The Heart Behind Symphony Space’s Art

“Art and Heart: The World of Isaiah Sheffer” is a new documentary by Catherine Tambini that premiered to great acclaim at Lincoln Center in January at the New York Jewish Film Festival. The film celebrates the life of Sheffer (1935-2012), a New York cultural polymath who hosted “Selected Shorts” on public radio and served as artistic director of Symphony Space, where he created both the Thalia Follies and the annual Bloomsday on Broadway, in honor of James Joyce. Leonard Nimoy described him as “endlessly creative,” while Stephen Colbert recalled, “His voice was like having warm butterscotch poured over your head.” Jane Curtin said simply, “He was so much fun.” In addition to Nimoy, Colbert, and Curtin, the film features Sheffer’s family, Morgan Freeman, Stephen Lang, Fritz Weaver, Malachy McCourt, and James Naughton. Leonard Nimoy Thalia at Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th St. Mar. 26, 7 p.m.; Mar. 31, 4 p.m.; Apr. 3, 5 & 7 p.m. Tickets are $14, $12 for students & seniors at symphonyspace.org.