What moves me is neither ethnocentric pride nor sectarian arrogance. I make no claim that Jewish culture is superior to other cultures. But it is mine.

I created the role of Captain Von Trapp.

No doubt unity is something to be desired, to be striven for, but it cannot be willed into being by mere declarations.

I refuse to do shows that are narrowly constructed, that appeal to only one sentiment. I do a lot of Jewish material in front of non-Jews and a lot of non-Jewish material in front of Jews on the simple theory that the non-Jews are entitled to a glimpse of a Jewish world and the Jews are entitled to a glimpse of the world.

But, when I toil in the field of Jewish culture which I frequently do, I am indeed a Jewish artist.

For I firmly believe that Jewish life, indeed any communal life, can only be organized according to democratic principles.

Retiring' - within that word is 'tiring,' and I'm not tired. I don't believe in retirement, really.