When AT&T Performing Arts people were trying to raise millions for the Winspear Opera House and Wyly Theater, they put on a special evening at the refurbished Majestic movie house downtown featuring Robert Redford, a film star for all seasons. One of the loveliest moments of my life was getting to do the interview with him that evening in 2005. <\/p>\n
First, there was dinner for loyal patrons of the project who went through a lot for a long time to make that miracle happen in the middle of the Arts District. Maybe it was at the Mansion on Turtle Creek, maybe not. I can\u2019t recall exactly now. What I do remember is that Redford left early to relax before the program. He had arrived the day before, to make sure he was rested and in good shape for the good people of AT&T PAC who no doubt paid him well for his appearance that night, as they should. He was worth it.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s pertinent to note, however, that this doesn\u2019t always happen. I have heard of speakers \u2014 won\u2019t say which ones \u2014 who dilly-dallied making their travel plans so the cost of their airfare went up accordingly, not a considerate way to deal with non-profit organizations, no matter how prestigious. Then some would arrive late or barely on time, having been drinking on the plane. <\/p>\n
Not Robert Redford. He stayed at the Mansion the night before, and ran on the Katy Trail the next day. I was on the Katy too, it turned out, but didn\u2019t run into him, and just as well since much more effort would be required to put myself together well enough to meet the heartthrob from \u201cThe Way We Were.\u201d And when I say heartthrob, that\u2019s no joke. Hoards of frantic fans were gathered outside the Majestic to greet Redford when he arrived. <\/p>\n
Opinion<\/p>\n