There Is Nothing Like the South Pacific Goodies in Danny Burstein's Dressing Room

Broadway memorabilia collectors would swoon at the treasures Danny Burstein has amassed during his Tony-nominated run as loveable Luther Billis in Lincoln Center Theater’s hit production of South Pacific. After all, when you’re starring in the first Broadway revival of a classic musical, it makes sense that friends would shower you with gifts related to the show. But as you’ll see from Burstein’s comments during Broadway.com’s visit to his underground lair at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, it’s what the popular actor has done with his South Pacific goodies that makes them truly special.

Photo by Jenny Anderson for Broadway.com

 
"This shadow box has a Playbill from the original production of South Pacific, with a picture of Mary Martin and Ezio Pinza on the cover. My dresser, James Nadeaux, gave it to me, and it’s something I will treasure forever. I would be nowhere without James, and this will always remind me of him."

 
"My Uncle Frank sent me this limited edition plate from the South Pacific movie; they used to sell them on TV, and he just happened to have it. When [film Nellie] Mitzi Gaynor came to see the show, I asked her to sign it for me. It’s a great, great keepsake."


"This is a plant that I got on opening night from my best friend, [actor] George Dvorsky. He gave it to me as a good luck plant, and it has continued to grow and grow and grow. I keep it in the room and I think it brings me luck."

 
"A friend of mine gave me this South Pacific original cast album from 1949. I put it up on the wall, and when famous people come backstage I have them sign it. Everybody from James Taylor to Hillary Clinton to Shirley MacLaine has signed it. Isn’t it incredible? Bette Midler, Pierce Brosnan, Joel Grey, Sigourney Weaver, even Captain Sullenberger. When I leave the show, I’ll frame it and keep it forever."

 
"Here are pictures of my family—my wife, [Mary Poppins star] Rebecca Luker; my oldest son, Alex; and my youngest son, Zach. I have many more pictures around, and every once in a while I update them and put new ones in the frames. What can I say? They are the greatest things in my life, and I love them more than anything."