Bloomy’s is thinking pink
BLOOMY’S, palace of shopization, is now a temp Barbiedale. Its windows are wall-to-wall Barbie. Director of Windows Leigh Ann Tischler pulled back the curtains to tell me:
“We used abstract mannequins because we could not do a 3D likeness of Margot Robbie or any of the talent. Our window had to be an abstract version of the movie. Instead of Barbie’s ‘B’ we used our Bloomingdale’s ‘B’ font.
“Lots of approvals between Mattel, Warner Brothers and our side. We started February. They were very protective. Everything was marked. We’d show renderings and they’d yes or no. Lots of back and forth. Like Warner’s would say, ‘No. Our water doesn’t move like the water you’re showing.’ And I was like, ‘But ours is a video. Our windows are blank with video on our back wall.’
“Our windows are street theater. With Barbie it was very intense.”
What happens to your windowed Barbieville afterward?
“Recycle. Mannequins and props get stored for their next round. Barbie’s vanity might get sold off. We could recycle her surfboards for next summer’s reuse.
“Sometimes technology goes awry. Like 2019 we worked with live robotic arms in the window. Wires got stepped on and robotic stuff got damaged. But our mannequins don’t usually fall down.
“The president of Mattel came and took his picture in front of the Barbie windows wearing a Barbie T-shirt. He loved our whole display.”
Feeling flush
A Patricia Arquette comment: “My idea of success has lots to do with toilet paper. If I have 30 rolls in a cupboard then I feel successful. I don’t care what else I have. I don’t have to have any food. But opening that cupboard and seeing that toilet paper — that’s living. Worst thing in the world is like, ‘Ohhh, have to go to the store to get toilet paper.’ Having it is luxury.”
Keep ’em rolling
FOR year 19, New York Comedy Festival, largest in the US, will expand to 10 days beginning Nov. 3. It’s 200 comedians, 100 shows, throughout the five boroughs. Margaret Cho and Conan O’Brien join the headliners. Conan’s Nov. 7 and 8 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Ready to use your illusions
IN Broadway’s Ethel Barrymore Theatre is Barcelona-bred magician Antonio Díaz who calls himself El Mago Pop. His p.r. says he’s a big hot thing back there. He himself says he’s a big hot thing even here.
He opened Sunday and he’s this planet’s newest great magician. Terrific. It’s his first shot in the USA. He already bought his own theater in Branson, Mo. He uses film footage, in-house roving cameras, tricks, shticks, kids from the audience, disappearing humans, fires, candy, cards, etc. The show’s only 90 minutes and he’s onstage making magic the whole time.
FLOODS, fires, earthquakes, tragedies. Know honesty is the best policy — except when dealing with your insurance company.
And not only in New York, kids, not only in New York.