Jeremy's Leather Jacket Says 'Born to Sorta Sing'
by Joyce Wadler, The New York Times
March 13, 2003
Was that an impressive group of Broadway dames in the green room at Lincoln Center for the 30th anniversary production of "A Little Night Music" or what?
ELAINE STRITCH, slouched on a table against the wall in a short navy dress with a white bow at her neck. Chatting with her: POLLY BERGEN, BARBARA COOK and MARGE CHAMPION.
They were there for the New York City Opera's spring gala, at the State Theater on Tuesday night. MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG, who was making a few comments before the show, posing for photos with the gentleman of the hour, STEPHEN SONDHEIM. The stars of "A Little Night Music" are JEREMY IRONS, JULIET STEVENSON and CLAIRE BLOOM. Mr. Irons, a dramatic actor who has joked that he hopes he sings as well as Rex Harrison, did a fair amount of talk-singing.
At intermission, LAUREN HUTTON revealed a little-known side of Mr. Irons.
"We're in the Guggenheim Motorcycle Club," Ms. Hutton said.
The what?
"Jeremy's the best rider we've got. Jeremy's hellacious. No one can follow him."
After the show, the people in tux and bow ties headed upstairs for dinner and dancing, and the neckties headed for the door. PAUL NEWMAN(blue necktie) was among the departees.
Was he tempted by Mr. Irons's foray into musicals?
"I got a voice like an ice pick," Mr. Newman said.
Upstairs, PETER DUCHIN and his orchestra played Sondheim tunes and the guests sat down to dinner. DONNA KARAN, seated near Ms. Hutton, had not heard of the Guggenheim Motorcycle club, either. Ms. Hutton listed members: LAURENCE FISHBURNE, DENNIS HOPPER, Mr. Irons.
"I can't believe it," Ms. Karan said. "Jeremy's a motocycle rider?"
"He's hellacious," Ms. Lauren said again.
Mr. Irons, with leading lady JULIET STEVENSON on his arm, was making the rounds. Asked about his motorcycle club, he said we'd have to ask Ms. Hutton. Was he truly the fastest rider in the group?
"I ride too fast," he said.
Ms. Stevenson was tugging at his arm.
Ms. Hutton tells us you're "hellacious."
The trademark billiards and brandy voice:
"Hellacious? What does that mean?"