In spite of a natsy blow to the head which required five hours in the emergency room late Thursday, Nov. 1, actress Patricia Neal wouldn’t consider canceling her Saturday night revue at Sag Harbor’s Bay Street Theatre.

Neal required nine stitches for the two-and-a-half-inch gash she suffered just above the left eye after “sliding” out of bed and hitting a piece of furniture. At the hospital, it was suggested that she return home for several days of rest. “No, way, baby!” Neal exclaimed to the doctor. “The theatre’s depending on me.”

Neal, who ignited steamy screen chemistry with a slew of Hollywood hunks (on screen and off), and went on to win the very first Tony Award and an Academy Award, is appearing Nov. 3 with stage personality Sinthea Starr in a new revue, Old Friends, An Unforgettable Night of Stories, Songs and Surprises, in which she will make her professional singing debut.

Among the numbers on Neal’s song list are Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II’s “Life Upon the Wicked Stage,” Portia Nelson’s “So Far It’s Wonderful,” Francesca Blumenthal’s “The Lies of Handsome Men,” and Sondheim’s “Send In the Clowns” and “Old Friends.”

Joel Vig (Ruthless), the veteran stage performer, conceived the program and is directing, which was one of the highlights of this summer's Edward Albee Theatre Festival in Valdez, Alaska. For information and tickets, contact the Bay Street Theatre box office (631) 725-9500).

Neal is also making an appearance Monday, Nov. 5 in a reading of Truman Capote’s "A Christmas Memory," opposite Joel Vig, and on Wednesday, November 14th with Eli Wallach in a reading of Tennessee Williams' Portrait of the Madonna. Both of the one-acts are being presented by Food for Thought, the series of lunch hour readings, at Gramercy Park's National Arts Club. For information and reservations, call 212-362-2560.

— by Ellis Nassour