The Gossip Column: November 15, 2024

Shocking news that the OJAI CITY COUNCIL in California voted 4-1 to adopt first-in-the-nation breeding restrictions on certain breeds with “congenital anatomical features” that are likely to cause the animal pain, deformity, difficulty expressing natural behaviors or difficulty breathing with physical exertion or exercise. The law provides no exceptions. The city council also revised its mandatory spay/neuter law to eliminate the exceptions for dogs that compete in AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB events and dogs that are owned by AKC BREEDERS OF MERIT. These new laws have serious consequences for our community. It won’t be long before these cities and communities will ban dog shows because these barred breeds are still able to compete in those communities. As the AKC board and staff approve more and more dog shows, maybe their attention should be directed outward to the general public, which has been greatly influenced by the successful and concerted lobbying of animal-rights groups and shelter-dog enthusiasts. ...

The upcoming KENNEL CLUB OF PHILADELPHIA won’t be the same this year with the absence of HARRY BOOKER. HARRY, one of the most generous and kindest members of our purebred dog family, is in the hospital recuperating from a heart attack. HARRY has had some major health issues over the past few years and has handled them with his usual upbeat, positive attitude toward life. I know I join his legion of friends in wishing him a speedy recovery and hoping that he is back home soon. ...

In keeping with our running suggestions for attending the theater during WESTMINSTER WEEK, theater buffs who regularly attend will be familiar with FORBIDDEN BROADWAY. This parody-based review of Broadway shows began in 1980, when writer and creator GERARD ALESSANDRINI, then a struggling actor, rewrote the song lyrics of successful Broadway shows with hysterical results. He updates the show, rewriting lyrics from present shows with a cast of very talented performers. His unique take isn't limited to these blockbuster shows; his famous rewrite CHITA/RITA, set to the music of WEST SIDE STORY’S AMERICA, parodied how actors CHITA RIVERA and RITA MORENO got taken for one another, with CHITA originating the role on Broadway and RITA getting cast in the film, which resulted in an Oscar win. It was a well-known rivalry. It’s a great show with clever and witty lyrics that would be lost on many unfamiliar with the show or its stars. FORBIDDEN BROADWAY is currently playing at Theater 555 on West 42nd Street. ...

Celebrating Birthdays … TONI SOSNOFF, KAKI FISHER, SCOTT KIPP, FRED ASKIN, MICHAEL FAULKNER, GAY DUNLAP, MICHAEL CANALIZO, GLENN LYCAN, TIM KERNAN, CURTISS SMITH, PAT KEEN FERNANDES and RAY HARRINGTON.