Are Not IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT! 90s, were able to enjoy their son's suc- cess. Dolly Haas, his devoted wife of 51 years and mother of Nina, also was a strong supporter. Until her death in 1994, Dolly remained by his side. Nina, who has two children and lives in Texas, remains close with her father. Today, Hirschfeld is married to much more than satirize an obvious physical feature; he comments on the person behind the public per- sona. To people in the theater, hav- ing a caricature by Hirschfeld means that they have arrived." Dennis Miller, assistant professor of graphic design at the University of Michigan, says Hirschfeld is dis- cussed in the history of graphic design courses at U-M because of his influence on American illustra- tion. He also is studied in courses in persuasive media, such as adver- tising, because of the degree he has influenced the American idea of celebrity as an icon. "His illustrations make people larger than life," Miller says. "Hirschfeld has managed to retain a singular voice throughout his career — he is impossible to imitate, although many have tried. In fact, an original Hirschfeld easily goes for thousands of dollars." Although his work is character- ized as caricature, there isn't any meanness of spirit in his drawings, adds Miller. "His work is full of mischief and wit, but there is no malice. He can find a way to work in a field that is inherently mali- cious, and still be more about wit." Over the years, Hirschfeld trav- eled out of town for big opening nights, and a few times landed in Detroit at the Fisher Theatre. "He was here for the opening of Hello Dolly, with Carol Charming, and for Fiddler on the Roof, with Zero Mostel," recalls Joe Nederlander, one of the Fisher's owners. "Hirschfeld has an uncanny sense of capturing the man along with his part. I met him at Sardi's and at several opening nights, and he is an amazing man. "Everyone in the theater knows him — he is so high profile. And it's no wonder — I don't know any- one else who can do what Al Hirschfeld does. What a gift he has." ❑ — Alice Burdick Schweiger a longtime friend, theater historian Louise Kerz. Just as Hirschfeld is finishing reflecting on his life, the housekeeper appears at the door. "Your next appointment is here," she says, trying not to be intrusive. Hirschfeld glances over at me and nods that he has to_ wind down the interview. My time with a legend has flown by. Al Hirschfeld has recorded the- atrical history since the 1920s, cap- turing everyone from Charlie Chap- lin, Al Jolson and Louis Armstrong to the latest stars making their debuts on Broadway. Clearly, he cap- tures the theater in a way no one else ever has, and he doesn't plan to stop drawing anytime soon. In fact, he says, he plans on translating what he sees on stage well into the next mil- lennium. 0 Al Hirschfeld and his 70 years of theater drawings will be honored at the following exhibits this spring and summer: • The Library of Congress: "Monstrous Craws and Character Flaws: Masterpieces of Cartoon and Caricature," at the Swann Gallery showing now through July 6. Admission is free. Call (202) 707-2905 * National Portrait Gallery "Celebrity Caricature in America," showing now through August 23. Admission is free. (Hirschfeld has 6 pieces out of 230 in the exhibition.) Call (202) 357-2866. • Harvard University Harvard Theater Collection, "Al Hirschfeld, A 95th Birthday Tribute," open to the public April 29 through Sept. 17. Admission is free, Call (617) 495 2445. - In addition, The Line King-- The Al Hirschfeld Story, a 1996 film by Susan Dryfoos that was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, has recently been released on video. ALONE? 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FURNITURE JEWELRY CLOTHING RADIOS TV'S COWBOY PHOTOGRAPHS POTTERY ART GLASS CHINA BRONZES CLOCKS WATCHES ARCHITECTURAL PAINTINGS PRINT ART POSTER ART TEXTILES LAMPS AND BY FAR THE GROOVIEST ASSORTMENT OF RETRO MEMORABILIA TO BE FOUND ANYWHERE ON THIS PLANET! 110DERMSNI THE MICHIGAN EXPOSITION An Exposition and Sale of 20th Century Design $1.00 OFF ADMISSION with this ad (single admission only) NA O% SE vv Awe a ill we do! www.harmonyhouse.com proudly sponsored by HOUR MAGAZINE ART DECO, ART NOUVEAU, ARTS & CRAFTS, STREAMLINE, PRAIRIE SCHOOL, ART MODERNE, INDUSTRIAL DESIGN, FOLK ART, FIFTIES, SIXTIES AND MUCH MORE! ril 25 and 26 Saturday 11 until 9 SOUTHFIELD CIVIC CENTER enlvar:: nRrodut2f1117-6m9ihT Sunday 12 until 5 ? www.anticineLcom/M&M JN t__`"114 4,NYecus' $2.00 OFF CASSETTES & COMPACT DISCS Present This Coupon at any HARMONY HOUSE location, and receive $2 OFF any REGULARLY PRICED CD or Cassette ($10.99 or More). No Limit. Void With Other Offers. Excludes Special Orders. This Coupon Must be Presented to Receive Discount. EXPIRES May 7, 1998 JEWISH NEWS Al Hirschfeld's drawings are reproduced by special arrangement with his exclusive representative, the Margo Feiden Galleries Ltd, New York. INTERNATIONAL NEWS PLUS 4/24 1998 101