Borscht Belt Entertainment: The Growth of Comedy and Music

The third and newest in a series of programs on the Borscht Belt by local author and historian Alex Prizgintas will make its debut at the Fallsburg Public Library on Tuesday, July 14th at 5:00 PM. Prizgintas will highlight the development of entertainment in the Borscht Belt through the lens of comedians and musicians, beginning with early boarding house activities that gradually evolved into the hotel entertainment directors known as Tummlers. Among the most famous was Lou “Simon Sez” Goldstein of Grossinger’s, whose story served as something of an inspiration for the film Dirty Dancing. From there, Prizgintas will explore the spaces where great acts took place and the noted figures involved — including Jerry Lewis, Mel Brooks, Red Buttons, and Sid Caesar — while going the extra mile to feature audio excerpts, video clips, and oral interviews from those who worked and lived through the Borscht Belt entertainment industry.

An advisory board member of the Borscht Belt Museum of Ellenville, Prizgintas is nonetheless fascinated by the artifacts that remain from an era he didn’t live through. As a staple of his lectures, this event will also feature displays of historical artifacts related to the entertainment theme of the Borscht Belt, allowing the audience to visibly and tangibly view the region’s past. For more information, contact the Fallsburg Public Library at (845) 436-6067.