March 2026

For theatre artists, receiving a Sardi’s portrait is an esteemed honor, stretching back decades. Located on New York’s 44th Street, the walls of the famed midtown restaurant are lined with caricatures of Broadway's faces, from legends like Barbra Streisand to newer stars like Ben Platt.

On Thursday March 19, the honour of joining Sardi’s illustrious faces went to Dame Gillian Lynne as her portrait took its place beside the showbiz stars of the last 100 years at a ceremony in New York with many longtime friends and colleagues present.

Broadway and West End legend Jim Dale and longtime friend introduced proceedings, and Gillian’s husband, Peter Land spoke movingly about his wife and her career. A host of theatrical stars were present including Phantom of the Opera star Sierra Boggess as well many former Phantom and Cats performers.

Sardi’s tradition is that subjects sign or dedicate their portrait. Peter Land dedicated Gillian’s portrait with the quote ”Truly Now and Forever!” in memory of the love and passion Gillian had for the show Cats and the words on the original Cats poster “Now and Forever”.

Broadway's legendary joint is decorated with close to 1,000 caricatures of the most celebrated names in New York theatre - Richard Baratz has done a third of them - and counting. Ever since opening in 1927, Sardi's has had a resident artist. First on the scene was a quirky Russian émigré named Alex Gard, who sat around sketching the regulars. With an unswerving eye to business, restaurateur Vincent Sardi Sr. decided to dress his walls with stars. He made Gard an offer he was too hungry to refuse: a meal for every caricature. Gard was followed by John Mackey and then Donald Bevan before Brooklyn born Richard Baratz took over in 1974 as resident caricaturist, a role which he continues to this day.

Photos: Bruce Glikas