Readers Remember

It was the fall of 1965 and I had my first job--an actor in “Hello Dolly,” starring Mary Martin. After playing several U.S. cities and Tokyo, we were supposed to go to what was then the Soviet Union, but because of a diplomatic falling out, it was canceled.

Ever the headline-hunting producer, David Merrick sent us instead to Vietnam, making us the first show to play a war zone with full sets and costumes.

My sharpest memory of that adventure comes from an event that occurred before we sang a note.

They had put us up in a new hotel for officers, and were going to give us a party on the roof. The enlisted men who were our crew weren’t invited, as the hotel was for officers only, but the entire company put their feet down and the crew came. On this new rooftop in Saigon were tables laden with shrimp, champagne, etc.--and in the hills you could see what looked like fireworks. No--it was the war.

There, standing between me and the “fireworks” was one of our crew--a young soldier, glass of champagne in one hand, fancy food in the other, laughter and music all around.

Looking out at the “fireworks,” he quietly said, “What a farce.”

Years later, I understand.

JUDITH DRAKE

Burbank

*

What do you recall most about the 20th century? In 200 words or less, send us your memories, comments or eyewitness accounts. We will publish as many as we can on this page until the end of the year. Write to Century, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, or e-mail century@latimes.com. We regret we cannot acknowledge individual submissions. Letters may be edited for space.