One was a Redhead who gave us Sweet Charity; the other was simply "Shy" and "Happy To Keep His Dinner Warm." Both will visit NJ's McCarter Theatre Feb. 9 for a chat with Roy Harris, author of a new book on American actresses.

The ladies in question are Gwen Verdon, who starred in Redhead, Can-Can, Sweet Charity and Damn Yankees; and Sarah Jessica Parker, who was featured in recent revivals of How To Succeed In Business...Without Really Trying and Once Upon A Mattress.

In the book, "Eight Women of the American Stage" (published by Micawber Books), Verdon and Parker are profiled, alongside Cherry Jones, Joanne Woodward, Mary Alice, Judith Ivey, Mary McDonnell and Donna Murphy.

Author Harris, who will be joined by McCarter artistic director Emily Mann at the Feb. 9 talk, has worked as a Broadway and Off-Broadway stage manager.

No reservations are necessary for the free "Conversation with Gwen Verdon and Sarah Jessica Parker," 7 PM, Feb. 9, at the McCarter Theatre on 91 University Place in Princeton. -- By David Lefkowitz