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Bret Primack's avatar

I remember when I arrived in Manhattan, in 1968, there was still evidence of the Yiddish Theatre on 2nd Avenue -- a number of the theaters were still standing. What eventually became the Fillmore East was originally built as a Yiddish Theater and as late as 1964, ads described a show that ran on weekends as “a musical revue with American and Yiddish stars and revivals of Yiddish film classics."

When I was studying at NYU Film School, I began to look at American films a lot more closely, and was struck by the acting of John Garfield, Luther Adler, Paul Muni, Edward G. Robinson, Herschel Bernardi and Zero Mostel. They all came from the Yiddish theatre and several worked in the Group Theatre, as well.

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Richard Dubin's avatar

If that stretch of 2nd Avenue could talk we'd be in lots of trouble. Ratner's!

I saw a couple of shows in Yiddish, garnished with sprigs of English.

Still remember a bit.

A guy takes a phone call that goes on forever without a word from him. His wife stands near, increasingly flummoxed, her "what's going on" gestures growing larger and more impatient. When he finally hangs up she says, 'So?" He says, 'wrong number.'

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Connie Kaplan's avatar

Watched the video on The Group. Fabulous. Thanks for the link. Except for unfortunately being born 30 years too late, you could have been there!!!

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Richard Dubin's avatar

Most unfortunate...a thought I've often entertained :)

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Connie Kaplan's avatar

Oh my dear Richard. I wonder if I was ever successful in letting you know how much I adore you! I do. I would love to have a lazy afternoon lolling around, drinking tea or some adult beverage, jabbering with you about life. Thank you so much for this substack, and the others you've posted. You're brilliant, you're kind, you're radiant, and your gift to humanity is bigger than you can possibly know. BE-ing human is your greatest talent.

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Richard Dubin's avatar

Dearest Connie!

I've definitely felt your love. So appreciated as are your loving and generous words here.

A lolling event is in order. We need to crack a plot. Love to Vic. xo

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Sharon's avatar

Masterful! I plan to reread this. A lot of stuff to remember, relearn, or just learn. What a remarkable life you are having. I've missed your voice.

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Richard Dubin's avatar

Thank you, Sharon. The most remarkable part of my life is how often I'm hungry.

Miss seeing you. Let's fix that. Whaddaya say?

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Sharon's avatar

I'd love it, but we've moved to Yachupettsville 😊!

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Richard Dubin's avatar

Where is Yachupettsvile? Sounds perfect

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Sharon's avatar

Oy! Murrieta, California. Wine country, horse country, hot air balloons. Rolling hills. A few complaints, not worth airing here. 😊 Alan can no longer travel, and with the pandemic we were perfectly happy to nest here. As the news about infection rates go up and down, we still live cautiously. But (knock on wood) except for one major event (Alan, mostly recovered) we've been healthy. I'd love to hear from you.🎉💕

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Richard Dubin's avatar

Let's plan a phone chat. Please shoot me an email with your detes.

Best to Alan. TTYS

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Sharon's avatar

Sounds good! Our home phone is 951-397-3693. Hopefully next week will be easier. (Our son is in the middle of a divorce.)

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Richard Dubin's avatar

Got it. TTYS

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