Posted: Mon., Oct. 12, 2009, 3:09pm PT

Rialto welcomes 'Royal Family'

Rosemary Harris attends kick-off party

Legit legend Rosemary Harris returns to the Broadway boards in "The Royal Family," the Barrymore roman a clef that she famously essayed 34 years ago. Of course, the actress now plays Fanny, the matriarch of the acting clan. Return visits have their advantages, even after all these years.

"I know all the parts. I hear the whole play in my head," said Harris, who turned 82 last month.

At Thursday's preem party, at Planet Hollywood, Harris said that Eva Le Gallienne's Fanny from the 1975 production was "more acerbic" than her portrayal, while Harris' former role of Julie is "marvelous, very controlled" in the capable hands of Jan Maxwell.

"I was smoking when I played Julie, and after my second-act meltdown, I would be huffing and puffing all the way to the dressing room. Then I stopped smoking during the run, and I could whistle right through it," she said.le


TALKBACK:

Have an opinion about this article? Be the first to comment



Print Variety
Bookmark
Get Variety:
Variety Mobile Variety Digital Variety Home Delivery
Newsletter Signup:

Featured Jobs

Variety Real Estate