Most people bring out the A-1 guest list for their opening night, but not Bea Arthur. She celebrated her Broadway first preview of Bea Arthur on Broadway: Just Between Friends with a party at Sardi's and a group of friends including her fellow "Golden Girl" Rue McClanahan, Jean Stapleton, Gloria Vanderbilt, Joan Rivers, Betty Buckley, Charles Busch and Michele Lee.
Actress Arthur got her start in the original production of The Threepenny Opera in 1954 and was the original Yente the Matchmaker in Fiddler on the Roof. Her work as Vera Charles in Mame led to a Tony Award, while her work in TV's "Maude" led to a 1977 Emmy. Arthur's last Broadway show was Woody Allen's The Floating Lightbulb. Just Between Friends recounts Arthur's life and career, complete with songs which have special meaning to the star. It plays at the Booth through March 10.
