Two More Octogenarians Going Strong

Cicely Tyson and Buzzy Pizzarelli

Last month, during intermission at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, there was a heated debate in the rear orchestra about the age of the show's star - Cicely Tyson. A gentleman unseen to me consulted his smart phone and confirmed to his companions that according to the Times, many incorrectly give Ms. Tyson's age as 79 but in fact she is 88.  At 88, Ms. Tyson graces the Broadway stage after some 30 years in Horton Foote's reflective play The Trip to Bountiful. Once her age was confirmed, I returned to my reverie, completely charmed by the fiery actress and thinking of my grandmother - a spirited nonagenarian herself.


The other night, I ducked into Broadway cabaret 54 Below on a school night to check out WBGO Jazz Series Sing! Sing! Sing!: The 75th Anniversary of Benny Goodman's Historic Carnegie Hall Concert. Between tunes made historic by Benny Goodman and "opa!" exclamations from a table of Greek tourists, the West Village couple seated beside me attempted to guess the age of rhythm guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli. I sat back sipping a cocktail, completely charmed by the legendary musician. 

Later, I looked up Mr. Pizzarelli's age, and learned that he is one year younger than Ms. Tyson.

Two more octogenarians -- showing no signs of slowing down and charming me to my core. 

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Octogenarians Going Strong on the New York City Stage