Awesome Authors: Exclusive Interview with Mover and Shaker Paul Binder, Founder of The Big Apple Circus Our Coverage Sponsored by Stribling and Associates
Paul and Peachy at last year's New York Landmarks Conservancy Gala
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Mover and Shaker Paul Binder has finished his book of stories, Never Quote the Weather to a Sea Lion and other uncommon tales from the founder of the Big Apple Circus. It earned Whom You Know's Highest Recommendation. He's delighted that Glenn Close has written the Foreword. This book has received excellent reviews from the trade publications, Blue Ink and Clarion as well. It's available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com (be sure to select the button that says "Hardcover" if that's what you want) and also on his website paulbindercircus.com.
He has appeared before a SRO crowd at "Meet the Author" at the Lotos Club, to which he was inducted as an honorary member in 2002. He's an active member of the club's Theater Round Table which is led by Gail Van Voorhis. He is acting as Executive Producer for a one-man show, Wingman, featuring clown Mark Gindick. It is currently in rehearsal. He's in discussion with several producers to finish and present a two-person comedy show that's he's created.
On June 8th, he was the Emcee of his 50th Dartmouth class reunion gala dinner, in Hanover NH.
We're delighted to present Mover and Shaker Paul Binder as our latest Awesome Author. Peachy Deegan interviewed Paul Binder for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan:
We absolutely loved your book. What was the most challenging aspect of writing it?
Paul Binder:
Finding the time to do it. I’m a slow writer. I wonder if it took longer than for Gutenberg to invent the printing press….
What did you enjoy most about writing your book?
Recalling all the stories. They include meeting lots of celebrated people, Glenn Close, Paul Newman, Woody Allen, Robin Williams….
Do you anticipate writing a sequel?
Not a sequel, so much as another take on the theme, like “lessons learned.”
How are you involved in the Big Apple Circus today and if you have retired, when did you stop working with your creation?
I’m on the Board of Directors on the Renaissance Committee and am a senior advisor…so I’m still working on it. Of course it gets a laugh when I say, I advise, nobody pays attention and I get paid for it.
Are you active in any circus performing today?
I Ringmaster at Circus Sarasota in the Winter. Nice location that time of year, Florida.
When will Wingman debut and what should everyone know about it?
No date is set yet we are still in early rehearsals and fundraising. Mark Gindick is a very funny guy.
Have you hired Yo Yo Ma for Wingman?
He’s a great lover of the Big Apple Circus, as are a lot of musicians and dancers. Haven’t hired him yet, but would love it if he made a guest appearance.
What is your cartwheeling daughter up to today and does she perform?
She is a manager, not performing. She’s got two adorable kids. Can still cartwheel.
We enjoyed Glenn Close's introduction to your book. What is the most interesting least known fact about Glenn and what do you love about her?
Glenn is a great and heartful lady. A wonderful actor. I think that few people know that she grew up as a missionary’s daughter in Africa
Are you going to the NY Landmarks Gala this November and what do you love about this organization?
I’ll be there. It’s the best party of the year (except for New Year’s Eve at the Big Apple Circus). The organization’s mission is to preserve and enhance the history of our great city. And the people who come are great lovers of New York like myself.
What did you enjoy most about your 50th Dartmouth reunion and what should everyone know about Dartmouth?
Dartmouth College is a very special school, beautiful, what a college should look and feel like. Seeing my classmates after 50 years, many of whom I kept up with was a big kick. We all have a passion for the place.
Does Dartmouth have as good of a hockey team as Yale?
Only occasionally
What are the best things Julia Child made that you ate?
Her Bouche de Noel tops the list. Everything else is in second place…silver medal ain’t bad.
Please tell us about your Sesame Street experience. Do you know our beloved Cookie Monster?
Never met Cookie Monster but I did work with Oscar the Grouch. It was an early lesson in not for profit. We’d appear as much as 12-15 times a year and get one royalty payment. But, absolutely worth it!
What happened to Leonard the chicken and what is he up to these days?
Leonard the rubber Chicken is retired and living in the lap of luxury in Michael Christensen’s attic in Pennsylvania.
What are you proudest of and why?
I can’t say what I’m proudest of, It’d be like saying who is my favorite grandchild.
What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?
Write a second book!
What honors and awards have you received in your profession?
I have four honorary doctorates, one each from LIU, Pratt, Rhode Island College and my alma mater, Dartmouth. I’m an honorary member of the Lotos Club and a Living Landmark.
Also ABC World News awarded me the honor of Person of the Week.
What one word best describes you and why?
Are you sure it has to be one word? Okay, verbose.
Other than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your favorite Whom You Know column and what do you like about it?
Tough choice. I have to go with the Arts, Broadway Alert. It’s clear that Peachy loves Broadway with the same enthusiasm that I do.
Have you tried The Peachy Deegan yet and if not, why not?
Haven’t tried it. Don’t frequent its favorite watering holes.
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I had a grandfather who walked from a village near Minsk to Rotterdam, in order to emigrate to America. He was and is an inspiration.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
Paul@paulbindercircus.com
