by Elizabeth G. Curren
Goodspeed pays tribute to legendary actress
A gala evening honoring Julie Andrews took place in the Chauncey Stillman Production Center on the Goodspeed Campus in East Haddam June 11, playing to more than 290 supporters. It was the largest fund-raiser in Goodspeed history, raising more than $280,000
U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd, one of several speakers and whose house was Goodspeed's first rehearsal hall, welcomed Andrews to Goodspeed and said that his 3 1/2 -year-0ld daughter was excited that Mary Poppins was once at her house.
Michael Price, executive director of Goodspeed Opera House, who was called the best director in America by Dodd, thanked everyone for being there and said the money guests have contributed goes to a good cause. "It keeps the theater alive, fresh and different."
Price introduced actor Christopher Plummer, a longtime friend of Andrews. The actor received a standing ovation and he paid tribute to Andrews in a special sonnet. Andrews responded in her own unique style: "It's such a joy for me to be associated with this wonderful, very special theater," she dais after a warm welcome from the audience.
"I am lucky to be at Goodspeed, and excited to be directing the musical that brought me to the U.S. for the second time," she said. "This gala is the biggest Doodspeed event of the year."
Bertie Chuong of Gullford was also delighted to share thoughts on the gala affair. "We've been coming to Goodspeed for over 25 years. This is a wonderful event." Matt Scott, meteorologist at WTNH-8, added: This is one of the crown jewels of Connecticut theater... When I told my mother (who lives in Florida) I was coming here tonight, this was one of those times she wished she was here."
"She introduced me to Sound of Music and Julie Andrews as a child... I listened to her (Andrews) in Shrek the other night. Even to listen to her! She's got it!"
Gay Steinbach, who was born and raised in London, said she first saw Andrews when she was 12 atr the London Palladium. The show featured Julie's parents, Ted and Barbara Andrews, a famous comedy team.
"I was in the audience with my parents when Ted and Barbara Andrews called their daughter up on stage and said, "I want you to hear a little girl, age 12, with a marvellous voice."
"Julie got up and went on stage and sang an aria... which was fabulous! I thold her this at the Goodspeed Gala," said Steinbach.