I was at Brad's final performance of The Odd Couple on Sunday. At the conclusion of the show, after the curtain call, Nathan Lane stepped forward and told the audience that this was a bittersweet performance for them as Brad Garrett was leaving the show.
He went on to say that while he, Nathan, was a MAJOR figure in the Broadway theatre, he, Nathan, was NEVER able to negotiate a contract which stated that, should he decide after 3 months that he missed his family back in California and wished to leave the show, he was free to do so. (In fact, Nathan went on to say that he had an aunt in Pacoima he would just love to go visit, but he couldn't get the time off. By now the audience and cast were hysterical).
Anyway, Nathan continued that in Hollywood, everyone might love Raymond, but here at the Brooks Atkinson everybody loves Brad and he would be sorely missed. At this point, Nathan explained that there was a tradition in the theatre that, when a cast member leaves a show, everyone sings 'Happy Trails to You' to wish them well. Nathan went on to say that, for the young ones in the house who do not know the lyrics, they were as follows:
Happy Trails to You.
Until we meet again.
Happy Trails to you...(At this point, Brad cut in and said 'It's Happy Trails YOU JEW' which brought down the house all over again)
So, once the laughter stopped, that's what we sang:
Happy Trails to You
Until we meet again.
Happy trails, You Jew.
Keep smiling until then.
Happy Trails to you
Till we meet again.
Brad did not give a speech but, at this point, he walked down the line to give each cast member a heartfelt hug, and from my vantage point in the first row, it was obvious that each member of the cast has a great deal of affection for him. The tears were real and the hugs were genuine.
It was a nice moment.
And since I have the floor, let me just say that I thought the whole show was terrific.
'Our whole family shouts. It comes from us livin' so close to the railroad tracks'
