New York City is a place full of traditions. Since 1904, we have celebrated the New Year by lowering a ball down a flag pole at 1 Times Square. The Macy's day parade is a well known tradition along with the runn
ing of the NYC Marathon. However, a popular Theatre District tradition that takes place in the famous Sardis Restauarant just might be broken by his honor, Mike Bloomberg. As you probably already know Sardi's is the unofficial "Broadway Hall Of Fame". When you enter the famed eatery you are instantly greeted by hundereds of theatre personalities drawn up in colorful sketch carictures. The carictures depict the "Top-Shelf" of the theatre scence over the last several decades. All the sketchs revolved around theatre personalities; that changed on opening night of "Manhattan Mary" in 1927. It was during the 2nd act when an man dressed in an elegant midnight blue tuxedo with a bright white vest suddenly jumped from his orchestra seat and took to the stage unannounced. A confused, somewhat bewildered audience soon turned to big smiles as they watched the newcomer banter with the cast and play the straightman for the comedian. At the end of this impromtu skit, the crowd burst into thunderous applause for the completley unexpe
cted performer was the ever popular Mayor of NYC, James "Jimmy" Walker. At that exact moment in 1927, another New York first of so many was born. Soon after his debut, Mayor Jimmy was invited to Sardi's for his own caricture presentation an idea was born. Unfortunatly, this "tradition" was not born again until Robert F. Wagner had his caricture presented to him for his tireless efforts to establish strong labor unions in theatres for them to run more fairly and effectivly. Mayor John V. Linsey replaced Ken Howard in the "My City" number for 7 whole minutes. In return, Sardi's invited Linsey which he received his sketch with gre
at appreciation. Mayor Abe Beam is not known for any of his acting on a Broadway stage, but kept the Sardi's caricture tradition alive during his short and tulmotious term. "How am I doin" Mayor Ed Koch made his acting debut on Broadaway in "Murder at City Hall", hmmm...then went on to whoop it up on stage during the 10th anniversary performance of "The Last Laugh". Mayor Koch was honored at Sardi's then went on to Studio 54 to dance the night away. Mayor David Dinkins was also honored with his own caricture during his 4 year term in the early 90's. Finally, Rudolph Guliani was presented with his caricture in 1997 for his on-stage appearances on Broadway and fund raising events. That was over 11 years a
go. Even though Mircle Mike has shown up to do his cameos in Chicago and Mary Poppins he still has yet to complete his caricture obligations to Sardi's. Insiders at Sardi's tell me the caricture is completed and ready for his signature. Please Mayor Bloomberg, dont break this unique traditon that has been going on at Sardi's during the last seven administrations. We are counting on you!!
