By Ruth SOWBY

It’s not every day that big stars like Hal Linden and Barbara Eden come to the nearby community and give each audience member a chance to be professionally photographed with them. That’s what happened on Saturday, Nov. 22 at a sold-out one-night-only performance of “Love Letters” at the North Hollywood El Portal Theatre.  

Eden and Linden received a standing ovation at the end of their performances before audience members went on stage for photographs. Granted, that opportunity cost $150 plus the ticket price. But the money paid went to a good cause – The Thalians. The Thalians raises money for mental health-related causes.

 “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney centers on two characters, Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd. The actors sit side-by-side at a table and read notes, letters and cards they received over 50 years. During that time they discuss the dreams and disappointments that passed between them during their lives.  

The play starred Barbara Eden, 95, whose most notable role was that of 2,000-year-old Jeannie who falls in love with an astronaut played by Larry Hagman. The series “I Dream of Jeannie” ran from 1965 to 1970.  

In 1974, Hal Linden, 94, took on his best-known role as the title character in the TV comedy series Barney Miller.  

Having played opposite Linden in the past, Eden said, “It was a joy to return to the stage with Hal Linden.”