The Stars Come Out for Long Day's Journey Into Night

Sunday, 15 August 2010 22:16 | Written by Byron

William Hurt at the Opening Night Party for Long Day's Journey Into Night.

CELEB-WATCHING: Cate Blanchett did not make it. Matthew Fox did.

Of course, that isn't all that happened at Saturday's swank opening night of "Long Day's Journey Into Night."

Directed by Blanchett's hubby, Andrew Upton, and starring American actor/movie legend William Hurt and Australian actress/theatrical goddess Robyn Nevin the production is the culmination of a collaboration between Oregon's own Artists Repertory Theatre and Sydney Theatre Company. Upton, together with Blanchett, serve as the Sydney Theatre Company’s Co-Artistic Directors.

But with all that star power pointing directly at the Newmark Theatre at the same time, "celeb-spotting" was definitely on the mind of many an audience-goer (whether they would admit it or not).

The 3 and a half hour production was stellar all by itself with outstanding performance by its leads, Hurt and Nevin, as well as Luke Mullins, Emily Russell and Oregon's own Todd Van Voris.

And the audience had its share of stars too, including several local actors as well as tv actor Matthew Fox, who has made it a point to tell the whole world he was moving to Oregon after he finished up with the last season of "Lost."

And, if I am not mistaken, I believe this was Fox's first foray at a high-profile post-Lost public event in Oregon. Perhaps that's why, when I asked him if I could take his photo, he replied with his all-too-familiar smile: "Dude, I'm not here to take pictures."

Hurt was much more obliging about photos as was everyone else at this "big night" for Portland theater.

And, oh, Blanchett was supposed to be here.

But, right before she was to head to Portland, the nanny broke her foot, forcing Blanchett to stay in the U.K. where she is currently with her children. Perhaps she will make it before the show closes. You should make it too. It's a great show.

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