Stage: Appeared (Broadway debut) in "At Home Abroad" on Broadway. Musical revue. Music by
Arthur Schwartz. Lyrics by / based on material by
Howard Dietz. General Musical Direction by Al Goodman. Music orchestrated by
Robert Russell Bennett,
David Raksin,
Hans Spialek,
Don Walker, Phillip Walsh and Russell Wooding. Vocal arrangements by Charles Henderson. Choreographed by
Gene Snyder and
Harry Losee. Directed by
Vincente Minnelli (also scenic designer). Dialog directed by
Thomas Mitchell. Winter Garden Theatre (moved to The Majestic Theatre from 20 Jan 1936-close): 19 Sep 1935-7 Mar 1936 (198 performances). Cast:
Beatrice Lillie,
Eleanor Powell,
Ethel Waters, Herb Williams, Joanna Allen,
Vera Allen, Frank Baker, Mary Bay, Regina Beck, Helen Bennett, Cliff Billings, Hazel Boffinger, Theodor Bonn, Mildred Borst, Jane Burks, Mary Ann Carr, Jean Carson, Andre Charise, Geri Chopin, Douglas Daniels, Wilbur Daniels, Helene Ecklund,
Eddie Foy Jr., Peggy Gallimore,
Reginald Gardiner, Marjorie Gayle,
Paul Haakon, Helen Hannen, Pearl Harris, Sue Hasting's Marionettes, Julie Jenner, Neville Landor, Jane Lane, Arnold Lenhart, Rose Lieder, Fred Locke, Gene Martel, James McColl, June McNulty, Joseph Meyers, Woods Miller, Polly Rose, Virgil Scoggins, Claire Scott, Anne St. George,
Craig Stevens, Sally Warren, Leo Watson,
Mildred Webb (as "Lady of the Ensemble"), Ruth White, Nina Whitney. Produced by Lee Shubert and J.J. Shubert. NOTE: Payne was understudy for
Reginald Gardiner. When Gardiner became ill, Payne replaced him until Gardiner was well enough to return. One night while Payne was performing,
Frances Howard, the wife of Hollywood producer
Samuel Goldwyn, was in the audience. Impressed with Payne, she signed him to a contract and brought him to Hollywood, which began his long and successful film career.
