If you looked up the word “mensch” in a Yiddish dictionary, this man’s face should appear. The word literally translates to a “person of high integrity, honor, dignity and deep responsibility.” Add to this definition extreme kindness, immense talent, an incomparable sense of humor and an unlimited capacity to love and that would pretty much sum him up to me—and I have known him for four decades.
He has always been in my corner along with thousands of others in our community. In my book, So You Want to Sing Cabaret, we refer to him as “The Mayor of NY Cabaret” and he is! He not only sets the bar on how to take a stage, his entire being sets a bar on how people should support and treat each other. He has been a mentor, friend, supporter and, a few times, a therapist to me, and I am forever grateful. I would not have my career if it were not for this man and I know many of you feel exactly the same way.
I even got him to do a little bit of the famous “Sidney Speech” in this interview.
As my dear friend Meg Flather always introduces him: “SIDNEY MYER, SIDNEY MYER, SIDNEY MYER!” Here in New York though…we can just say SIDNEY and everyone would know who you mean because he is a New York City legendary treasure…he is our Sidney…
Co-Producer and friend, Michael Lee Stever, smartly turned the camera back on for the “after chat,” as Sidney and I continued to talk, capturing another five minutes of precious time together, with pearls of wisdom from this man. Enjoy!
Click here for Sidney’s Don’t Tell Mama’s promo sizzle reel; and here for his signature tune “It’s So Nice to have a Man Around the House”
I want to thank my co-producer and videographer Michael Lee Stever for his help on this project.
