Reeve bow a testament to courage

GOOD MORNING from New York, after an emotional Monday night with Christopher Reeve at the Museum of Modern Art. He told me he had suffered a broken arm and undergone surgery the previous night. Despite this added pain, he was all smiles as he welcomed guests/friends at the premiere of his directorial debut, "In the Gloaming," which will begin airing April 20 on HBO. "He is the bravest man in the world," Michael Fuchs said to me as we watched Reeve, limited to his elaborate conveyance. Reeve's wife Dana and teenage daughter Alexandra were on hand, as well as assistants who tend to Reeve's physical needs, including serving him dinner at the post-preem party. Fred Zollo, who produced "Gloaming," reminded, "He is a rare, very rare man." Glenn Close told of the great teamwork in the making of "Gloaming" and what a "sensitive and caring" director Reeve is. With the aid of video monitors and a speaker system, he was able to direct the most intimate or complicated sequences. When I asked Reeve how he was coming along, he smiled and said, "I'm doing OK." He's busy writing his book, working on efforts to get more support -- private and government -- for research. And he's working on his hoped-for plan to get insurance companies to donate "just one penny" of each health policy for research. They are not showing much support, he said sadly. "Just one penny!" he repeated. ... He, of course, hopes to continue his directing career. "I brought this one in under budget and under schedule," he smiled. He is working on the rewrite of "My True Love," which could be his next directing stint. David Strathairn and Robert Sean Leonard, who co-star as the father and son in the AIDS-drama "Gloaming," were also there. HBO chairman-CEO Jeff Bewkes welcomed guests after MOMA chief film curator Mary Lea Bandy opened the evening. At the close, Reeve was spotlighted in the museum theater and he (via loud-speaker) expressed his "gratitude" and thanks to all. He received a lengthy standing ovation. HBO announced its support as well for the Christopher Reeve Foundation. Gerald Levin, John Matoian and Colin Callender were also on hand.

WHILE SOME CRITICS HAVEN'T been kind to "Dream," the musical based on Johnny Mercer's lyrics, audiences have been giving the show standing ovations -- as did the opening-night crowd at the Royale where we were present. Lesley Ann Warren told us that audience reaction had been "exhilarating -- the most exciting thing that's happened to me." Louise Westergaard, who conceived the show with Jack Wrangler, said they have a $1.3 million advance and would raise another million in capital. Among those enjoying "Dream" was Liza Minnelli, who looks spectacular. But she is still recuping from work on the nodes of her throat -- and she's developing an alternate way to vocalize. She is due to bow in Mexico City next week and is planing a delayed date in L.A. at the Pantages soon. Margaret Whiting, who also stars in "Dream" and who chairs the Johnny Mercer Foundation, told me a portion of profits will go to the Foundation, which supports musical charities John Pizzarelli, who co-stars, was doubly pleased as his dad, Bucky, was on hand -- and enjoyed the lavish preem party at the Tavern on the Green.

KITTY CARLISLE HART GRACIOUSLY OPENED doors of her home for a cocktailer to announce the Society of Singers' tribute and Ella (Fitzgerald) award to Lena Horne June 23 in Avery Fisher Hall. Pierre Cossette will produce the gala evening; already set are Bobby Short, Joe Williams, Cleo Laine, Liza (if her voice is OK), Tony Bennett, Alan King and more to come. Nancy Olson (Mrs. Alan) Livingston, who co-chairs, intro'd Ginny Mancini to the New York group to explain the SOS (Society of Singers) and to urge support for its charities. Also there was were Lauren Bacall, who does not yet have another film job, she said -- but is off to BAFTA where she is nominated (for "Mirror Has Two Faces") and will also present. Also here, Doug Cramer who is moving to N.Y. and selling his California houses, Geoffrey Holder and wife Carmen DeLavallade, Kenneth J. Lane, Patricia Lawford, Jennifer and Liza Lerner, Denise Rich, Arthur Schlesinger Jr., Wendy Wasserstein, etc. The forever young Kitty Carlisle Hart, who felt she had "one more string on my bow," is off on her one-woman show, loving it, as are audiences. She will be at UCLA to perform this fall. She coquettishly displayed a shapely leg, saying, "They're the last to go!" ... Michael Douglas is in New York, to make it his home. He was at Elaine's with longtime pal Bobby Zarem. Douglas, who completed starring in "The Game" for Polygram, also completed producing "Face Off" with John Travolta and Nicolas Cage for Par and "The Rainmaker" with Francis Ford Coppola helming. Douglas says he now takes a breather -- which only means developing a dozen or so more properties. Also moving to N.Y is Peter Bogdanovich. I met up with him and wife L.B. at the "Gloaming" preem. Bogdanovich has just completed acting and directing stints in the East and heads out on the road to promote his book of interviews. ... Tonight in N.Y. it's the big Absolut Versace party, with Robert Isabell transforming the Cotton Club into an ice palace with fashions by Versace and Absolut Vodka from Edgar Bronfman and Seagram's. The party is skedded "from 8 p.m. until the ice melts!"