The USTA Hits The Great White Way for Fundraiser
Dinner at Sardi’s, Billie Jean King and orchestra seats to The Country Girl were all part of a great fundraising event we attended on Wednesday. The United States Tennis Association Tennis & Education Foundation’s 2nd annual theater benefit proved to be a fun evening. The Foundation supports organizations that use tennis as a vehicle to help youngsters finish high school, reach their goals and qualify for college scholarships (http://foundationgiving.usta.com/ ).
King is not only a tennis legend, but also an extraordinarily approachable, nice human being as well. Tennis player and commentator Patrick McEnroe, along with former New York Mayor David Dinkins and Grace Hightower DeNiro (Wife to Robert) were also on hand. Everyone enjoyed a steak dinner and a brief history lesson on Sardis.
Then it was onto the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre for the show. Even though Morgan Freeman and Frances McDormand are the big names associated with the play, we think Peter Gallagher was a standout, on and off the stage. Following the show, Freeman bolted to his car with a brief wave to the waiting crowd, unlike Gallagher, who oozed charm and was completely delightful, chatting away with fans. Actress Tracey Ullman took in the show as did Comedienne Caroline Rhea, who was there to cheer on her pal Chip Zien.
While expectations were high, unfortunately, the play proved to be a bit of a bore, a surprise considering the stellar cast and a well-known director such as Mike Nichols. Sometimes, celluloid star talent just doesn’t translate on the stage. But we left smiling. You can never go wrong with dinner, and a Broadway show – a quintessential NYC evening!
May 12th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Ah, last year they held this during “Deuce” - a perfect match. I was in the theatre that night with my mom and it was so exciting to see so many tennis stars there.