Yes, it's that cold: Photo of New Hope PA during cold snap of February

Frozen waterfall in New Hope PA on Feb 18, 2015 (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

Rendering of proposed Playhouse Inn in New Hope PA next to Bucks County Playhouse

Rendering of proposed Bucks County Playhouse Inn in New Hope

Playwright Christopher Durang to star in role he wrote for ‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’ at Bucks County Playhouse

Playwright Christopher Durang (Photo: Susan Johann)

Playwright Christopher Durang, who won his first Tony Award in 2013 for his Broadway comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, will make his debut in the role of Vanya when the play is presented at Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope. The production will run from July 17 to Aug. 10, it was announced.

The cast of the play, which is set in Bucks County, will feature Durang (in the role performed on Broadway by David Hyde Pierce), and Marilu Henner, best known for the long-running TV series Taxi. In Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Henner plays a B-movie star, and Durang portrays her long-suffering brother. Additional casting will be be announced.

The production is directed by Sheryl Kaller, director of Terrence McNally’s Mothers and Sons at Bucks County Playhouse.

An accomplished writer and actor, Durang is not the first playwright to perform in his own work at Bucks County Playhouse — he follows in the footsteps of Thornton Wilder, who made his acting debut in his landmark play Our Town 75 years ago when the Bucks County Playhouse first opened.

Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope announces summer lineup, details restaurant plans

Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope announced this week that its summer season for 2014 will include stage productions of Chapter Two, Deathtrap, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, and Ain’t Misbehavin’.

Playhouse officials also offered a glimpse at their new restaurant — a riverside cafe using joint arrangements with neighboring restaurants to offer small plates to accompany full bar service at tables along the Delaware River and Aquetong Creek.

The Playhouse’s production season starts with with Neil Simon’s romantic comedy Chapter Two, directed by Marsha Mason (who starred as ‘Jennie’ in the film version). Performances begin May 22 and run through June 15.

Running from June 19 through July 13 will be the comic thriller Deathtrap, written by suspense master Ira Levin (Rosemary’s Baby).

Later in July, Marilu Henner makes a return to the Playhouse in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang. Henner plays the narcissistic movie star Masha, who surprises her siblings at their Bucks County home. Sheryl Kaller directs this comedy that won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play. Performances run from July 17 through Aug. 10.

Lastly, come August the theater echoes with the songs of Fats Waller in Ain’t Misbehavin’. Directed by Hunter Foster and choreographed by Lorin Lotarro, the duo will attempt to recreate the Golden Age of Harlem nightclubs. Based on an idea by Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby, Jr., the show runs from Aug. 14 until Sept. 7.

“We are thrilled to welcome Marsha Mason and Marilu Henner back to Bucks County this summer, and look forward to sharing these fantastic shows with our subscribers, neighbors and new friends,” said Robyn Goodman, executive producer of the Bucks County Playhouse, in promotional material posted to the organization’s website.

The Playhouse also provided greater detail on its riverside cafe, which will afford an outdoor dining and drinking experience along the banks of the Delaware River and Aquetong Creek. “We’re partnering with local restaurants in offering hot and cold small plates with our full bar before and after each show,” said the announcement. On a practical level, that means a portable bar will be moved out onto the existing rear deck of the building, which will serve as a staging area for service to customers at tables lining the waterways below, confirmed a Playhouse spokesperson.

First partner signed on? None other than Cafe Blue Moose, who will provide the food items in portable plastic containers. The system seems to neatly satisfy local ordinances and the county health department. Blue Moose is located within a few hundred feet of the Playhouse cafe, as is Nick Gialias’ much-anticipated eatery featuring small plates.

Playhouse officials also confirmed they will be featuring “an unplugged musical schedule showcasing local emerging musicians,” a move that should be well-received by municipal officials (it’s non-amplified and limited to the Playhouse front courtyard), warm weather music lovers, and local musicians looking for a new venue.

Joy Behar to debut one-woman show at Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope

 

 

Joy Behar

Comedian and talk show host Joy Behar makes her Bucks County Playhouse debut with three exclusive performances of her one-woman show, “Joy Behar: Me, My Mouth & I” this spring.

Performances will be held Friday, May 9 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, May 10 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 11 (Mother’s Day) at 3 p.m. Tickets for the show went on sale Tuesday, and are priced at $54 and $46. Visit the Playhouse online or call (215) 862-2121.

Behar was the original co-host of The View, where she earned an Emmy award, and was on the show for 16 years. More recently, Behar hosted her own shows: The Joy Behar Show on HLN and Say Anything on Current TV. With more than 30 years on stage and screen, Behar’s one-woman show takes us from her wild childhood in Brooklyn to her role as one of America’s premiere talk show hosts.

Produced by SchrockVision, JoyBee Productions & FACT Bucks County, portions of the ticket proceeds will be donated to FACT Bucks County.

FACT Bucks County (Fighting AIDS Continuously Together) is an all volunteer/501c3 organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to those individuals living with HIV/AIDS who reside in Bucks, Hunterdon and Mercer Counties.

Lambertville Music Hall to hold initial concert series in New Hope

By Charlie Sahner

Lambertville Music Hall will hold its initial production at the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope Oct. 3-13.
 
The concert series will feature artists Travis Tritt, Ginger Baker, Ana Popovic, Joan Osborne, Casey Abrams, Eddie Money, and musical groups Jefferson Starship and Well Strung, among others. Music clinics, a comedy night, and a local talent search will round out the series.

“We are really excited about producing this event for the community and being able to showcase the extensive local talent at this concert series, said Tanya Cooper, President of the Bridge Street Foundation, which oversees the Lambertville Music Hall and Bucks County Playhouse. “This series is just as much about the community as it is about the performances,” she added.

The Lambertville Music Hall on July 10 withdrew its application to begin renovation and construction of its namesake venue in the former Baptist church on Bridge Street amid some resistance.

In a letter obtained by this publication dated June 12, the owner of Lambertville’s famed Hamilton’s Grill Room restaurant exhorts readers to “fight to save the Lambertville we all know and love.”
A chief concern discussed in the letter was parking: “Music Hall patrons will monopolize parking to the detriment of local businesses and restaurants,” it was asserted.

“Quality of life” was another theme of the document, which said, “We live and work in Lambertville because of the atmosphere — beauty, tranquilty and small town ambience. How will this be impacted by the club scene — a music hall open daily with dancing serving alcohol until 2 a.m.?”

The letter also questioned the impact of the proposed performing arts center on area real estate values. “There is a potential for a decrease in home and property values with the identification of Lambertville as a club destination.”

Music Hall organizers say the show will go on, both in terms of moving their main venue toward completion and in demonstrating to the community their value and quality as a performing arts resource.

Lambertville Music Hall withdraws application

By Charlie Sahner

The Lambertville Music Hall announced that it will “temporarily withdraw the current application that is before the Lambertville Board of Adjustment without prejudice.”

According to Lambertville Hall Foundation (LHF) President Tanya Cooper, “Hearing concerns of the community inspired our decision. We are, therefore, temporarily withdrawing our application to re-focus our efforts to best reflect the community’s input and preferences, with respect to rescuing and re-purposing this architectural landmark.

“As we have stated throughout this process, our goal continues to be focused on developing a venue that will enhance the lives of all who participate in its’ programming, while positively contributing to the quality of life in both the neighborhood and the city as a whole,” she added.

Cooper went on to say, “We are thankful for all who have taken the time and expressed genuine interest in our project to date. We are looking very forward to working collaboratively with the City to arrive at a successful resolution to produce a truly magnificent and authentic addition to the city of Lambertville”

In the same announcement, Lambertville Mayor David DelVecchio commented, “I applaud the Bridge Street Foundation [parent organization of LHF] for taking this proactive step. While we all want to see the live arts flourish in Lambertville, it is obvious that this proposal had issues that needed to be addressed. I appreciate the Foundation’s commitment to our city and I look forward to working with them on a new proposal that can best meet our shared values.”

 

Stay tuned.

A time of rainbows all about New Hope

Rainbow over Bucks County Theater in New Hope, PA (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

Andrea McArdle returns Bucks County Playhouse in ‘Mame’

Broadway’s original “Annie,” Andrea McArdle returns to the Bucks County Playhouse in Mame, one of Jerry Herman‘s most celebrated musicals. She plays a fun-loving, wealthy eccentric whose independent lifestyle is interrupted when she is left to care for her young nephew. With a razor sharp wit and her own view of the world, she is anything but the traditional caregiver.

Lea DeLaria (On the Town, The Vagina Monologues) takes the stage as Mame’s best friend and “world’s biggest lush” Vera Charles. The score includes “Bosom Buddies,” “We Need A Little Christmas,” and “If He Walked Into My Life.”

May 23, 2013 — June 9, 2013

Tuesdays at 7pm
Wednesdays at 4pm
Thursdays at 2:30pm & 8pm
Fridays at 8pm
Saturdays at 4pm & 8pm
Sundays at 2pm
Additional Sunday performance on 5/26 at 6pm

Tickets Prices:
Front Orchestra: $57.50
Middle Orchestra: $39
Rear Orchestra: $29

Bucks County Playhouse restoration reflects vision of New Hope and Lambertville as entertainment hub

Promenade at New Hope, PA (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

Sherri and Kevin Daugherty are quite busy these days. It’s well known that the Doylestown couple and their Bridge Street Foundation are primarily responsible for saving and renovating the Bucks County Playhouse after it faced extinction near the end of 2010. The revived Playhouse is already offering theater performances and events, and it’s apparent that no expense was spared in the restoration of the historic structure — $3 million in improvements on a $1.8 million building, to be exact.

The result is nothing short of spectacular: the building has been dramatically and tastefully upgraded inside and out. The parking lot and sidewalk leading to the theater finally make sense from a traffic flow point of view, and a fenced off section of waterfront adjacent to the defunct Club Zadar next door has been transformed into a public riverside walkway reminiscent of the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.

Providing greater public access to the Delaware River has long been a dream of many local planners. Although the scenic waterway is vital to the town’s identity, it is largely inaccessible to many visitors, save for a couple of “pocket parks”, riverside restaurants, or a stroll along the bridge to Lambertville. Could the Playhouse and former Club Zadar (also purchased by the Daughertys) with their adjoining promenade and large parking area become another Pike Place Market, the highly successful produce, fish, and crafts center on Seattle’s waterfront?

“There’s a lot of potential,” replied Kevin Daugherty. “You could do an Oktoberfest or a Christmas market, for example. Our view on the promenade is to continue it around the back of the Playhouse, where we’ve designed a series of cascading decks that lead you up to the level where the deck is currently, put a bar out there for patrons and others, and provide a place to sit and enjoy the views — again creating another revenue stream to support the non-profit theater, with the idea that if we do enough of these things, we don’t have to pass the hat as much and we can be true to the community.

“We wanted to create an outdoor space, so once we get the promenade approved and the former Zadar’s property concepts started, we can build a more permanent, inviting pathway down to the promenade, and we also hope to continue the gas lanterns down there, as well,” added Daugherty.

In terms of the former Zadar space, Daugherty indicated that plans have not been finalized yet for its future use, but the ultimate entity will be for-profit and remain publicly accessible, possibly including a bar and art production space. The “publicly accessible” aspect here is key, as many residents have long hoped to avoid the construction of view-blocking private townhouses at the Zadar site. As a for-profit business, the former Club Zadar fits in with the portion of the Daugherty’s ventures not under the Bridge Street Foundation umbrella.

Aside from the Bucks County Playhouse and Zadar site, the Daughertys have also purchased the twin buildings located at 6 East Mechanic St., among the Borough’s oldest, although they haven’t yet decided what do with them. Sherri Daugherty relocated her successful retail fashion store Angel Hearts from Newtown to 12 W. Bridge St., where it provides an upscale anchor on a block reeling from the canal bridge repair of recent years and tough economy. And then there’s the Lambertville Music Hall, an ambitious project embodying the Daugherty’s business model, and potentially putting Lambertville on the live music map.

The proposed Lambertville Music Hall at 57 Bridge St. will be more akin to the Bucks County Playhouse in its non-profit status, with funding by the Daughertys and their Bridge Street Foundation, along with its historical tie-in and self-funding mechanism. Located in the former First Baptist Church, the Music Hall harkens back to its spiritual predecessor, the Lambertville Music Circus, says Bridge Street Foundation President Tanya Cooper. St. John Terrell created the “music circus” form of theater in Lambertville around 1949, and it involved a summer stock theater-in-the-round housed under a circus-style big top on a hill above the town.

A 400-seat music hall with a first-floor restaurant/bar is now envisioned in downtown Lambertville, and again no expense will be spared in its restoration. “We have a commitment to doing things the right way,” observed Cooper.

Taken in toto, the series of real estate ventures undertaken by the Daughertys and the Bridge Street Foundation seem to largely involve saving and restoring neglected landmarks and converting them into self-sustaining organizations. But the moves also provide a glimpse into a future scenario for the economies of New Hope and Lambertville — that of a major entertainment hub located midway between two great cities.

Kevin Daugherty sees things more pragmatically. “These have been a series of happy accidents,” he explained. “We stumbled upon the church when I was looking for office space, and thought it was a great old historic building. We believed that if we gave it a purpose and tried to create a self-sustaining entity, then we could preserve the historical significance of the building for the community. We’re trying to make the church a performing arts space, and that makes a lot of sense given what it had been. That lead us to look around, and we stumbled upon the Playhouse, and realized that it needed some attention, and then it’s been just a sequence of events from there,” continued Daugherty.

But can the up-scaled venues remain accessible to the community in terms of ticket prices?
“It’s a definite focus and a must,” he said. “These are not-for-profit buildings, so the one thing that lets us keep the price down is that we’re not trying to make an enormous profit here, we generate funds that are self-sustaining for the business.

“Frequently non-profits have to do lots of fundraising,” added Dougherty. “But it’s our view that we can improve the performance quality at certain times, like what we’re doing this summer with Jed Bernstein’s performance group, then maybe the ticket prices are higher for some of those kinds of things. Other times of the year, there will be more community involvement-type aspects — kids’ programs, educational programs and more regional type activities — that’s where maybe you’ll see something that’s a little more discounted and accessible,” he said.

Dougherty is also quick to point out that the Playhouse has a large parking lot that provides an additional source of revenue. “The same concept applies to the Lambertville Music Hall, ” he said. “Assuming it follows the same pattern as the theater, we’re going to need additional revenue sources to help support it. We don’t have a parking lot, but we do have a first floor that would make a great restaurant/bar area that people can enjoy at any time and also around the shows, and that can help support the non-profit performing space.”

A business model that could indeed prove successful, if not yet universally accepted. This much is for sure: Sherri and Kevin Daugherty are restoring local landmark structures that have often fallen into neglect, and are doing so without public funds. These projects tie together history, art, entertainment and commercial components, and their growing presence may have a profound effect on the identity and economy of New Hope and Lambertville for years to come.

New Hope business scene: more new players gear up for the high season

Angel Hearts in New Hope, PA (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

Commercial occupancy rates seem to be creeping up in New Hope, and even accounting for seasonal factors, it seems that cautious optimism at least partially rooted in the Bucks County Playhouse renovation has taken hold in local business circles. Three cases in point:

Newtown women’s clothing and accessory boutique Angel Hearts apparently had a change of heart about their retail location and switched to 12 W. Bridge St. in New Hope last month. Specializing in high-end jewelry, handbags, scarves, shoes and imported women's couture, what's also interesting about Angel Hearts is that owner Sherri Daugherty and her husband Kevin are the locally famous couple who funded the purchase and refurbishment of the Bucks County Playhouse re-opening next month.

Grabbing the empty storefront at 48 W. Ferry St. is the Stephen Clark Design Group, which intends to use the space "as an office for design projects as well as a retail store with furniture and doodads," according to the company. Ferry Street has been under some pressure in recent years as New Hope's commercial district has contracted, and the avenue once known as "antiques row" is also home to an important local bridge currently under construction. Nonetheless, an interior design business seems a logical choice for this particular location, especially given the borough's tendency toward business category redundancy.

And speaking of redundancy, another intriguing newcomer is a yet unnamed frozen yogurt store opening soon at 88 S. Main St. While New Hope has never experienced a dearth of frozen confection outlets, don't bet against this one. It's owned by Han Pan, and if you don't know who he is, you soon will. Currently executive director at the Asian Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia and board member at the National Council of Chinese Americans, Han has also served as an officer at the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and been deputy executive director of the Pennsylvania Governor's Advisory Commission on Asian American Affairs.

Bottom line: Don't expect this former community organizer and Main Street Manager to stick with the status quo when it comes to fulfilling his goal of making New Hope an international tourist destination.

Soap Opera Company of Lahaska expands into New Hope

The Soap Opera Company in New Hope, PA (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

Betting on a retail rebound inspired by renovation of the landmark Bucks County Playhouse, the Soap Opera Company of Peddler’s Village in Lahaska has opened a second location in the heart of New Hope, steps away from the theater in the former Strawberry Jam space.

Owner Kristen Maldonado purchased the original Soap Opera Company in 2010 so that “as a single parent I could reinvent my professional life,” she said. “I wanted to be able to work at home with my daughter Bella after school, and that was the driving force behind the decision to buy the business and overhaul it.”

During the last two years, the Peddler’s Village retail location has undergone a merchandising facelift. Known for handcrafted soaps, bath salts, and bath bombs, the Soap Opera now features a broader variety of bath, body and linen products, including bubble baths, liquid soaps, organic lines, seasonal soaps, linens, and a kids’ section.

Speaking of her newly opened New Hope location, Maldonado said, “We are humbled and honored to be in the spot formerly occupied by Strawberry Jam, and we’re grateful for the welcome shown to us by the community.
“We've already started customizing our inventory to reflect New Hope customer preferences versus those of Peddler’s Village,” she added.

Two standouts in the new store were the “Morning Mint” line by Archipelago Botanicals, and the large olive-based block soap from Marseilles (also great for cleaning artists’ brushes).

There will certainly be enough local competition but, says Maldonado, “Don't let the big rubber ducks in the window fool you. The Soap Opera staff is serious about soaps, showers, all things bath.”

The Soap Opera Company is located at 44 S. Main St.; (215) 693-1774.

Second bailout group pledges return of New Hope's Bucks County Playhouse to 'glory days'

Bucks County Playhouse (background) and former Club Zadar in New Hope, PA 

By Charlie Sahner

W. Paul Beckwith of New Hope announced at Tuesday night's Borough Council meeting that he and a private foundation are mounting a rival effort to rescue and restore the foreclosed Bucks County Theater.

Broadway producer Jed Bernstein and a pair of local residents had announced in December their formation of a "Bucks County Playhouse Conservancy," but that group appears somewhat adrift, according to sources close to the organization.

In a statement read in his absence by an associate, Beckwith said that his group's intention was to return the Playhouse to "its glory days and advance the program offerings to include opera, symphony, professional theater, [and] productions by local individuals and groups."

Beckwith said that the group is developing a plan through the established New Hope Arts organization to convert the Playhouse into a "not for profit venue" through "the generosity of a private foundation."

The plan envisions an "outlet" at the Playhouse site that will serve "the good people of New Hope/Lambertville as well as the surrounding area" and become "a pivotal performing arts center for all to enjoy."

Added Beckwith in his statement, "What is important to note is that steps are being taken to develop a program for the Playhouse to ensure that the coming season presents a vital and entertaining program while the plan moves forward."

He urged patience on the part of concerned residents and groups, citing "complexities" arising from the controversial series of events leading to the Playhouse's recent closure.

But, pledged Beckwith, "The project deserves and will receive a solid financial, legal, and executable plan to keep the Playhouse pertinent for generations to come.

"We are dedicated to the Borough of New Hope, we respect the role that the Playhouse plays in the historic, social and economic climate of the area and truly what it means to our fellow residents," he continued.

Second group emerges to save Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope

By Charlie Sahner

A new group has formed to save the foreclosed Bucks County Playhouse and is making a serious move to purchase the famous structure, according to multiple sources close to the situation.

The move comes at a time when the Doylestown-based Bucks County Playhouse Conservancy, founded by Peggy McRae and backed by the Heritage Conservancy of Doylestown, local lawyer Rick Appel, and Broadway producer Jed Bernstein, have announced their own rescue plan for the Playhouse, seized by lender Stoneridge Bank on Dec. 22.

Said Bernstein last week, “The entire theatre community was aghast at the idea of permanently losing this legendary venue and picturesque piece of theatre history.”

But substantial funding from Bernstein and his Broadway associates has not yet materialized, according to sources familiar with the organization, and the group appears adrift, only recently receiving non-profit certification and attempting to shed its somewhat enigmatic aura.

Enter the new Playhouse rescue group -- one which is "serious and not about to be beaten," according to an individual involved who asked not to be identified due to the sensitivity of the situation.  This latest, New Hope-based group is also non-profit, and intends to keep the Playhouse a performing arts center as part of a complete waterfront revival effort.

Importantly, say sources, the new group is well-funded and moving forward decisively.

Comment from the Bucks County Playhouse Conservancy was not immediately available.


(originally published December 30)

Bank takes Bucks County Playhouse back from Ralph Miller

By Charlie Sahner

The Stoneridge Bank of Skippack seized back control of the Bucks County Playhouse after no bids for the property materialized at Friday morning's sheriff sale.

Ralph Miller, controversial owner of the New Hope landmark, said yesterday that he was relinquishing ownership of the property.

Miller has been running the theater since 1977, and owed the Stonebridge Bank more than $2 million.  Spokespersons for the bank did not return phone calls requesting information.

The Playhouse had been slated for sheriff sale Nov. 12, but received a reprieve until Dec. 10.  The "sale adjournment" requesting a delay was submitted by an attorney with Philadelphia law firm Fox Rothchild on behalf of Stonebridge Bank of Skippack, filings show.

As previously reported, a group of concerned citizens and civic leaders has been formed and held meetings with additional parties in an attempt to preserve the historic structure as a performance outlet.

A call to the Playhouse ticket office revealed that seats were still being sold for A Christmas Carol, which is running through Dec. 23, but website links to purchase 2011 tickets appeared not to be working.

Group Formed to Save Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope PA

Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, PA

By Charlie Sahner

A group of concerned citizens and civic leaders has been formed and held meetings with additional parties in an attempt to secure ownership of the Bucks County Playhouse and ensure that it remains an artistic asset to the community, according to several individuals familiar with the situation who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the negotiations.

Ralph A. Miller, owner of New Hope's famed Bucks County Playhouse, is having apparent difficulty making debt payments, and barring any last minute financial or legal efforts, the theater will be auctioned off at a sheriff sale in Doylestown on Nov. 12, confirmed county officials and court records.

Sources say that a last-minute payment or related action by the owner would not be unexpected.

Miller has been running the theater since 1977, and owes the Stonebridge Bank of Skippack more than $2 million, documents reveal. Neither Miller, his lawyer nor any official of Stonebridge Bank or its parent company would return phone calls requesting information.

Borough officials have also not yet responded to requests for information.

Sheriff sales are much like regular foreclosure auctions, but are presided over by a sheriff due to a state requirement.

Miller was personally served with a notice of the sale on Aug. 25 of this year, a sheriff's hand bill was posted on Sept. 28, and the final affidavit attesting to the notice of sale was filed Oct. 27, according to court records.

Speaking of the upcoming sale, Mechanic Street Mugs owner and business leader Joel Roberts commented, "The Playhouse has a history going back to the Canal House days associating it with Mechanic Street and its businesses. We look forward to whatever future the playhouse has and will continue to work hand in hand with them to improve the creative environment of this artistic neighborhood."

The Bucks County Playhouse, centrally located at 70 S. Main St., quickly became known as a pre-Broadway theater venue following its 1939 opening, with shows like Barefoot in the Park and Harvey premiering there.

The roll call of actors appearing in Playhouse productions is myriad, as are stories of the rumored off-stage antics of some at local bars, restaurants and gatherings. Playhouse actors have included Robert Redford, Grace Kelly, Helen Hayes, Kim Hunter, Shirley Booth, Paul Lynde, Gale Gordon, Roddy McDowell, Walter Matthau, Merv Griffen and Larry Hagman.