The auction, overseen by Sotheby's vice-chairman James Niven, brought in $12,000. But the item that fetched the highest price was not a table or chair or even a chandelier. A dinner with Lincoln Center Theater artistic director attracted a bid of $4,000. As Niven tells it, competition was hot between two bidders who sought the honor of a supping with Bishop. When one topped the other with a bid of $2,100, Niven offered to pick up the tab for the dinner if both offered $2,000. The rivals agreed. Niven decided to tag along to keep an eye on the bill. Thus, Dinner at Eight yields a dinner for four. The restaurant and date are yet to be chosen. (The time would seem a natural.)

All proceeds from the auction go to LCT's student programs. Niven donated his services.

Dinner at Eight played the Vivian Beaumont, Nov. 23, 2002 through Jan. 26, 2003. Under the direction of Gerald Gutierrez, the cast included Joanne Camp, Rhys Coiro, Kevin Conway, John Dossett, Christine Ebersole, Julian Gamble, Enid Graham, Joe Grifasi, Byron Jennings, Simon Jutras, Joseph Kamal, Karl Kenzler, Mark La Mura, Anne Lange, Philip LeStrange, Mark Lotito, Charlotte Maier, Peter Maloney, Deborah Mayo, Ann McDonough, Peter Maloney, James Rebhorn, Brian Reddy, Sloane Shelton, Marian Seldes, Emily Skinner, Samantha Soule and David Wohl.