Little Island, the newly opened park and performance space at Pier 55, was the place to be on Thursday night, despite the drizzle. The event attracted a star-studded crowd, with notable personalities from the entertainment industry in attendance.
Fran Lebowitz, the well-known New York bon vivant, was spotted engaging in conversation with famed photographer Annie Leibovitz. The two were seen enjoying each other’s company before the debut of choreographer Twyla Tharp’s new show, “How Long Blues.” Candice Bergen, the beloved “Murphy Brown” legend, also held court nearby, adding to the excitement of the evening.
Bravo head Andy Cohen, who has been facing backlash from several “Real Housewives” stars, seemed to be having a blast as he sat next to Jane Buffett, the widow of Jimmy Buffett. Despite his ongoing public drama, Cohen appeared to be in high spirits. He was even overheard gossiping with a “Summer House” fan about the show’s reunion episode that was airing that same night.
Other notable guests included Natasha Lyonne and Bryan Lourd from CAA. The presence of these influential figures added to the allure of the event.
The opening of Little Island was made possible by billionaire Barry Diller and his wife, fashion icon Diane Von Furstenberg. The couple spearheaded the project and played a vital role in its creation. Diller expressed his hopes for good weather, stating, “It’s not a parade, but I hope no one rains on it… Maybe we’ll be lucky. Don’t they say if it’s a wedding, if it rains it’s good luck? But nobody is going to be happy.”
Fortunately, the skies cleared at the beginning of the dance performance, which was accompanied by the music of T Bone Burnett and David Mansfield. However, as the evening progressed, it began to drizzle. Despite the weather, most guests chose to remain in their seats, showing their dedication to enjoying the show. The dancers received rousing applause as they performed through the mist during the song “Hallelujah.”
Diller highlighted the significance of the park and performance space, explaining, “This is the beginning of four months of performance… What we wanted to do was commission new work… One of the reasons we wanted to do it is because so little of that is happening in New York and many cities where arts budgets and non-profits have been slaughtered post-COVID.”
The creation of Little Island was made possible by Diller and Von Furstenberg’s commitment of $260 million, combining funds from their family foundation and government support. Diller has also pledged an additional $100 million for the park’s programming. The ticket prices for each performance are set at $25, making it accessible to a wide range of audiences.
Overall, the opening night of Little Island showcased the power of art and community. Despite the unpredictable weather, the event brought together influential individuals who share a passion for creativity. Through their efforts, Diller and Von Furstenberg have created a space that fosters new artistic endeavors and revitalizes the arts scene in New York City.
