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Living Landmarks Gala

Nov 192013

Brooke Shields

Last week I attended the annual New York Landmarks Conservancy’s Living Landmarks Gala. I’m humbled to be a part of this truly prestigious list, which includes public figures, entertainers, writers, politicians, and activists (all New Yorkers!) who’ve changed the shape of music, dance, literature, food, television news, movies, criticism, public service…the list goes on and on. I was named (along with Michael Christensen) a Living Landmark in 1997.

Some other notable Living Landmarks are Lauren Bacall, Norman Mailer, Walter Cronkite, Tommy Tune, Charlie Rose, A.E. Hochner, Gloria Steinem, Ed Koch, Mario Cuomo, and many more.

Joel Grey as Master of Ceremonies in Cabaret

The evening, hosted by Living Landmark Liz Smith, honored 6 new Living Landmarks including Brooke Shields (who was introduced by her very funny husband, Chris Henchy, a Producer and Screenwriter) and Joel Grey (who was introduced by Chita Rivera).

Also honored were Mary Wells Lawrence (creator of the original “I Love New York” ad campaign), William Vanden Heuvel (former US Ambassador and current chairman of the Roosevelt Island Memorial), Ann L. Buttenwieser (a wonderful NYC parks activist), and Robert I. Grossman, MD (who presided over NYU Langone Hospital’s amazing emergency evacuation during Hurricane Sandy). A highlight of the evening was Joel Grey singing “Willkommen” from “Cabaret”, the song he made famous.

A photo of me with my gorgeous date Shelley

Seated at my table was Thomas Schutte (the President of Pratt Institute, from which I have an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Fine Arts) and of course Shelley Doctors, my gorgeous date for the evening. We had a blast eating, schmoozing, and dancing. As some of you may know, I look pretty cute in a tux.

Rob Torres: Clown and Funny Man

Nov 122013

As many of you know, I love good clowns and the Big Apple Circus has always presented the best in the world. Amongst those is the funny man now performing in the Big Apple Circus ring – Rob Torres. He has that special something “x”, that “je ne sais quoi”, which, to a fun-seeking audience, is always just right. He is always present in the ring, always right there. If anything changes, he immediately adapts. And he makes us laugh out loud – repeatedly! If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, a seat at this season’s Big Apple Circus is worth every penny. I’ll be there this Saturday, November 16 at 5:00pm, for the Holiday Season Family Benefit. Tickets for that special performance are available here.

Rob Torres, Big Apple Circus clown (photo: Jim Moore)

Last Night’s Tribute to Michael

Oct 302013

Last night I had the honor of making a tribute to Michael Christensen at the annual Big Apple Circus Gala. Here’s what I said in the ring:

Good evening. I’m Paul Binder, founder of the Big Apple Circus, and I’m here to pay tribute to Michael Christensen. Now many of you think that we, he and I, were the only two founders of the Big Apple Circus. Actually, there were three of us.

This wonderful organization had humble beginnings. Michael created a juggling act that included me. So we packed our bag and took it on the road… literally. We became street artists, traveling across two continents from San Francisco to Istanbul. In that bag were balls, clubs, hats, some stupid shoes and Leonard the Rubber Chicken.

Michael, Leonard the Rubber Chicken, and Paul

Yes, Leonard was a full and equal partner.

Leonard also wrote some rubber checks, ‘til we learned how to juggle the books. But I digress…

Working on the streets of the world often led to encountering the local constabulary wherever we traveled. Fast forward – we finally made it to the BIG Time, the BIG Apple, and we set up our first BIG Top – hmm, am I sensing a pattern here? – on the landfill that eventually became Battery Park City. There we had the opportunity to meet New York’s Finest…Bill De Blasio, are you listening?

Early in that first run, after a glowing review in the New York Post that included a reference to the “Chicken Jugglers” Paul and Michael, I was out front near the box office when a New York City Police Car came rolling up. On it was emblazoned Humane Law Enforcement Division.

‘Hmm,’ I thought to myself. ‘There’s an entire division devoted to enforcing the law humanely? Are these the guys who put their hand on the top of the perp’s head so he or she won’t bonk it on their way into the backseat of the cop car?’

“What can I do for you officer?”

New York Post in hand, he demanded to see the “Chicken Jugglers” Michael and Paul.

“I’m Paul. Michael’s around back. What’s this all about?”

“Bring us to him,” was his answer.

So I walked around to the back of the tent, where Michael was enjoying the sunshine. His eyes grew very wide as I fingered him, pointing. “That’s Michael.”

“Okay, let’s see the chickens.”

“There’s only one,” said Michael.

“Okay. Let’s have a look.”

Michael opened the suitcase with all our equipment in it. There lay Leonard on top, his eyes closed, as was his custom.

“That’s it? That’s the chicken?”

“Yup,” said Michael. “I’ll give him to you.”

“NAH, let him sleep, he looks exhausted.”

So here’s to our sleeping partner, Leonard. And here’s to you, Michael, humane partner, colleague, mentor, and friend.

Parallel Exit’s “An Intimate Evening with Paul Binder”

Oct 152013

Parallel Exit

Last night I had the enormous pleasure of being the guest of honor at “An Intimate Evening with Paul Binder” at the home of a Parallel Exit board member. Parallel Exit is a Drama Desk Award-nominated physical theater company in the great tradition of Chaplin, Keaton and Harold Lloyd. Last night’s event, a fundraiser for the company, was hosted by company Artistic Director Mark Lonergan. I told some colorful stories from my memoir Never Quote the Weather to a Sea Lion (and other uncommon tales from the founder of the Big Apple Circus) and stuck around for a long Q&A moderated by Lonergan that could have gone on well into the night. It was truly a treat to speak with Parallel Exit fans and board members. Having an audience which included a group of physical comedians made it a gas. Was it fun for all? There’s an old vaudeville adage that I often strive to live by, and it’s certainly a part of the Parallel Exit mission, and that adage was in full effect last night: always leave ‘em laughing.

Circus of the Senses

Oct 082013

One of my greatest joys as a performer in the Big Apple Circus was being able to experience the audience’s reaction. Whether it’s seeing the excitement of a clown moment light up a child’s eyes, or hearing a great big roar of laughter from the crowd, I’ve always found immeasurable happiness in those moments. Around thirty years ago, after many years in the ring, it occurred to me that there were some folks whose visual and hearing impairments were preventing them from experiencing the enchantment of the circus. Along with our Founding Chairman, Alan Slifka, I decided to do something about it.

Circus of the Senses premiered in 1987. It serves hearing- and sight-impaired people. We set out to create a show that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can enjoy. American Sign Language interpreters are placed throughout the ring, in order to sign what some audience members can’t hear. We distribute large-print or Braille programs which describe the various acts in detail. We also have headsets for visually impaired audience members, where they listen to a play-by-play description of the acts in real time while hearing the music, announcements and ring sounds like hoof beats.

Paul Binder and Michael Christensen at Circus of the Senses

I am proud to say that I am always the one behind the mic, describing each of the acts in detail as they happen, with Michael Christensen as my co-narrator. The very first time we premiered Circus of the Senses I had the pleasure of partnering with the legendary sportscaster Marty Glickman, one of my childhood heros (and also the subject of a recent hour-long HBO Documentary). His uncanny voice was perfectly suited to the task, and it was an experience I’ll never forget.

After each performance, visually impaired kids get to come into the ring for a “touch session.” They speak to the performers as they touch costumes and animals and props. They even get to swing on trapezes.

After-show “touch session” with performers

I’m happy to report that I have never once missed a Circus of the Senses performance. This past Thursday, October 3, I went to Dulles, Virginia, where I narrated the performance with Bill Boots from our Clown Care Unit (substituting for Michael). I can honestly say that Circus of the Senses is probably the most gratifying aspect of my involvement with Big Apple Circus. To be told by a visually impaired kid that they “saw” the horses galloping around the ring, and to know that if even for just a few moments, they left behind the everyday world and just enjoyed the circus… for that, I feel incredibly grateful.

Back-to-school

Jan 152013

On September 27, I had the honor of being invited to do a presentation at Columbia Business School, my M.B.A. alma mater, sponsored by the Social Enterprise Club and the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs. It was an opportunity to talk about the role of creativity in business. In the presentation, I focused on a discussion of the founding of Big Apple Circus using a decision making process filled with rich and varied ideas pulled from various artistic and business traditions.

Imagine how thrilling it was to be leading a group in one of the very classrooms that I sat as a student! Retracing my journey to create the Big Apple Circus was the way I chose to approach useful lessons for a group of future M.B.A.s

The Big Apple Circus is a business whose product is the result of a creative process. Also, because creativity has been encouraged in our business, the decision making process is filled with rich and varied ideas that allow us to see the market place through a similar creative process.

From an entrepreneurial perspective, I opened the presentation for discussions on

• following one’s passion
• having a mission that includes a willingness to look beyond the bottom line.
• focusing employees on the big picture, on the “human side” of whatever business they are in.

The group’s questions were penetrating and lively. Columbia Business School students are smart and focused. What was most interesting is that they were extraordinarily curious about how they could bring creativity to the decision making process. Because of my experience of having run a management team that was focused on creative solutions, I found it thrilling and deeply satisfying that the students thought that such a discussion was vital.

The business lessons that emerged from the discussion were:

• how to manage diversity
• the importance of balance in supporting a team
• the role of team decision making, organizational productivity, and personal fulfillment as principles of enlightened management

AND, returning to the theme of creativity…how improvisation can play a useful a role in creative decision making.

A truly super day!

Barry’s Last Show

May 202012

During the Finale of the May 13 show in Boston, Michael Christensen and I walked into the ring.

Many in the full house crowd were aware of what was going on…the word had gone viral…but for the few who didn’t know, I started by saying “If you are not aware of why these people are on their feet cheering, this is Barry Lubin’s last performance as Grandma at the Big Apple Circus.”

It was an emotional tribute.

We stared by giving him a framed poster of his first season with us which came from the collection of our late founding Chairman, Alan Slifka, signed by his twin sister Barbara.

Michael, a fellow clown, spoke about how Grandma embodied the core values of the BAC: family, kindness, warmth and humor.

I paid personal tribute, saying how he’d been a great friend, somebody who always made me laugh, and the many good times we shared along the road, lifting my spirits if I was down and I spoke of the millions of people that he touched, whose lives he had brightened.

Barry was in tears, Michael was in tears, I was in tears.

Backstage was a celebration, all the cast and company members hugging and thanking him. More tears.

Barry, may your journey continue. We love you brother.

Ring of Fame

Jan 292012

John Ringling’s vast fortune was made as a real estate developer. He was the major force in creating the city of Sarasota, Florida, which was the location of the winter quarters of his circus. And, although it’s long since moved on, to this day Sarasota is known as “Circus City.”

Barry uncovers his plaque on the Ring of Fame

Drive west from downtown Sarasota across the bay on a bridge and along several miles of causeway and you’ll arrive at St. Armand’s Key. In the center of the Key, there is a very large traffic circle that forms a park, with expansively beautiful palm and bay trees inside its perimeter. It is there, each year, that several greats of the American Circus are inducted into the Ring of Fame. Brass plaques celebrating these celebrities are imbedded in concrete and encircle the park On January 15, this year’s inductees included Cecil B. DeMille, Joseph Bauer Senior, Hans Wynn and “Grandma,” Barry Lubin. I simply had to be there for Barry’s induction.

The temperature was a perfect 72 degrees as emcee Chuck Sidlow, himself a clown, opened the ceremonies. Bello Nock, his hair at full staff, welcomed the returning inductees from across several decades and put in a plug for his thoughts on future winners. Kenneth Feld accepted on behalf of the DeMille family.

Barry’s acceptance speech was filled with smiles and laughs and tears as he recalled his childhood (born in Ventnor N.J. next door to Atlantic City) his career (“Grandma is a tribute to my grandmothers and the old ladies I saw, daily, on the boardwalk.”) his family (“my two wonderful and patient daughters who had a clown for a father”) and his new life in Sweden with companion Ann Hageus (“in Sweden my radio sounds funny”).

I felt deeply touched when he recounted “Grandma’s” more than 30 years entertaining audiences at the Big Apple Circus. We were all honored for all of his dedication.

It was a glorious day.

A) Paul, Ann & Barry; B) Paul, Bello, Barry & Kenneth Feld from Ringling Bros. to the right; C) Paul and Barry with his Ring of Fame plaque.

For more photos of Barry Lubin and Paul Binder go to this PAGE

My mother loved a parade!

Dec 192011

My mother loved a parade! She specifically loved the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which has been a NYC institution since 1924.

In 1946, one month after my fourth birthday, my mother put a nickel in the subway turnstile, I walked under it and we traveled from our home in Brooklyn to Manhattan to see the parade — and to this day, I still remember my head swimming with excitement as we rode the subway to the parade route. By the time we arrived, the crowd was at least five deep and impossible for a four-year-old who fit under the turnstile to see what was happening. Undaunted, my Brooklyn mother had an inspiration and turned to the tallest man she could find in the crowd, a perfect stranger, and asked if her son could sit on his shoulders. What a wonderful man, I must have ridden on his shoulders for more than an hour that day. The parade was so exhilarating, for years, I could name — in order of appearance, every band and balloon character I saw that day.

Miracle on 34th Street - Paul on shoulders

Screen-grab from Miracle on 34th Street: Edmund Gwenn, a.k.a. Kris Kringle in beard and hat; Paul Binder, above.

Six months later, I went to the Loews 46th Street Theater in Brooklyn — the locals call it da Low eez — with my mother and my sister to see the movie Miracle On 34th Street, starring Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Edmund Gwenn, and a seven year old Natalie Wood. The movie had scarcely begun when my mother shot-up out of her seat, pointed at the screen and shouted, “Its Paul! That’s my boy Paul!”
And, sure enough, there I was, at the parade, on the shoulders of that wonderful stranger, preserved for the ages in film history.

The fella in the front is the star of the film Edmund Gwenn, Kris Kringle. The kid up above him, with the ear flaps? Me. Looking back, not realizing it then, show business, or more specifically, the business of people was my destiny.

2010 Thanksgiving Day Parade: with Michael Christensen & entering Times Square

2011 Thanksgiving Day Parade: Paul with some of the “Dream Big” cast. On the wagon, left to right, Jenny Vidbel, Jenna Robinson, and Muriel Bruggeman. The wagon is supplied by the Circus World Museum in Baraboo Wisconsin as an authentic Bandwagon, circa 1903, and drawn by 6 percheron horses form upstate NY.

Montreal Visit – Voyage à Montréal

Aug 312011

The little one is my Montreal granddaughter Marjane on the day she was born.

At the beginning of July, on a family visit to Montreal, I spent an extraordinary day at Ecole Nationale du Cirque, the TOHU and the headquarters of Cirque du Soleil.

My congenial host at the ENC (National Circus School) was Executive Director Marc Lalonde, who toured me through their extraordinary facility. The school was founded by Guy Caron in the Eighties and 11 years ago, with $22 million, mostly from the Quebec and Federal governments, the new building was completed.

It is an extraordinary facility, with three extra large and extra high instruction and practice studios and many smaller spaces. It has a restaurant, classrooms and study rooms (the courses of study include a normal high school curriculum). There is a dormitory for live-in students and a feeling of extraordinary professionalism and thoughtfulness. It was a lot of fun meeting the large number of American students all of whom knew the Big Apple Circus. Remember that this school draws from all around the world.
And thanks to Marc Lalonde for the delicious lunch.

On the same day I paid a visit to the TOHU which is a circular performance building on the same grounds in the outskirts of the city, in the St. Michel district. My host was Nathalie Drouin who is a program director. We talked about smaller shows that might appear there, with the Big Apple Circus being the Producer and TOHU presenting. It was very invigorating. When returned home, I discussed the meeting with Guillaume Dufresnoy, my successor as Artistic Director at the BAC.

Finally I had a meeting, at her request, with Katherine Adams who is in charge of new projects for Cirque du Soleil. She is exploring the possibility of using horses for what is presumed to be a separate production from Cirque and knew that I had many years of experience with horses and equestrians with the Big Apple Circus. As part of her charge she is heading up a program for kids in the St. Michel community that will involve Les Cavalries, the Montreal mounted police and their horses. She has been all over Europe visiting horse people to elicit their thoughts on professional programming. Interesting, eh?
A super visit.

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