In March 1958, Atkinson went to what he thought was going to be a party at Sardi's for Lee and Paula Strasberg. It turned out to be a party for him. When Atkinson and his wife, novelist Oriana Atkinson, arrived, he was greeted with a standing ovation from the 130 guests. Among them were the Strasbergs, Kitty Carlisle Hart (Moss was in London preparing MFL there but he sent a telegram), Richard Rodgers, Mary Martin, Helen Hayes, Robert Whitehead, Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz. Actors Equity sent a written tribute, which was read by the Equity president at the time, Ralph Bellamy (a fervent unionist, some might be surprised to know). A telegram from Sean O'Casey was read.
What other Broadway critic ever received such a tribute? |
