Actor Makes Longtime North Fork Fan's Day

SOUTHOLD, NY — You'd be hard-pressed to find a more fiercely devoted Broadway fan on the North Fork than Danny McCarthy.

McCarthy, who works at the Southold Free Library as well as the Southold Historical Society, and at Town Hall, is a smiling, joyful member of the community, with his work deeply woven into the fabric of the North Fork community. He can be seen in period costume at July 4 parades and takes pride in preserving the town's deep legacy for future generations.

But there's nothing McCarthy loves more than Broadway. His extensive collection of Broadway playbills often graces the display case at the Library.

And this week, one of his all-time favorite Broadway stars made McCarthy's day when he reached out with a signed photograph after McCarthy sent him a letter.

"Just this morning, I was emptying the returns cart in the library and the very last item I came across was a returned DVD of 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', McCarthy said. "Something told me that I would be hearing from Matthew Broderick today, and just 10 minutes ago, I went to my library archives mailbox, and there was his reply."

The photo came after McCarthy wrote Broderick a letter, wishing him "kindest regards" relating to his engagement in "Shining City," a revival at the Irish Repertory Theater in Chelsea.

"Your stupendous career keeps bursting with never-ending success. And that’s because you know how to succeed. Congratulations!" McCarthy wrote. Broderick starred in the 1995 Broadway revival of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying."

McCarthy, in his letter, told Broderick that in his collection, he has the "How to Succeed" cast-signed playbill.

"I auditioned for the Mattituck North Fork Community Theatre’s 'How to Succeed' production coincidentally, as the Daniel Radcliffe production was running on Broadway at the same time. I sang 'Anything Goes' and 'Brotherhood of Man' and got in," he wrote.

Sadly, McCarthy wasn't able to join the NFCT cast because of a work conflict, he said.

"I at least found out I could still belt out songs like I did at our two Alice Tully Hall Iona College vocal ensemble concerts. I actually stood right on the top step of the bleachers at those concerts," he said.

McCarthy thanked Broderick for responding to his correspondence in the past.

"As a theater collector and follower, I would so appreciate hearing from you again," he wrote.

The signed photo from his theatrical hero meant so much, McCarthy said.

Broderick, he said, "has graced many "arenas."

He enthusiastically recounted Broderick's successes, including Tony Awards for Neil Simon's Brighton Beach Memoirs and the 1995 musical revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, film stardom with Ferris Bueller's Day Off and as the voice of the adult Simba in The Lion King.

McCarthy's college friend Herb Vogler was the stage manager when Broderick starred in Harvey Fierstein's Torch Song Trilogy, he said.

"Seeing how far Matthew Broderick consistently succeeds in business is terrific and I appreciate his exchanges so much," McCarthy said.

Reaching out to connect with his favorite stars has been a lifetime passion, McCarthy said — and nothing means more than when they take the time to send a personal note or photo.

"I think it's wonderful that I heard from both Matthew Broderick and Daniel Radcliffe, as they both played the role of J. Pierropepont Finch," he said. "I love the song 'Brotherhood of Man' from that show, and both of their renditions. "

The theater world is filled with interconnecting circles, McCarthy said.

"Steven Zweigbaum, a theater production stage manager, was the stage manager for The Producers. I felt honored to let Matthew Broderick know that I know Steven Zweigbaum," he said.

In addition, he said, Southold's David Fujita's brother Martin Fujita was a one-time roommate of Broderick's, he said.

"Everyone is connected," he said.

McCarthy said library patrons should look forward to his upcoming Broadway Southold Free Library foyer glass case display.