwright," which is all about the ups and downs (mostly downs) on the road traveling with the two stars of the show, Mary Martin and Carol Channing. Jim Piazza said that Carol Channing was a great lady and kind enough to come to Jimmy's memorial but when she was there, she informed him that she "wouldn't read the book." Piazza was with Jimmy Kirkwood on the night that A Chorus Line became the longest running musical. There was a special performance of the show and afterwards Joe Papp came onstage and spoke. He told the creative team beforehand that he wouldn't mention anyone by name except Michael Bennett. Well, in the moment, Joe wound up mentioning some other people and not Jimmy Kirkwood. At the after-party, everyone was drinking and Kirkwood told Piazza he was going to tell off Joe Papp. Piazza tried to dissuade him but Kirkwood stormed up to Papp and said he had a lot of nerve not mentioning him. Joe Papp then said, "I made you tons of money, you have no right to complain." Then, Kirkwood took a swing at him! They both got into it and had to be pulled off each other and right afterwards, Piazza noticed a paparazzo standing nearby. Both he and Kirkwood approached him and Piazza tentatively asked if he saw what just happened. Turns out, he didn't. Kirkwood then said, "I'd be willing to re-stage it right now if you'd like." Seriously! Ever the showman.

James and I had to head out to Connecticut by 7 so we went upstairs to say goodbye to Charles. He was in his kitchen with his partner Eric Myers (who is also my fabulous book agent) and across from them was Joan Rivers. Since we had to catch a train, I popped my head in and told them we're leaving. Joan immediately said, "That's right. Interrupt right in the middle of a riveting story." Busted!!! I hate when that happens to me and I can't believe I did it to one of my comedy idols. I also can't believe she called me on it. What happened to the Christmas spirit? Is it voided because we're both Jews? P.S., my favorite Joan Rivers joke from yesteryear is: "I don't do drugs. Don't do drugs. But every once in a while…if I'm in the mood…I put a little Fresca on a panty shield….perks me right up." Continued...