By Maryann Lopinto***On June 23, 2023, Tony-winning lyricist and Broadway legend, Sheldon Harnick passed away a few weeks after his 99th birthday. A memorial was held on November 9 at the Music Box Theatre (fittingly built by Irving Berlin). Opening the proceedings was by Danny Burstein with words of praise and tribute. Others who spoke were daughter Beth Harnick Dorn, collaborator Sherman Yellen, scenic designer David Rockwell, music historian Deborah Grace Winer and music director Rob Fisher. Karen Ziemba read a message from Chita Rivera.
Performances included “When Did I Fall in Love,” by Elena Shaddow; “Now I Have Everything,” by Jason Danieley; “The Shape of Things,” by Jenn Gambatese; “In My Own Lifetime,” by Robet Cuccioli; “Peppercorn,” by Alan Schmuckler; “Far From the Home I Love,” by Alexandra Silber; “A Butcher’s Soul,” by Nancy Opel; “Gorgeous,” by Karen Ziemba; “Do You Love Me?,” by Danny Burstein and Jessica Hecht; and “Vanilla Ice Cream,” by Judy Kuhn. John Kander spoke and then going to the piano sang an early music and lyrics tune by Harnick, 1955’s “Merry Minuet.” Harvey Fierstein, who’d spoken earlier, led the cast in the closing number, “L’Chaim.”
