Stritch and Prince to Attend Sardi's Memorial, March 13

A memorial service for Vincent Sardi, Jr., the legendary restraunteur known as 'The Mayor of Broadway,' will be held on Tuesday, March 13, 12 noon, at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre in New York City, it was announced by Schoenfeld, Chairman of The Shubert Organization.

The event, which is open to the public, will feature performances and reminiscences from actress Elaine Stritch, director/producer Harold Prince, David Sardi (Vincent Sardi's son) and internationally acclaimed pianist, Etsko Tazaki (Sardi's daughter), with staging by Donald Saddler and more surprises to come.

Vincent Sardi, Jr. passed away on January 4, 2007. He was arguably one of the most iconic figures in Broadway history, dubbed the 'Mayor of Broadway' by industry insiders. Born on July 23, 1915 in Manhattan, Mr. Sardi grew up in the theatre district and spent his childhood around show-business folks. In 1937, he graduated from Columbia Business School and joined the family business as a dining-room captain full time in 1939. In 1942, Mr. Sardi joined the Marine Corps, before buying and taking over Sardi's upon his father's retirement in 1947. He sold the restaurant in 1985 but resumed ownership in 1990, before retiring to Vermont in 1997.

Sardi's, which was started by Vincent Sardi, Sr. in 1921, was originally called The Little Restaurant, but theater people called it Sardi's, and so it became. In 1927, Sardi's moved to its current location at 234 West 44th Street. Since its inception, Sardi's has been the place to see and be seen for Broadway actors, producers, press agents, and critics. Known as a pre and post theatre hangout, Sardi's is perhaps best known for its walls, adorned with hundreds of caricatures of show-biz celebrities. The restaurant, which is now run by Mr. Sardi's business partner Max Klimavicius, remains an iconic favorite for Broadway insiders and tourists alike.

The Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre is located at 236 West 45th Street, just across Shubert Alley from, appropriately enough, Sardi's.

Photo of Vincent Sardi by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.