Talkin' BroadwayPast Columns


Theatre at Sea

Imagine this, the vacation of a lifetime for theatre lovers!

The Theatre Guild has been sponsoring theatre cruises for over 10 years, and this is the 27th time they take to sea with the stars. I've read the brochure a hundred times and I'm so tempted.

As you know, for those of you who follow this column, I just took a cruise to Alaska and had a wonderful time. But this cruise looks like it's right up my alley, or any theater lover's.

The Cunard Royal Viking Sun is rated with 6 stars by Fieldings cruise guide, naming it one of the finest ships in the world. The ship accomodates 1,200 passengers or more. However, those who book with Theatre At Sea receive deep discounts and special privileges which include special seating arrangements for the shows, dining with the stars, and special events and parties. Just who are the stars you'll be travelling with? So far they have lined up: Kitty Carlisle Hart, Anne Jackson, Patricia Neal, Lynn Redgrave, Gena Rowlands, Jean Stapleton, Leslie Uggams, Eli Wallach, Anne Jackson, Zoe Caldwell and Robert Whitehead. There will also be well known producers and directors onboard.

We Open in Venice!

The ship sets sail from Venice, Italy, my favorite city on earth, on October 3, 1998 and during the 18-day cruise will be visiting ports of call such as Tunis (Tunisia), Malaga (Spain), Casablanca and Marakesh (Morocco), Funchal (Madeira), Hamilton (Bermuda) and finally, Miami, Florida.

Is this column sounding like a commercial yet? I suppose it is in a way but if you're considering this cruise, let me give you a tip. You can book it through your travel agency, but as I was told by my agent, he can't even come near the price being offered by The Theatre Guild. The added advantage is that you'll be a part of the select Theatre At Sea group.

And wow, with a line-up like that, boy, do I see the possibilities for interviews! If I go, I won't allow Theatre At Sea to use my name in its advertising, unless, of course, they give me top billing over Eli Wallach. (yeah, right ;)

If you're interested in going, e-mail me and I'll have the Theatre Guild mail you a brochure, or you can call them direct at 1-212-873-0676. Ask for Philip Langner and tell him to put you at the Talkin' Broadway table. Did I just commit?


Tidbits: Two of my favorite charities, AMFAR and BC/EFA, are sponsoring the fundraiser, Sweet Charity, The Concert. It will be held on Monday, June 15th at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center. And what a line-up of performers! To name a few: Betty Buckley, Carol Channing, Whoopi Goldberg, Donna McKechnie, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Allyson Tucker, Bebe Neuwirth, Chita Rivera, Gwen Verdon (musical staging) and tons more. Tickets start at $150 for this worthy cause. Call 212-806-1733 for more info.

One week to go before the Tony Awards next Sunday at Radio City Music Hall. We'll be there and will give you first hand reports the following day. For those of you who live in parts of the world where the show is not broadcast, we'll be posting the awards as they are announced right here on Talkin' Broadway.

More installments of The Restaurant Revue, Broadway Bound, Christina's World and Sound Advice will be coming at you this week as well. Much, much more coming in the next few months as we build Talkin' Broadway!


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