A Late Supper and Night Music

The Hollywood Roosevelt is a great under-utilized party space, commodious enough to hold several hundred people. It’s nice to see somebody getting some use out of it.

The scene was Thursday night in Hollywood, at the premiere of “A Little Night Music,” the latest production of the Ahmanson at the Doolittle Theatre. After the premiere, several hundred guests drove up Hollywood Boulevard to the hotel for a late supper party.

Guests included cast members Lois Nettleton, John McMartin, Glynis Johns, and director Gordon Davidson.

Also: Adrienne Barbeau, David Birney, Robert Culp, David Dukes, Barbara Eden, Michael Feinstein, Anne Francis, Estelle Getty, John Glover, Kathryn Grayson, Harvey Korman, Rue McClanahan, Roddy McDowall, Cassandra (Elvira) Peterson, Juliet Prowse, Charlotte Rae, Lee Remick, Doris Roberts, Joan Van Ark, Mary Wickes, Jane Withers and Joanne Worley.

Invitations specified black-tie, but only about half the guests complied. At least no one wore shorts.

Lois Nettleton plays the role that Glynis Johns originated nearly two decades ago, which included the show’s signature theme, “Send in the Clowns.”

Said Nettleton at the party: “I told Glynis that I’m going to have to forget that you sang that song, and she told me that when she hears that music she’s going to have to forget it too.”

Outside the theater, Ned Beatty jumped into a bottleneck of cars and began directing traffic on Vine Street.

Meanwhile, at the party actress Amy Yasbeck demonstrated her ability to tie a cherry stem into a knot using her tongue, “Twin Peaks” style.

One woman spotted a friend and greeted him with, “I’m so proud of you. I just read your name in the Nancy Reagan book.”