Now I can share a tale that has been heavy on my heart for several weeks. There are a small number of people who have, over the years, been a tremendous support to me, someone to share my innermost feelings with. Everyone needs a few friends like this, and I have been blessed with several. One of them is a Cynthia Crane. And each year Cynthia holds a fabulous post-holiday party at her lovely brownstone in Greenwich Village, and last night was the final one, at least at this space. The house is being put up for sale - not by choice but by necessity.
Almost exactly a month ago I got an e-mail from Cynthia that she and husband Ted Story were among those bilked by the infamous Bernie Madoff (pronounced "made off" as in "made off with the money"). For over 30 years, Mr. Madoff treated them like family - apparently he was a charming, friendly swindler. It is impossible to imagine what this must be like, and for weeks my love and prayers went out to this beloved couple. Her home was always open to all - many MAC committee meeting were held there when she was part of the MAC Board, her piano room was used by several as a rehearsal space over the years. And the annual party was a "must see and be seen" event for people in both cabaret and theater. I am not a "party person" and this was probably the only event of this type that I never missed.
Last night's event can be best be called "bittersweet" - festive with an undercurrent of sadness. The party started at noon and ended at midnight, and while I was only there for an hour or so, I was told that people kept arriving all day - one could hardly move in the main living room, center-pieced by a huge, decorated Christmas tree as well as an effigy of Mr. Madoff hanging alongside the staircase.
Our thoughts and prayers - along with the thoughts and prayers of the cabaret community - continue to go out on behalf of Cynthia & Ted as they leave the only home they have known since their marriage, and begin the task of "starting over." Mr. Madoff, meantime, after ruining the lives, hopes and dreams of so many, has continued to live in his luxurious seven-million dollar penthouse apartment, along with wife, servants and staff - a condition that one hopes will change today when he appears in court to answer to an attempt to dispose of several millions on dollars worth of jewelry and watches last week to family and friends, in defiance of court orders.
