Bedford Playhouse Honors Glenn Close

BEDFORD, NY — A private screening and cocktail party was held at the Bedford Playhouse to celebrate actor, long-time Bedford resident and playhouse supporter Glenn Close. Organizers said the Dec. 5 event doubled as a community "farewell" party for the actress who recently announced she was leaving the northern Westchester area, where she has lived most of her life.

During the evening, Close announced a new fund being established in her name — The Glenn Close Fund for Family Programming — to which guests contributed throughout the event.

The fund will be used to support films and events that appeal to families, from children to grandparents.

The party started with a reception in the Playhouse Cafe that featured featured specialty cocktails called "The Fatal Attraction" and "Norma's Sunset Punch."

Guests were then treated to a screening of Close's favorite film, the 1966 Best Picture winner "A Man for All Seasons," which she personally introduced to the audience.

Before the film, Close revealed a framed poster of her film "Fatal Attraction," much of which was filmed in Bedford.

The poster was signed by both Close and co-star Michael Douglas. It was donated to the Playhouse and is on display at the theater.

Also a "set piece" from the original 1993 Broadway production of "Sunset Boulevard" was auctioned off to guests to support the new fund.

The evening was fashioned to correspond to Close's memories of coming to the Playhouse as a child. Details included a specially sourced vintage newsreel and old-fashioned cartoon which ran before the feature film. There were also an assortment of Close's favorite childhood candy bundled in small packages for guests.

During her toast, Close praised the Bedford Playhouse.

"You have created something that is vital in this community," she said, "and I honor you for that and I thank you for that because this theater means so much to me."

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